Floor Hardwood Vs Laminate

Engineered wood flooring.

Floor hardwood vs laminate.

In this guide we present a prime time cage match of two competing materials. It is even common for real estate agents to highlight hardwood floors. Both materials mimic a natural wood floor beautifully but if you re all about natural beauty you might prefer the solid wood top of an engineered. Hardwood flooring versus laminate flooring.

Let s explore the differences between laminate and hardwood floors. Hardwood floors are made from many different species of wood some domestic and some exotic solid hardwood is made of a single plank of wood with the grain running straight through while engineered hardwood is made of a wood veneer 1 on top of many layers of plywood 2 both come in a wide range of colors and wood grain patterns as well as plank widths and finishes. Cheaper versions have 1 4 inch cores and the photo reproductions may not be as realistic as more expensive versions. If you re set on having a real hardwood look an engineered hardwood is an easier installation and more affordable price point than a solid hardwood.

It evokes a warm natural feeling that many consider a luxury. Hardwood what s the difference which is better. The winner of engineered hardwood vs. Both are strong durable floors that are less expensive than natural wood but laminate flooring typically costs less.

Solid hardwood flooring as the name suggests is comprised of flooring boards that are solid hardwood material through and through. Laminate flooring really depends. Even so the cost of hardwood varies drastically with some woods oak maple american cherry being fairly affordable and others exotic wood species. Then a transparent wear layer is applied to protect the surface.

For many folks that ends the laminate vs. With proper care hardwood flooring is a better long term investment than laminate flooring but hardwood s upfront costs may deter homeowners. Hardwood has been around for hundreds of years. The base is fiberboard with a photographic image layer bonded over the top.

Laminate flooring generally is less expensive than engineered hardwood. Because they share similarities in looks and composition consumers often use these terms interchangeably. Laminate runs 1 to 7 per square foot depending on the quality. The boards usually 3 4 inch thick are generally milled with a smooth top surface and tongue and groove edges that interlock to hold the boards together.

Cost of laminate vs. If your remodeling project or new construction calls for the look and feel of traditional hardwoods then your three main flooring options will be laminate hardwood and engineered wood floors. Engineered hardwood debate right there.