Discover whether hardwood or wood look flooring is the better pick for your place with this side by side comparison of laminate and hardwood.
Floors hardwood vs laminate.
It offers a natural look.
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.
Homeadvisor s flooring guide explains the differences between laminate and engineered hardwood and reviews the pros and cons of each.
It evokes a warm natural feeling that many consider a luxury.
Even so the cost of hardwood varies drastically with some woods oak maple american cherry being fairly affordable and others exotic wood species.
Hardwood has been around for hundreds of years.
Both floor coverings were developed as economical and versatile alternatives to that mainstay of flooring material solid hardwood flooring.
Hardwood what s the difference which is better.
Wood flooring remains one of the most popular options as it is a naturally inviting beautiful and timeless material.
Which is the right flooring for you.
Let s explore the differences between laminate and hardwood floors.
Cheaper versions have 1 4 inch cores and the photo reproductions may not be as realistic as more expensive versions.
Engineered hardwood debate right there.
Laminate flooring and engineered wood flooring are two obvious choices if you want a flooring that looks like solid hardwood but at a more affordable price.
For many folks that ends the laminate vs.
Both are strong durable floors that are less expensive than natural wood but laminate flooring typically costs less.
Both materials mimic a natural wood floor beautifully but if you re all about natural beauty you might prefer the solid wood top of an engineered.
The winner of engineered hardwood vs.
Laminate flooring generally is less expensive than engineered hardwood.
Laminate flooring really depends.
While older more traditional homes often have the original hardwood floors still in place many newer homes are using laminate.
With proper care hardwood flooring is a better long term investment than laminate flooring but hardwood s upfront costs may deter homeowners.
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.
The flooring of a home is one of its defining features.
It is even common for real estate agents to highlight hardwood floors.
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.
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