Is laminate a better choice than hardwood flooring?

A solid wood floor has long been a sought-after choice for households seeking to add warmth and an impressive appearance to the interior of their homes. However, in recent years laminate flooring has fast become a go-to alternative for homeowners looking for the aesthetics and durability of wood flooring at lower costs.

In the following sections, we’ll investigate some of the reasons why property owners across the country are increasingly seeing the merits of a laminate floor.

The costs involved in laminate flooring

Options such as laminate allow people to enjoy a stylish and high-quality floor at an affordable price, opening high-end flooring up to a wider demographic. Hardwood flooring is among the most expensive options that a property owner can pick to deck out the rooms of their home. The beauty of laminate is that the latest offerings in this material can efficiently mimic a real wood look and feel at a fraction of the cost. In fact, laminate flooring is roughly around three times less expensive than solid wood. This cost of a hardwood floor involves not just the real wood harvested from trees, but the price of installation.

In most cases, laminate wood is less pricey because its construction involves layers of composite wood compressed at high temperatures with an image of hardwood grain placed on the top. This makes the materials involved less costly but also installations that are around 50% less than those associated with solid wood flooring.

Impressive durability

While hardwood floors are renowned for their longevity, keeping them in optimum condition is another matter altogether. Over time they can accumulate a wide range of scratches and scuff marks which can lessen and dull their appearance. Additionally, real wood does not cope well with excessive moisture, which can make it warp and lead to further damage. For these reasons, many homeowners with parts of their property that are likely to see heavy wear, or be subject to moisture, may choose laminate.

As a rule, more durable floor coverings are simpler to maintain, making laminate an option worth considering. Constructed from pressed wood layers, it is far more resistant to moisture, scratches, and general wear and tear.

Easier to clean

The process of caring for a laminate floor is far simpler than looking after a hardwood floor. Highly specialised products must be used to clean solid wood floors and they require regular attention to stop issues like dust and pet hair clogging gaps between boards. A wide range of store-bought products can be use on laminate flooring, but a cleaning schedule involving regular sweeping and vacuuming will keep them looking in great shape. It’s worth noting that using a brush attachment with a vacuum cleaner is always the safest option when caring for laminate.

From its exceptional durability and ease of care to its more affordable costs for materials and installations, it’s not tricky to see why some homeowners find laminate a more suitable option than hardwood.