Determining whether or not to install hardwood or laminate floors can be a tough decision. Both types of flooring have their own pros and cons, so it’s important to weigh your options. Whichever one you pick will determine the look of the space, the way you clean and more. Here are a few things to consider when trying to decide which type of flooring will be best for you:
Which Flooring Is Easier To Install?
By far, the easiest flooring to install is going to be the laminate. The pieces come with patches of adhesive on the back that make them very easy to just place on the ground. This can easily be a DIY project and doesn’t require you to hire a professional, which also makes them much cheaper in the long run. While you could hire someone to take on the task, the process is very simple to on your own.
Also, laminate can be purchased in small convenient pieces that can be easily pieced together, while hardwood floor is generally sold in larger boards. Sometimes these boards will require staining and finishing if they are purchased “naked,” although you can by them already prefinished.
The Floor That’s Better For Wear And Tear
Floors experience a lot of wear and tear over time. If you’re going to be installing the flooring in high traffic areas of your home, it’s best to choose laminate floor over hardwood floor. High traffic areas are going to be areas like living rooms, hallways, entryways, kitchens and bedrooms. Laminate is also a better choice for wet areas such as bathrooms, although tile would be the best options there. Hardwood is going to be much more prone to dents and scratches, while laminate will be able to take much more impact. How to Clean Porcelain Tile That Looks Like Wood
You can ask around to your friends and family to see if any of them have/had hardwood floors and what their experience and thoughts are.
Also see if anyone’s used a robotic vacuum on hardwood floor. They might have some opinions on that as well.
Considering Cost
Hardwood flooring is always going to be more expensive than laminate. Laminate is much easier to shop for because you can always just keep looking around for a better price, even if you’ve found a material or color you really like. Also, like I mentioned earlier, you can save even more money by choosing to install it yourself.
Hardwood floor is always going to be beautiful, but since it’s a natural product it takes much more processing and time to product. There are still plenty of really stunning laminate options out there that can really make an impact on the look of your space.
Easy To Clean
Laminate flooring has a very smooth and easy to clean surface. You can very quickly clean up messes on them. While hardwood requires special cleaning instructions to maintain its integrity, laminate can be cleaned and wiped soap and water. If you want the lower maintenance option, laminate is going to be your best option.
This factor is especially important when you’re considering what install in entryways, kitchens, dining areas and bathrooms, where messes are likely to be made.
Thoughts
Changing the flooring in your home is a quick and impactful way to make it look nice and new. When trying to decide which type of flooring to install, it’s best to consider these factors to ensure you make the right choice for your home.