Laminate Flooring vs. Hardwood – What’s the Difference & Which is Better?
/If your remodeling project or new construction calls for the look and feel of traditional hardwoods, then your three main flooring options will be laminate, hardwood, and engineered wood floors. Let’s explore the differences between laminate and hardwood floors.
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SHOULD YOU CHOOSE LAMINATE OR HARDWOOD?
Laminate floors are made of several layers of durable materials. The bottom layer is called the stabilizing layer which is designed to resist moisture. This layer is then topped with synthetic fiberboards for strength. A photographic layer goes above the fiberboards, creating the design. Everything is then topped with a clear finish of melamine resin.
Hardwood floors are harvested from trees, formed into planks, and then sanded down to become smooth. They are also available in a variety of cuts and sizes and come from countless wood species. This flooring option is known for its organic grains and natural tones that can range from a pale beige to a deep bronze.
What is Laminate and Hardwood Floor Best For?
Laminate is best for…
Kitchens - Bathrooms - Cost Cutters - DIYers - Older Homes - Dog/ Cat Owners - Those seeking more style choices
Hardwood is best for…
Gorgeous Living Rooms - Colonial Style Homes - Longevity - Radiant Systems - The Environment -Resale Value - Repairs & Maintenance
Appearance
When it comes to looks, which material takes home the crown?
Laminate
PROS
Synthetic materials continue to improve in quality, making these floors look good.
Look even closer to hardwoods compared to their past versions.
There are countless imitation possibilities since the photographic layer can replicate other materials like stone, fabric, bamboo, and cork.
CONS
When copying wood, this floor can still look not as genuine due to the regularity of the “wood grains” in the photographic layer.
The glossy texture of the top layer can also look different from traditional hardwoods.
Hardwood
PROS
They have a timeless appeal, unique organic grains, unexpected knots, and a natural texture that’s hard for laminate floors to fully copy.
They can also take on different stains, finishes, and be coated with wax for an extra shine.
If you choose a lighter species like white oak, you can also add some more interesting stains like red, blue, and even purple!
CONS
They’re more easily scratched than laminate, therefore their beauty can be affected when not properly maintained.
Some species are also more vulnerable to discoloration when exposed to the sun for long periods of time.
THE BEST MATERIAL IN LOOKS: HARDWOOD
Cost
Your budget decides much about your design project. Which material is more affordable?
LAMINATE
The more you spend, the better-quality floors you’ll install.
Low-end laminate installation can cost an easy $550, while high-end laminate floors can climb up to $7,000.
However, the national average for laminate installation is reasonable at about $3,000.
HARDWOOD
Overall, this floor is more expensive to buy and install.
The stronger the wood, the more it will cost.
Exotic woods also cost more than domestic woods.
There are also added costs to finish, treat, and wax the floor as well.
The average cost of installing hardwoods in a 1,000 square foot home is around $8,000.
THE BEST MATERIAL FOR YOUR WALLET: LAMINATE
Care
When it comes to household chores, which floor is easier to care for?
Laminate
PROS
It’s easy to keep these floors clean with a light vacuum since they don’t trap dust and allergens like carpets do.
Water-resistant, so it’s okay to mop them with water.
Less likely to fade or change their color from excessive sunlight.
CONS
They don’t do well when standing water is left on their surface.
If they’re damaged, they can’t be sanded or refinished and must be replaced.
Hardwood
PROS
These floors are easy to clean with regular light vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping with select cleaners.
If they become overly scratched, they can usually be refinished to restore their former beauty.
CONS
Can’t be mopped with just water due to their higher sensitivity to moisture, but instead must only be cleaned with specified products.
To maintain your floor’s look, you’ll need to take extra care by using furniture pads to prevent scratches.
Hardwoods also don’t do well with standing water.
Certain species are also more likely to change their color after too much sun exposure.
Find more installation and repair prices on our Flooring Cost Guide.
THE WINNER FOR SIMPLE CARE: LAMINATE
Installation
What does the installation process look like for each material?
Laminate
PROS
It can be installed below grade and can float over existing floors, making it more DIY-friendly.
It is easier to install because it’s usually prepared with tongue and grooves that snap together.
It also comes prefinished, so there’s no need for a lengthy sanding and finishing process inside your home.
Can be glued over wood, concrete or placed over a cork or foam pad.
CONS
After installation, these floors can have a strong smell because their synthetic materials that may emit VOCs, which are also known as Volatile Organic Compounds.
If you’re making this a DIY project, make sure you have the know-how and the right tools.
Cutting the planks to the right lengths will need precision cutting and measuring to make accurate lengths and edges.
Hardwood
PROS
Can come prefinished to save you time, though the upfront costs will be higher.
This kind of floor can also take on custom stains and finishes for some eye-catching looks!
For DIY projects, tongue-and-groove hardwood planks make the job easier.
CONS
They are organic, which means they shouldn’t be installed below grade.
They’re also not made to float over existing floors.
Hardwoods are usually harder to install for both professionals and DIYers, making this a job you should outsource, if possible.
When hardwoods don’t come pre-finished, you can expect to take a day or two in a hotel while your contractors sand and finish your floors.
The dust and odor of the finish will be strong and not safe to inhale.
THE WINNER FOR EASY DIY INSTALLATION: LAMINATE
Durability
Which flooring can stand the test of time?
Laminate
PROS
The top layer of these floors is resistant to scratches, stains, and dents.
This makes laminate ideal for busy lifestyles where there’s going to be heavy traffic and constant messes.
CONS
These floors are not immune to scratches and dents.
Unlike hardwoods, whole planks must be uprooted and replaced to restore your floor since they can’t be refinished.
With good care, most laminate floors can last for 15-25 years.
lower quality brands may need to be replaced sooner.
Hardwood
PROS
They can last at least 20 years with proper maintenance.
If they become damaged, they can also be refinished. Harder woods will be tougher and will last longer and softer woods.
There are even hardwoods that have survived for over 100 years in historic homes, so the possibility for a long life is great!
CONS
These floors are organic, so they aren’t as resistant to scratches, stains, and dents as their laminate competitors.
They can differ in durability depending on the species.
Its strength can also increase after more expenses like finishing the wood, waxing, and with good maintenance.
Unfinished hardwoods are more prone to moisture damage and warping.
THE WINNER FOR LONGEVITY: HARDWOOD
Moisture Resistance
When the hygrometer’s needle makes an uptick, which floor is more prone to damage?
Laminate
PROS
The tough top layer can resist moisture well, which makes laminate a good material for rooms where spills are a possibility.
Great floor for your kitchen or bathroom.
The better the quality materials you buy, the better job your floors will perform in this department.
Since laminate floors are synthetic, they’re also less likely to have mold problems from moisture.
CONS
They can still be damaged by standing water, which can make them warp.
Proper maintenance and cleaning is a must to make the most of laminate’s moisture-resisting power.
Hardwood
PROS
Some species can tolerate moisture better than others.
Generally, the harder the wood, the more water resistant it is.
For example, Brazilian Cherry ranks a 2820 on the Janka hardness scale, making it better at resisting moisture than its domestic counterpart, American Cherry, which scores a 950.
Regular care, finishing, and waxing can also protect your floors from water damage.
CONS
They are organic, so they can grow mold if exposed to constant moisture.
Unfinished wood is more likely to get moisture damage, whereas no hardwoods should be installed in the kitchen or bathroom due to the moisture levels.
THE BEST FOR KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS: HARDWOOD
Repair & Maintenance
Which floor is the easiest to maintain for busy homeowners?
Laminate
PROS
They’re easy to clean and maintain.
They can be mopped with water and generally don’t need any special cleaning solution. Keeping these floors clean will maximize their life.
They also don’t need to be sanded, waxed, or refinished.
CONS
These floors can get stained if juice and coffee spills are left on them for too long.
If they get damaged, they can’t be refinished and must be fully replaced.
Hardwood
PROS
These floors can be refinished many times during their life.
Noticeable scratches and other imperfections can be reversed.
There’s also no need to rip out floors and reinstall everything like with laminate floors.
CONS
Refinishing your floors isn’t cheap.
The average cost of refinishing hardwood floors is $1,700, but can be as low as $600 and as high as $3,500, depending on the quality and nature of the job.
THE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE WINNER: HARDWOOD
Environmentally-Friendly/Renewable
We need to be conscious about how our choices affect the environment. Which flooring is better for our planet?
LAMINATE
Since they’re made with recycled materials, they take some waste out of landfills.
Current recycling technology also makes 85% of laminate floors recyclable.
At this time, it’s hard to know all the ways synthetic floors can affect the environment.
HARDWOOD
Since hardwoods are made of organic materials, they are biodegradable.
They rank among the few flooring choices that are environmentally friendly since they come directly from trees.
Depending on the species and thickness, they can take years to decompose. For some perspective, a wooden chair can take up to 13 years to rot.
THE WINNER FOR THE PLANET: HARDWOOD
Pets
Man’s best friends can sometimes mean trouble for floors. If you have a pet, which flooring should you choose?
Laminate
PROS
Pet nails are less likely scratch these floors.
It’s also easy to clean pet hair from their smooth surface.
These floors are more water resistant, so they’re better for puppies and kittens who are learning to be house trained.
CONS
Pet waste can still make them smell, so you need to be mindful to clean up accidents right away.
Hardwood
PROS
Waxed and finished hardwood floors fare well against nail scratches and pet waste.
If pets damage them with nails and urine, the floor can be refinished.
They are also smooth and easy to keep clean.
CONS
These floors are more prone to damage from pet waste and scratches than laminate.
Unfinished hardwood floors are not ideal for pets because they aren’t moisture-resistant and can absorb pet waste.
THE WINNER FOR PET OWNERS: LAMINATE
Radiant Heating System
A radiant heating system is cozy, especially in colder climates. Which material works better with it?
LAMINATE
This material can be used with radiant heating systems, but it must be specially made for radiant systems. Some laminate floors aren’t good conductors, so you need to check with the manufacturer before installation.
HARDWOOD
Dense and thin boards are good for radiant heat, just make sure the boards aren’t too soft or thick. Choose wood that can adapt to moisture changes, like kiln-dried wood. As always, check with the product’s manufacturer before installing.
THE WINNER FOR RADIANT HEAT: HARDWOOD
Resale Value
Which floor will boost your home’s value?
LAMINATE
The maximum life is 25 years with the best quality materials and proper care.
However, because of its lower cost, it doesn’t do much to add value to your home.
Prospective buyers still look to hardwoods as a standard of timeless quality.
HARDWOOD
Because hardwood floors can last for generations, they raise your home’s value more than laminate floors.
According to Time.com, hardwood floors boost your home’s resale value, referring to a study from that reveals that 54% of homebuyers would invest more in a home that has hardwoods.
THE WINNER IN RESALE VALUE: HARDWOOD