If you are looking to install wood flooring, you will likely be looking at a several thousand dollar investment into your home. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of flooring options so you can choose what is best for you and your family. Sure, when comparing laminate vs hardwood cost, laminate is usually the more affordable option. But you should also look at durability, resale value, cleaning, installation and more.
Here are some things to consider when choosing between laminate and hardwood:
Pros of Laminate Flooring
Easy Installation – most floors can be installed by homeowners, with a little patience and the right tools on hand
Easy Maintenance – Since laminate is made from pressed wood, it is more durable and resists scratches, moisture and wear and tear.
Cost-Effective – Usually 1/2 the cost of hardwood
Cons of Laminate Flooring
Appearance – The majority of laminates do not have an authentic wood look
Potentially Dangerous – Some Laminates can be very slippery, especially in stocking feet
Difficult to Repair – Laminate flooring doesn’t repair easily. If you buy flooring that comes in individual pieces and snaps together, you may be able to replace individual boards — although, depending on sunlight and age, the new piece may not match properly.
Laminate wood flooring is made from composite wood pressed together at high temperatures. The image of hardwood is then glued over the composite wood , covering it to form the laminate. Not only are the materials themselves cheaper, but laminate wood installation cost is, on average, 50 percent less than hardwood installation. You can expect to pay anywhere from $4-$12 a square foot for the product and installation.
Pros of Hardwood
Boosts Home Value – Hardwood floors, properly maintained, can last 100 years or more!
Visually Appealing – You’ll see the natural variation of real wood, you can’t get that in laminates!
Easy to Refinish – Hardwood can be repaired by sanding imperfections and refinishing. This gives it the edge over laminate, in that it will last for years.
Very Durable
Cons of Hardwood
Expensive – In general, hardwood is considerably higher to buy and to install.
Prone to Moisture Issues – Basements and bathrooms with a lot of moisture are not good places for hardwood flooring.
Higher Maintenance – You will get scratches, dents and general wear, but good news, they can usually be refinished to their former splendor
Hardwood flooring is both beautiful and fairly durable, especially in lower-traffic rooms like bedrooms and dining rooms. If you have pets or a lot of foot traffic, your hardwood floors might show the scratches and wear over time. Solid wood flooring can cost $10-$25 per square foot, including installation, some of the higher end rare hardwoods can get quite a bit pricier!