|
|
How Does Hardwood Flooring Compare to Laminate Flooring?
Friday, November 14, 2008
InstructionsOverview of Hardwood and Laminate FlooringStep 1: Hardwood floors come in many types, finishes and price ranges. The longevity of any type of flooring depends on how it's used and cared for. Hardwood and laminate floors are an attractive alternative to enhance the look of a home. They are the preferred alternative to carpet for anyone who suffers from allergies. Anyone who wishes to keep a check on microbes in the floor for the health of their children should consider either of these types of flooring as opposed to carpet.
Hardwood flooring comes in solid or engineered varieties. Both solid and engineered hardwood flooring is available finished or unfinished. Pre-finished hardwood floors are also known as factory finished. Unfinished hardwood floors may be referred to as job-site finished. Laminate flooring is an alternative to hardwood flooring but can have some drawbacks, including the fact that walking on it makes noise. Padding can be placed underneath to address this issue, however. Laminate flooring comes in three types: factory-glued, glueless and pre-glued. The glueless type is easily installed by snapping pieces together in grooves.
DurabilityStep 1: On scratch, stain, fade, moisture and impact resistance, laminate flooring rates better than hardwood flooring. However, some factory finishes of hardwood flooring are able to resist stains very well. Both types have comparable manufacturer's warranties. When hardwood flooring is properly cared for and maintained, it can last a lifetime. Laminate flooring can be expected to last less than 20 years. It is more scratch resistant than hardwood but it can be scratched by a heavy or jagged object that is dragged over it.
Laminate flooring can be used in an area of a house where the floors get wet from time to time, but it can be damaged if it gets very wet. Check the manufacturer's warranty for specific information about how laminate flooring will stand up to water and humidity.
LookStep 1: Hardwood flooring looks much better than laminate flooring with a richer, warmer appearance. Laminate floor has a good look. Hardwood floors can be custom finished to an exact color. Hardwood expands or contracts according to the amount of humidity. If hardwood flooring is exposed to too much direct sunlight, the color can change. Laminate floors resist color change from direct sunlight very well.
Maintenance and CareStep 1: Laminate flooring is easier to maintain but harder to repair than hardwood. All hardwood flooring, with the exception of acrylic impregnated hardwood, can be refinished. Laminate flooring cannot be. Hardwood floors should not be mopped or cleaned with water as this can cause permanent damage. Water also causes the hardwood flooring's finish to become dull. While hardwood flooring can be scratched, it can be easily repaired if it's only as deep as the finish. Laminate floors are easier to maintain because they don't need wax.
Related Content
Glueless laminate flooring is popular because of its resemblance to expensive materials, such as hardwood and ceramic, and because installation is possible by a do-it-yourselfer. Glueless laminate...
Despite the many synthetic options available today, the beauty and durability of wood floors make them a popular choice. In fact, the National Wood Flooring Association reported in 2009 that a...
Making the choice between laminated wood flooring and hardwood flooring involves several factors, including value, durability and maintenance. Installation methods for these two types of floors...
Laminate flooring is more durable than linoleum, easier to clean than hardwood (though not as long-lasting) and is a reasonably priced option for homeowners wishing to update floors (and it can be...
Hardwood flooring is very popular because of the beauty, easy care and health benefits. There are many kinds of wood flooring you can choose from to fit your needs. You can change the look of the...
|
- Relationship advice
- Brain teasers, trivia & jokes
- Random questions
- And much more!
go