The Debate Between Hardwood Vs Laminate - 2
Most engineered hardwood flooring is prefinished. The disadvantage here is that it can only be refinished once, if at all, depending on the thickness of the hardwood veneer. Once you have sanded through the veneer, you would hit the softwood, which cannot be finished as a top floor. If damage occurs to the veneer, you may have to replace the plank rather than repairing it by refinishing.
Cost
Hardwood flooring is not cheap. It will cost somewhere between $27 to $45 per square yard to install. Unfinished hardwood flooring will cost less, but the labor charges to finish it will typically make it close to the same as the more expensive prefinished hardwood.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Laminate flooring will not cost as much and it does not require the amount of maintenance that hardwood flooring needs.
Finish
Laminates can have a smooth or textured decorative layer to imitate the look and feel of real wood, stone, or tile. The top layer can have a matte finish or a glossy finish that is usually accomplished with polyurethane on hardwood flooring. The major advantage to laminate flooring is that the finish never has to be refinished. However, that could be a disadvantage if you ever decided you would like to change the color of the wood.
Construction
Another advantage of laminate flooring is its durability. With the protective top layer and special backing, laminate floors can stand up to typically moist rooms such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms without buckling. Another advantage is that the click together styles can be walked on immediately after installation. A disadvantage is that it does not sound like real wood when you walk on it, but gives a hollow sound instead. Another disadvantage may be the time needed for the planks to acclimate to the temperature and humidity, although not all brands need that extra couple of days.
Cost
Laminate flooring will cost between $27 to $36 per square yard to install. You can save labor charges by installing the laminate flooring yourself. Many manufacturers have made the installation process very easy and include an instructional video for those who would rather do-it-yourself.
As you can see from this summary of advantages and disadvantages, the choices can be a positive or negative depending on what you are looking for in your flooring. If you want a long lasting flooring that you can refinish later on, choosing hardwood would be best. If you are not the type to change stains over a long period of time, the laminate can offer that look and feel of real wood without the maintenance hardwood requires. Of course, cost is usually a factor, also. Laminates will cost less and still offer good durability and beauty. Laminates and hardwoods have both good and negative qualities. Your choice will be based on your specific needs.
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