Is Laminate Wood Better Than Hardwood

Made of synthetic layers bonded together through a lamination process.

Is laminate wood better than hardwood.

Over the years laminate has improved its appearance and is able to mimic wood better than ever. Major differences solid hardwood flooring as the name suggests is comprised of flooring boards that are solid hardwood material through and through. Laminate engineered wood solid hardwood and vinyl. More rigid than luxury vinyl aka non resilient.

Engineered hardwood debate right there. The image of hardwood is then placed over the composite wood covering it to form the laminate. Laminate flooring generally is less expensive than engineered hardwood. Not only are the materials themselves cheaper but laminate wood installation cost is on average 50 percent less than hardwood installation.

The more you spend the thicker the laminate tiles will be. The boards usually 3 4 inch thick are generally milled with a smooth top surface and tongue and groove edges that interlock to hold the boards together. Even if the surface is kept well sealed cracks between engineered wood or laminate boards can allow moisture to penetrate to the organic substrate plywood or fiberboard causing it to swell or. Laminate flooring can cost 3 7 per square foot including installation.

While the flooring market has an abundance of both types of materials in most cases solid or engineered hardwood flooring is a wiser healthier and more environmentally conscious choice than laminate. Newer and typically more expensive laminates have embossed and textured surfaces to replicate the look and underfoot feel of solid hardwood. By amy lynch photo. Discover whether hardwood or wood look flooring is the better pick for your place with this side by side comparison of laminate and hardwood.

If you have your heart set on having a wood or faux wood floor you have four choices. Photo by johnson mcleod design consultants cons of wood look tile. While confusing at first differences between hardwood and laminate flooring become quite obvious when inspected closely. If you re seeking an alternative to hardwood but laminate doesn t sound like the material for you consider engineered wood or luxury vinyl.

Both resemble true hardwood but each comes with its own benefits and disadvantages. Laminate and engineered versus hardwood or vinyl. Laminate runs 1 to 7 per square foot depending on the quality. For many folks that ends the laminate vs.