Should I Get Hardwood Flooring or Laminate Flooring? 20 Things to Consider

Choosing the right flooring for your home is a significant decision beyond just picking a material that matches your decor. When faced with the choice between hardwood and laminate, there are numerous factors to consider — from budget constraints and aesthetic preferences to long-term durability and maintenance requirements. 

Whether you’re building a new home or renovating your existing space, understanding the complexities of each flooring option is crucial. 

This guide aims to provide an in-depth analysis of 20 key considerations, from the initial costs and installation complexities to the impact on resale value and daily upkeep. By weighing these aspects, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed choice that suits your lifestyle, enhances your living space, and perhaps even saves you money in the long run.

But first, before we dive into the guide, let’s take a quick look at a rundown of what hardwood and laminate flooring is: 

Hardwood: 

Hardwood flooring is made from solid wood planks, usually oak, maple, or cherry. It’s a durable and aesthetically pleasing option that adds value to your home. However, it requires a higher upfront investment for the material and installation. Hardwood is sensitive to moisture and can warp in humid conditions, so it’s not ideal for every room. 

Maintenance involves regular sweeping and occasional refinishing to remove scratches or refresh the look. It’s an eco-friendly option if sourced from sustainable forests. Overall, hardwood offers natural beauty and durability but comes with specific care requirements and a higher price tag.

Laminate: 

Laminate flooring is a synthetic product made from multiple layers fused through lamination. The top layer is a high-resolution photographic image of wood, stone, or tile, covered by a protective layer that offers resistance to wear and tear. It’s a cost-effective and durable option that mimics the look of natural materials. Installation is generally easier than hardwood, often featuring a click-lock design that allows for DIY setup. 

Laminate is less sensitive to moisture and humidity, making it more versatile for various rooms, including kitchens and bathrooms. Maintenance is straightforward, usually requiring only regular sweeping and occasional mopping. However, unlike hardwood, laminate can’t be refinished and may need to be replaced if it gets severely damaged. 

Overall, laminate offers a budget-friendly, low-maintenance alternative to hardwood but lacks the natural beauty and potential for refinishing.

Now, here are 20 things you should consider when you are choosing between hardwood and laminate flooring: 

1. Budget: Hardwood flooring typically costs between $5 and $15 per square foot, and that doesn’t include labor for installation. Laminate can range from $1 to $5 per square foot without installation. Over a large area, these costs can differ substantially, so it’s essential to run the numbers based on your specific needs and square footage.
2. Aesthetic Appeal: Hardwood offers the beauty of natural grain variations and the ability to sand and refinish for a new look years down the line. Laminate has improved at mimicking this look, but upon close inspection, you can tell it’s not genuine wood, primarily due to the repetitive patterns.
3. Durability: Laminate is made from pressed wood and is more resistant to scratches and dents, which is especially useful in high-traffic areas or homes with pets and kids. Hardwood, particularly softer varieties like pine, can be easily scratched and require more delicate handling.
4. Resale Value: Real estate agents will tell you that homes with hardwood floors sell faster and at higher prices than homes without them. Laminate doesn’t have the same allure and often doesn’t contribute to a higher resale value.
5. Maintenance: Hardwood floors need to be swept or vacuumed frequently and require periodic refinishing. They’re also sensitive to liquid spills. Laminate is more forgiving, generally needing just a damp mop for cleaning, and it won’t need refinishing.
6. Installation: Laminate often comes with a click-lock design that enables easy DIY installation. Hardwood requires professional installation that involves nailing or gluing boards and possibly even subfloor preparation.
7. Climate Considerations: In very humid conditions, hardwood can warp or swell. If you live in such an area, you’ll need to invest in a dehumidifier. Laminate is less prone to moisture-induced damage.
8. Sound: Hardwood floors can be noisy and might require an underlay to mitigate sound, adding to the cost. Laminate often comes with an attached foam underlay or requires a separate one to be laid down, which provides sound insulation.
   
   
9. Feel Underfoot: Hardwood feels solid and can be warmed easily with area rugs. Laminate can feel a bit hollow, and because it’s not as thick as hardwood, it doesn’t offer the same underfoot comfort.
10. Sustainability: If you’re environmentally conscious, you can opt for hardwood sourced from sustainably managed forests. Laminate is primarily made from high-density fiberboard and is not biodegradable.
11. Longevity: A well-maintained hardwood floor can last upwards of 100 years. Laminate floors generally have a lifespan of 15 to 25 years, depending on the quality and maintenance.
12. Room Usage: Laminate is often a better choice for kitchens and bathrooms where water spills are frequent, thanks to its better water resistance. Hardwood is not recommended for these areas unless specifically treated for it.
13. Repair: Damaged hardwood can often be sanded and refinished or even replaced plank by plank. With laminate, once a section is damaged, you’ll likely need to replace the whole segment, as repairs are noticeable.
14. Allergies: Hardwood floors are easier to keep free of dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens, making it a better choice for people with allergies. Laminate can sometimes trap allergens between its layers.
15. Subfloor Compatibility: Laminate is flexible with the type of subfloor it can be installed over, including concrete. Hardwood usually requires a plywood subfloor and is more sensitive to what’s beneath it.
16. Texture and Finish: With hardwood, you have the option of choosing different textures like hand-scraped or wire-brushed, as well as finishes from matte to high gloss. Laminate doesn’t offer the same range of textural nuances.
17. Heat Compatibility: Engineered hardwood floors are better suited for underfloor heating systems than laminate, which can warp under high temperatures.
18. Color Fading: Exposure to sunlight can fade hardwood floors over time. You might need to invest in rugs or window treatments to mitigate this. Laminate floors are manufactured to be more resistant to fading.
19. Design Trends: Laminate comes in various trendy designs and patterns, including stone and tile look-alikes. It’s easier and less expensive to swap out if you like to keep up with design trends.
20. Personal Preference: This may seem obvious, but you should physically walk on both types of flooring in a showroom if possible. Pay attention to how it feels underfoot, the sound it makes, and how it looks in various lighting conditions.

Hardwood and laminate flooring have their advantages and drawbacks, and the best choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, lifestyle, and budget. Hardwood offers unparalleled natural beauty and the ability to refinish, but it comes with a higher price tag and requires more meticulous care. 

Laminate, on the other hand, provides a budget-friendly, low-maintenance alternative that’s easier to install and more moisture-resistant. While it mimics the look of natural materials quite well, it doesn’t offer the same authenticity or ability to refinish. 

Each option has its own unique characteristics, from durability and maintenance to environmental impact and aesthetic appeal. By considering these aspects carefully, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision that enhances your living space for years to come.

The Best Flooring at the Best Price From Big Bob’s

Big Bob’s Flooring Outlet has stood as a cornerstone in the flooring industry for over 30 years, earning a reputation for quality, affordability, and unparalleled customer service. 

With an extensive range of options, including carpet, laminate, luxury vinyl, and hardwood flooring, we pride ourselves on offering premium-quality products at prices that can’t be beaten. Our outlet is designed with you in mind and curated to provide options that suit various tastes, needs, and budgets.

Our legacy isn’t just built on top-notch products; it’s also about the customer experience. From the moment you walk through our doors or speak with us online, you’ll sense a commitment to exceptional service that sets us apart from the competition. Our expert staff is here to guide you through every step of your flooring journey, from initial selection to installation, ensuring you are satisfied with your choice.

What’s more, countless satisfied customers have turned to Big Bob’s Flooring Outlet for their home transformation projects over the years, and their glowing testimonials speak volumes. Their repeated business and referrals underline the trust that people place in our brand, a trust built on years of delivering exactly what homeowners need.

To make your experience as hassle-free as possible, we also offer free measurements as part of our service. Schedule an appointment today, and one of our professional team members will come to your home to provide an accurate measurement, ensuring you buy just the amount you need — no more, no less.

So, as you embark on the journey to revitalize your home with new flooring, consider the wisdom and recommendations of countless satisfied customers. Choose Big Bob’s Flooring Outlet for a truly exceptional experience from start to finish. Our unwavering commitment to quality, affordability, and outstanding customer service makes Big Bob’s the name you can trust to provide the perfect flooring solutions that you will cherish for years to come.