Laminate Flooring vs Hardwood: What’s the Difference?

When you are trying to get the most out of your home, one of the most important decisions you will have to make is which flooring option you would like to choose. Two of the most popular options include laminate flooring and hardwood flooring. Even though they have a lot of similarities, they are two very different options. How can you pick the right option for your home? It is important for you to take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of each choice. Then, you should work with a professional who can help you. 

Taking a Look at Laminate Flooring

The first option is to go with something called laminate flooring. Laminate floors have been specifically designed to mimic the look of natural materials. Laminate flooring can be customized the match just about any flooring option out there. For example, there are some people who use laminate flooring to mimic wood. Other people use laminate flooring to mimic stone. This technology actually dates back almost 100 years. Now, household laminates have become incredibly popular as a flooring option. They took off during the 1970s, and remain a popular choice for many people looking to remodel or build their own homes. 

Laminate Flooring: The Benefits and Drawbacks

If you are trying to decide if laminate flooring is right for your home, it is important to take a look at the benefits and drawbacks. A few of the key benefits of going wood laminate flooring include: 

• The cost of laminate flooring is less expensive when compared to hardwood flooring. Therefore, you can customize your laminate flooring to meet just about any budget. 
• Laminate flooring is also resistant to UV radiation. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about your floors fading if you expose them to the sun.
• Laminate flooring is also incredibly versatile. You can place this in just about any room of your home. 

Of course, it is also important to think about a few of the drawbacks as well. Even though laminate flooring is less expensive, you do need to be careful when you are trying to decide which option you choose. If you go with an inexpensive option, it may not do a good job mimicking its natural counterpart. Furthermore, it is true that laminate flooring is water-resistant; however, it is not waterproof. Therefore, you should not use laminate flooring in your bathroom. 

The Upkeep of Laminate Flooring: What Maintenance Does it Require?

Another significant benefit of going with laminate flooring is that it is relatively easy to maintain. You do need to avoid using a detergent on your laminate flooring because it will leave behind a film when it dries. That said, you do not have to worry about waxing laminate floors. If you want your floors to last as long as possible, you should clean up all spills as quickly as possible. That way, you can maximize the lifespan of your laminate floors. 

Taking a Look at Hardwood Floors

Another option you may be considering is hardwood flooring. Hardwood floors have been used to create a feeling of luxury inside homes for centuries. They are available in a wide variety of colors, textures, and finishes. If you are looking for an organic ambiance you can create in your home, then you should probably go with hardwood flooring. That being said, you do need to think carefully about whether this is right for you. What do you need to know about hardwood floors? 

The Pros and Cons of Hardwood Floors

There are a few key benefits of going with hardwood floors. These include: 

• Hardwood floors can create an instant feel of luxury in your home. They boast fine craftsmanship and unparalleled attention to detail. 
• They can create a feeling of enduring quality in your home. They are designed to last for a long time.
• Because they are available in a wide variety of textures and styles, you should be able to customize hardwood floors to meet the inside of your building.

The biggest selling point of hardwood floors is the luxurious feel they create. At the same time, there are a few drawbacks as well. For example, hardwood floors are relatively sensitive the furniture, kids, pets, and sunlight. They do not resist the scratches in the same way as other floors. In addition, hardwood floors can be expensive to purchase and install. Therefore, if you are on a tight budget, you may want to consider the size of the room before you decide to go with hardwood floors. 

The Upkeep and Maintenance of Hardwood Flooring

It is also important to take a closer look at the upkeep of hardwood floors. If you want to prevent your hardwood floors from aging faster than the rest of the house, it is important to maintain them appropriately. For example, your hardwood floors might need to be refinished from time to time. You do need to talk to a professional about whether you can refinish your hardwood floors, as some of them are engineered hardwood floors that could be sensitive to this. You also need to make sure you do not expose your hardwood floors to moisture. Because wood is sensitive to moisture, you do need to be careful. 

Choose the Right Floor for Your Needs

Ultimately, there is a lot you need to think about if you are trying to find the right floor for your building. If you want to make the right decision for your home, then you should rely on a professional who can help you. For example, the reliable team from S & R Carpet & Floors has a tremendous amount of experience helping people find the right floors for their homes. A professional can help you compare the benefits and drawbacks of each option, comparing them to your individual needs. That way, you end up with floors in your home that will last as long as possible. This can also go a long way toward helping you improve the resale value of your home.