For many folks that ends the laminate vs.
Locking hardwood vs laminate.
Engineered hardwood is easy to clean but the material also has more holes and grains that can collect dirt while laminate is smooth and easy to wipe clean.
Engineered hardwood debate right there.
Laminate runs 1 to 7 per square foot depending on the quality.
Look for wear and tear.
Major differences solid hardwood flooring as the name suggests is comprised of flooring boards that are solid hardwood material through and through.
It is estimated that on average a laminate floor will need to be replaced after no more than 20 years.
Natural wood is more prone to dings and scratches so if there are a lot of dents the floor is more likely to be natural hardwood than laminate.
Similarly hardwood is more prone to staining and fading.
The normal range for solid hardwood flooring is between 4 to 12 per square foot and its standard cost is 8 per square foot.
Laminate floors have a relatively short life span as compared to hardwood flooring.
Laminate is far easier to maintain than engineered wood flooring.
Because hardwood floors can last for generations they raise your home s value more than laminate floors.
Laminate flooring generally is less expensive than engineered hardwood.
Discover whether wood or wood look is the right pick for your place with this side by side comparison of laminate vs hardwood flooring.
Cheaper versions have 1 4 inch cores and the photo reproductions may not be as realistic as more expensive versions.
Laminates do offer a bonus for handy homeowners.
In a very general sense laminate can cost around 3 5 square foot which is 2x 5x cheaper than hardwood flooring.
Engineered wood contains a slice of natural wood on top while laminate uses a photographic layer that is coated with a protective layer.
Laminate will the cheapest option for you.
Laminate is also much thinner than engineered wood averaging around 12mm whereas engineered wood tends to be thicker like hardwoods.
Twenty years is the time it usually takes for a family to wear down the floor finish.
How will you be caring for your flooring.
Caring and maintenance of your flooring is a big consideration especially if you don t want to put a lot of effort into caring for it.