What S The Difference Between Hardwood And Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring showdown we ll lay out all the pros cons and major differences that should know.

What s the difference between hardwood and laminate flooring. Laminate runs 1 to 7 per square foot depending on the quality. Cost of laminate vs. Let s explore the differences between laminate and hardwood floors. When it comes down to price there s not a lot of difference between laminate and vinyl flooring.

The difference between these two types of floors can be confusing at first which is why we put together a simple guide that compares hardwood against laminate highlighting the pros and cons of each floor type in terms of appearance durability longevity ease of maintenance and repair and. Explore which is better for kitchens basements based on cost resale value durability and more. For many folks that ends the laminate vs. When investing in a new floor many homeowners are faced with a choice between hardwood and laminate.

In this engineered hardwood vs. Engineered hardwood debate right there. Both laminate flooring and vinyl flooring are usually less expensive than natural hardwood engineered wood and many types of ceramic or porcelain tile. 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.

Laminate flooring and luxury vinyl flooring are roughly comparable in price although sheet vinyl does hold a slight edge. With proper care hardwood flooring is a better long term investment than laminate flooring but hardwood s upfront costs may deter homeowners. 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. Professional installation adds 1 to 2 per square foot depending on the complexity of the project.

Laminate flooring generally is less expensive than engineered hardwood. Vinyl tiles and sheet goods cost 1 to 5 per square foot. Solid hardwood flooring as the name suggests is comprised of flooring boards that are solid hardwood material through and through. Appearance of laminate flooring vs engineered hardwood engineered hardwood floors give the look of a hardwood floor and come in a range of looks textures styles and colors.

Cheaper versions have 1 4 inch cores and the photo reproductions may not be as realistic as more expensive versions. Even so the cost of hardwood varies drastically with some woods oak maple american cherry being fairly affordable and others exotic wood species. Homeadvisor s flooring guide explains the differences between laminate and engineered hardwood and reviews the pros and cons of each. Both are relatively inexpensive budget friendly options.