Laminate vs. Hardwood Floors: Which is better?

Do you want to give your home a refreshing look by having a wooden surface? If yes, there are primarily two options available – laminate and hardwood flooring. Though both have become extremely popular among architects and homeowners these days, it is necessary to do a detailed comparison between them to arrive at the best decision. If you are looking to install hardwood flooring or laminate flooring in Auckland, understanding their differences is necessary.

Though both the flooring types look quite similar in looks and feel, in actual, they are quite different. In this post, you would get to know everything about them. It would help you find how to choose between laminate & hardwood flooring.

The Difference Between Laminate and Hardwood Flooring

Laminate

Laminate flooring is made to imitate the appearance of natural materials— both wood and stone. The underlying technology used for manufacturing this flooring has its roots back in the 1920s, with the growth of compressed wood and lamination businesses, though early domestic laminates were used mainly as countertops. Laminate flooring came into the limelight in the 1970s and became popular due to its durability and reasonable pricing. Adaptable and enduring, laminate always emerges as a trendy flooring choice that continues to enhance in quality, variety, and looks.

Hardwood

Hardwood flooring has been known to highlight natural beauty in interior spaces for ages. Available in a variety of textures, colours, and patterns, this residential and commercial flooring choice offers an organic ambiance absent in many of today’s engineered materials. Most architects love its warmth and enrichment, and its sheer presence tends to make a positive and lasting effect on a home’s resale value.

Laminate vs. Hardwood Flooring

• Laminate flooring tends to protect from harmful UV rays which hardwood flooring may not boast.
• The excellent scratch resistant properties of laminate flooring make it a wonderful choice for sun-drenched and high-traffic areas. This is one area where laminate flooring takes an edge.
• One big advantage of laminate flooring is that it comes almost half the price of hardwood.
• While some hardwood floors can be customised for the DIY market, laminate, which is largely taken as easier to install, has long been understood as the go-to DIY choice.
• Laminate is usually easier to maintain, but it’s necessary to know what not to do. For example, avoid all types of detergent-based cleaners, which are found to leave a gloomy film behind when they dry. Similarly, waxes and abrasives can build up deposits and compromise the smoothness of the surface.
• Available in almost unlimited textures, colours, and finishes, this flooring choice offers a great ambiance absent among variousengineered materials available today.
• Admired by architect, interior designers, nature lovers, and others who escalates fine craftsmanship, hardwood flooring instils a space with long-lasting quality, thanks to its long history in home improvement.
• Keeping in mind hardwood’s kindliness to sunlight, scratches, dirt, and waste, it’s recommended to take extra care beyond a usual wipe down.
• Apply defensive pads to furniture stands, keep pets’ claws clipped, and avoid wearing high heels to prevent denting and scratches on hardwood flooring.

Conclusion

Before you invest your time, money, and efforts on a particular flooring project, do understand the differences between hardwood and laminate flooring that are extremely popular these days. For better information visit the website of Prime Floors today.