Is Laminate Wood Better Than Hardwood

Engineered hardwood debate right there.

Is laminate wood better than hardwood.

Made of synthetic layers bonded together through a lamination process. If you have your heart set on having a wood or faux wood floor you have four choices. By amy lynch photo. Both resemble true hardwood but each comes with its own benefits and disadvantages.

Not only are the materials themselves cheaper but laminate wood installation cost is on average 50 percent less than hardwood installation. Newer and typically more expensive laminates have embossed and textured surfaces to replicate the look and underfoot feel of solid hardwood. Major differences solid hardwood flooring as the name suggests is comprised of flooring boards that are solid hardwood material through and through. The more you spend the thicker the laminate tiles will be.

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. 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. Over the years laminate has improved its appearance and is able to mimic wood better than ever. Laminate flooring can cost 3 7 per square foot including installation.

Discover whether hardwood or wood look flooring is the better pick for your place with this side by side comparison of laminate and hardwood. Laminate flooring generally is less expensive than engineered hardwood. If you re seeking an alternative to hardwood but laminate doesn t sound like the material for you consider engineered wood or luxury vinyl. Laminate runs 1 to 7 per square foot depending on the quality.

For many folks that ends the laminate vs. Laminate and engineered versus hardwood or vinyl. Hardwood is more durable in many ways but tile stands up to scratches from the paws of furry friends better than wood. More rigid than luxury vinyl aka non resilient.

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. Laminate engineered wood solid hardwood and vinyl. Photo by johnson mcleod design consultants cons of wood look tile. Cheaper versions have 1 4 inch cores and the photo reproductions may not be as realistic as more expensive versions.