When it comes to laying down a strong foundation for your home, there are different flooring materials available at your discretion. However, choosing one out of all other alternatives may be challenging.
So, we have shortlisted the flooring types to two popular options nowadays: Hardwood and Laminate flooring. Continue reading to learn some striking differences between the two.
1. The Difference in Appearance
As far as appearance is concerned, premium hardwood flooring is quite attractive and enjoys wide praise among homeowners for its aesthetically appealing surface and beauty. On the other hand, laminate flooring looks like hardwood flooring, but it reveals the grainy texture and patterns on close inspection.
Final Verdict: Hardwood flooring is more striking and alluring than laminate flooring.
2. Heat and Water Resistance Capability
Though solid hardwood floors provide heat and water resistance, they’re susceptible to damages in events like flooding, plumbing disasters, or water stagnation. That’s why professionals don’t recommend installing hardwood floors in kitchens and bathrooms. But if you go for engineered hardwood floors, they deliver better results!
Laminate flooring has superior heat resistance, but it’s not recommended for kitchens and washrooms either, as the constant moisture stagnation can cause the floorboards to swell and crack.
Final Verdict: None of the floorings is perfect for moist locations. However, engineered hardwood floors may have a minor edge over laminate floors.
3. Cleanliness and Floor Care
Cleaning a hardwood floor is very simple. You can sweep, vacuum, or mop the floor with a wood cleaning detergent. Also, floor care for laminate flooring is similar to that of hardwood flooring. You can broom or mop, but avoid steam cleaning the laminate floors.
Final Verdict: Both floorings are easy to clean.
4. Maintenance and Durability
A solid hardwood flooring lasts as long as a lifetime! Yes, you heard it right. Unusual circumstances like flooding can blemish the floor superficially. However, if you get it refinished or recoated by professionals, they’re able to restore their original appeals and integrity. The average life span for hardwood flooring is about 100 years with proper maintenance and care.
Laminate flooring offers moderate durability. It can last for at most ten years with proper maintenance, but they are likely to sustain dents and gouges on UV exposure, furniture load and movement, and water penetration. Moreover, you can’t refinish them; the only solution to damage is replacement!
Final Verdict: Hardwood floors have unmatched and long-lasting durability among all flooring types.
5. Resale Value
Due to its premium quality and high prestige, hardwood flooring always enhances the home/property value. On the other hand, laminate flooring doesn’t increase the real estate value. However, it’s better than vinyl or carpet flooring.
Final Verdict: A properly maintained and appealing hardwood flooring always engages and attracts potential buyers and real estate professionals.
Install High-Quality Hardwood Flooring in Seattle
If you’re looking for reliable and trusted hardwood flooring installation in Seattle, get in touch with our professionals at Five Star Hardwood Floor.
We provide hardwood floor installation, water damage flooring repairs, and floor refinishing services. We also offer sanding hardwood floors and dustless floor refinishing as additional services.
Contact us today to learn more about their services in Seattle. Get a free estimate now on Seattle flooring!