How To Install Laminate Wood Flooring Vs Hardwood Flooring

Both floor coverings were developed as economical and versatile alternatives to that mainstay of flooring material solid hardwood flooring.

How to install laminate wood flooring vs hardwood flooring.

For many folks that ends the laminate vs. Learn the pros and cons of laminate vs. If you re seeking an alternative to hardwood but laminate doesn t sound like the material for you consider engineered wood or luxury vinyl. If you re searching for a product that you can put down quickly and easily but that will look like natural hardwood floors floating wood floors could be a good option for you versus the other hardwood flooring types.

Cheaper versions have 1 4 inch cores and the photo reproductions may not be as realistic as more expensive versions. Hardwood floors are made from many different species of wood some domestic and some exotic solid hardwood is made of a single plank of wood with the grain running straight through while engineered hardwood is made of a wood veneer 1 on top of many layers of plywood 2 both come in a wide range of colors and wood grain patterns as well as plank widths and finishes. Both resemble true hardwood but each comes with its own benefits and disadvantages. I would never go with laminate over hardwood and besides a decent laminate costs me 2 foot before installation and refinishing hardwood costs me 1 75 foot.

While older more traditional homes often have the original hardwood floors still in place many newer homes are using laminate. Engineered hardwood debate right there. For diy jobs how difficult installation will be depends on experience and how the hardwood or laminate flooring is cut for installation. It offers a natural look.

Still laminate looks and feels like real hardwood and holds strong as a popular wood look floor thanks to its low maintenance cleaning routine and a durable scratch. Laminate runs 1 to 7 per square foot depending on the quality. Never mind the value that true wood floors get me in a selling situation. Wood flooring remains one of the most popular options as it is a naturally inviting beautiful and timeless material.

Either way this type of engineered hardwood flooring is simple to install and designed for longevity. And lets not forget if you re thinking about laying laminate over hardwood it will be awkward and likely obvious. Laminate was the pioneer for realistic wood look flooring back in the 70s and other types of flooring have caught on and have begun releasing their own realistic wood looks. Hardwood flooring is more difficult to install than laminate flooring generally but hiring a professional for a new installation or for repair work of either is highly recommended.

Laminate flooring is an easy to install alternative to hardwood flooring.