What is laminate flooring | What is hardwood flooring | Difference between solid hardwood & laminate flooring | Types of floors that is laminate suitable for | Types of floors that is hardwood timber suitable for | Advantages of laminate flooring | Disadvantages of laminate flooring | Advantages of hardwood flooring | Disadvantages of hardwood flooring
Choosing the most convenient wood for your flooring project is an essential part that defines the final touch and appearance of your home interior design. Even though laminate and hardwood may appear similar some differences make them unique in their way. Most people consider hardwoods as real wood that is worthy and of high quality. However, do not underestimate the value of the laminate flooring option as it provides almost the same look, but at a lower price.
What is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate floors, sometimes called wood floors, are hybrids consisted of two main parts. First, it is the base: thin fibreboard material made of wood waste products. Those waste products are exposed to high pressure, heat, and chemicals therefore finally being converted into usable flooring options. The second part of the laminate flooring is the design layer that is printed on the fibreboard to resemble wood or other material. Laminate installation is easy and handy thanks to the click-lock edges that hold the boards together.
What is Hardwood Flooring?
Hardwood floor, also known as solid hardwood or solid timber flooring is manufactured by timber boards made out of real trees and wood. Trees that are most convenient for making solid wood are pine, fir, and cedar. These are the trees that grow much slower making the hardwood floors denser and more durable. The best thing about solid hardwood is that it is always in style and never gets old.
Difference Between Solid Hardwood Flooring & Laminate Flooring?
Hardwood and laminate even though share a lot in common, some key differences make them special flooring type solution.
Appearance
Solid hardwood has a natural wood texture that most clients find attractive and beautiful. Hardwood comes in a wide spectrum of types, stains, designs, and finishes that offer multiple possibilities for installation. Laminate, on the other hand, is trying to copy this natural look. Even though the differences are quite noticeable, some top-quality laminate stands as a great hardwood match.
Cost
In Australia, hardwood cost ranges between $80-100 per square metre, including installation. The price and installation depend on the type of wood, but in any case, solid hardwood is significantly a more expensive solution. Laminates can cost $50-$70 per square metre, including installation and it is a budget-friendly option.
Durability
Besides the elegant look they provide, hardwood floors are a lifetime home investment. They are extremely durable, defying all the challenges time can bring. To increase their performance, hardwood floors require periodically recoating and refinishing. Laminate floors’ maximum endurance is 10 years. They don’t require much maintenance work as hardwoods and once ruined, they need to be completely replaced.
What Types of Floors Is Laminate Suitable For
It is possible to install laminate almost in every part of your home, however, experts recommend avoiding its appliance in areas prone to moisture and humidity like saunas, laundry rooms, bathrooms. Chances to wear and tear a laminate by pets or children are very low which makes it suitable for pet owners and families. A laminate floor can be installed in basements, living rooms, kitchens, even on stairs without using underlays.
What Types of Floors Is Hardwood Timber Suitable For
If you decide to apply hardwood as a wood flooring solution it is most appropriate to do it in bedrooms or dining rooms. Installing hardwood in high-traffic areas will increase the chances of scratches over time. Also, have in mind that hardwood timber is sensitive to sunlight and can fade its colour over time. It is not recommended to apply it on surfaces that are directly exposed to the sun or near large glass windows and doors.
Advantages of Laminate Flooring
Wood laminate floorings come up at low and affordable prices on the market. They are easy to install helping you shrink the installation costs. In most cases installing a laminate is a DIY project for which you will need some regular household tools. Although laminate is highly water-resistant if water gets between the planks can cause serious damages and ruins. Laminate can be installed over radiant heating systems because it is highly resistant to heat.
Disadvantages of Laminate Flooring
The major disadvantage of laminate flooring is that in the end it is not real wood, even it looks like it. This may affect the resale value of the property if you ever decide to put it on the market. Being water-resistant doesn’t mean being waterproofed which in this case is a big drawback of the laminate floor. Another disadvantage is the noise factor. Laminate flooring can make a hollow sound if installed without a proper underlayment.
Advantages of Hardwood Flooring
The biggest advantage of hardwood flooring is the aesthetic, appeal, and gorgeous look it has. Installing hardwood is a long-term investment not requiring any replacement for over 20 years. Unlike the laminate, hardwood flooring increases the resale value of the house. Hardwood’s popularity grows even more as it is the healthiest option with an organic origin.
Disadvantages of Hardwood Flooring
High price tag; the possibility of scratches; damages by exposure to moisture, water, and spills; termite attacks that affect the wood quality are the main disadvantages of the hardwood that make you re-consider your project and purposes.
