When it comes to flooring, hardwood floors are often seen as the superior option. They have a timeless look, are more durable, and can increase the resale value of a home. However, laminate floors can also be a great choice for those on a budget or who want an easier installation process. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of each type of flooring to help you decide which is best for your home.
Solid wood floors are made from genuine wood and retain the unique texture and look of natural wood. They require a little more care than laminate floors, as they must be cleaned with special cleaners for hardwood floors (preferably those recommended by the manufacturer) that preserve and restore the finish. Hardwood floors can also be repainted, renovated and repaired quite easily, often without the need to replace the planks or even the entire floor. Laminate floors have a clear advantage over solid wood with installation. Laminate is much easier for DIYers to install than solid wood floors.
The installation of the laminate is possible even for inexperienced DIYers. Solid wood requires more tools and experience to install. Spot repairs are especially easy when it comes to wired or greased hardwood floors, and can be done by yourself in a couple of hours. The durability of any floor surface depends largely on the intensity of foot traffic, as well as on compliance with the manufacturer's recommendations for floor care and maintenance. Laminate floors will never pass for real wood for the most demanding, but they can be a useful floor in many situations. Laminate flooring has an advantage over hardwood in terms of cost, ease of installation, and comfort.
Laminate is much cheaper than solid wood and can be installed quickly and easily by DIYers. It is also softer underfoot than hardwood, making it more comfortable to walk on. I am a dog owner and the carpets are damaged, so it is essential to replace carpets and lanolin floors with a new flooring solution. Laminate flooring also can't be repainted like hardwood, so once it loses its luster, it will have to be replaced with a new floor. While laminate floors can be installed below ground level, they still aren't the best floors for basements. Hardwood floors will always impress real estate professionals and potential buyers, as long as the floor is well maintained.
Because of their longer lifespan, hardwood floors often offer a much higher resale value than laminate floors. Whatever flooring material you choose, it's best to hire a flooring contractor in your area to install it. Even if you're not installing new floors in the kitchen or bathroom, the floors are likely to get damp at some point, so it's helpful to know how these materials tolerate water.
