Hardwood Flooring vs. Laminate Flooring
Choosing new flooring is one of the best ways to update the look and feel of any space. However, many homeowners find shopping for flooring overwhelming. With so many choices available, it can be hard to decide what type of flooring will provide the best service and value for your space. For example, those shoppers who want to use smooth-surface flooring may not be sure whether hardwood or laminate flooring is the right choice. Understanding the differences between these two types of flooring is key to making a wise purchasing decision and enjoying your new flooring for years to come.
Which Is Best For You?
Among the most popular of smooth-surface flooring choices are hardwood and laminate. Both have been used in residential and commercial construction for decades and have an established track record of providing for great durability and service. Choosing between these two options means taking a look at your space, needs and budget.
As you shop, remember that there are also differences between engineered hardwood floors and traditional hardwood floors. Traditional hardwood floors are made from solid planks of wood that may require sanding and other repairs if they warp over time. Engineered floors are made from multiples plies, or sheets, of wood that are pressed together and specially sealed to provide for excellent durability and to eliminate warping.
Style Options
One of the biggest factors that homeowners will need to consider when choosing between hardwood and laminate flooring are the style options available. Hardwood flooring is available in many widths, species and finishes but always retains its natural, wooden appearance. On the other hand, laminate flooring is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, including faux hardwood. Those shoppers who are looking for patterned or tile-like flooring should opt for laminate.
Installation
Homeowners who plan on installing flooring themselves are best served by choosing laminate. Laminate flooring is available with and without glue so that shoppers can choose the option that best meets their installation abilities and needs. Only those individuals who have prior experience installing hardwood flooring should do so as failure to properly install the flooring can lead to serious warping issues over time.
Care Needs
One of the most important factors you should weigh when choosing flooring is the level of care required to keep the flooring in good shape. In general, laminate flooring is the less demanding choice because it can simply be swept and mopped. Hardwood flooring tends to require more work, including occasional stripping and sealing.
Cost
Of course, cost is also a determining factor for many homeowners who need to choose new flooring. In general, laminate flooring costs less than hardwood flooring. However, it’s important to remember that hardwood flooring will generally last for your home’s entire lifetime whereas laminate flooring may need to be replaced. If you plan to live in your current home for many years, hardwood flooring may be a great choice. Of course, hardwood floors can also add to your home’s value and appeal should you decide to sell.
If you need more help deciding whether hardwood or laminate flooring is best for your home, stop by an S&G Carpet and More showroom or make a free, shop-at-home appointment with one of our flooring consultants today.
Our flooring showrooms are located in Cupertino, Rancho Cordova, Rocklin, Elk Grove, San Jose, Santa Clara, Pleasant Hill and Dublin. Being centrally located throughout Northern California allows us to serve the communities of Rocklin, Roseville, Citrus Heights, Granite Bay, Antelope, Loomis, Blue Oaks, Pleasant Grove, Penryn, Lincoln, Rancho Cordova, Sacramento, North Sacramento, South Sacramento, East Sacramento, West Sacramento, Carmichael, Citrus Heights, Gold River, Orangevale, Fair Oaks, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Cameron Park, Shingle Springs, Rancho Murieta, Dublin, Livermore, Sunol, Fremont, Newark, Union City, Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, San Leandro, San Ramon, Dublin, Danville, Alamo, Blackhawk, Oakland, Berkeley, Walnut Creek, Concord, Piedmont, Union City, Elk Grove, Wilton, Galt, Walnut Grove, Freeport, Lodi, Stockton, San Jose, Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Los Gatos, Campbell, Saratoga, San Jose, Cupertino, Scotts Valley, Ben Lomond, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, Milpitas, Monte Vista, Loyola, Fremont, Newark, Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Sunnyvale, Los Altos, Woodside, Redwood City, and Union City.