Laminate Flooring Vs Hardwood Flooring

The plank materials finish thicknesses and edge geometry all differ.

Laminate flooring vs hardwood flooring. The price of hardwood flooring depends on the species of tree and the application and usually starts at 5 50 per square foot. Installation time will vary depending on the square footage finish and if installing engineered or solid hardwood floors. When debating between a laminate vs. Versatile and long lasting laminate remains a popular flooring option that.

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. For many folks that ends the laminate vs. This does not mean laminate flooring is a particularly inferior choice however as in some cases it can. This installation process is simple and can be installed professionally or diy.

Solid hardwood flooring as the name suggests is comprised of flooring boards that are solid hardwood material through and through. Cheaper versions have 1 4 inch cores and the photo reproductions may not be as realistic as more expensive versions. Engineered hardwood similarities both laminate and engineered hardwood floors are click together flooring meaning installation is easy though we ll talk about that a bit more later on. Laminate flooring was introduced in the 1970s and took off thanks to its durability and affordable price point.

Hardwood flooring is made from natural durable woods such as oak maple or hickory that can last a long time when maintained properly laminate flooring which is made of a synthetic fiberboard material and has a laminate finish is much cheaper than hardwood but will not last as long. One of the most obvious differences between hardwood and laminate flooring is the composition. Hardwood floor people are usually debating laminate vs. Engineered hardwood debate right there.

If you re seeking an alternative to hardwood but laminate doesn t sound like the material for you consider engineered wood or luxury vinyl. Engineered hardwood laminate vs. Hardwood is a natural product. Laminate runs 1 to 7 per square foot depending on the quality.

Laminate flooring is almost always installed in a floating application with the planks fitting together in a tongue and groove style which makes a faster easier installation than hardwood.