Laminate Versus Hardwood Flooring

Cheaper versions have 1 4 inch cores and the photo reproductions may not be as realistic as more expensive versions.

Laminate versus hardwood flooring. Even so the cost of hardwood varies drastically with some woods oak maple american cherry being fairly affordable and others exotic wood species. Let s explore the differences between laminate and hardwood floors. Which is the right flooring for you. Solid hardwood flooring can only be installed at or above grade while engineered hardwood can be installed below grade in basements.

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 generally is less expensive than engineered hardwood. With proper care hardwood flooring is a better long term investment than laminate flooring but hardwood s upfront costs may deter homeowners. 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. In this guide we present a prime time cage match of two competing materials. It is even common for real estate agents to highlight hardwood floors. Hardwood flooring versus laminate flooring.

Solid hardwood flooring as the name suggests is comprised of flooring boards that are solid hardwood material through and through. Discover whether hardwood or wood look flooring is the better pick for your place with this side by side comparison of laminate and hardwood. It evokes a warm natural feeling that many consider a luxury. 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.

Engineered hardwood debate right there. Hardwood has been around for hundreds of years.