The ability to tell the difference between True hardwood floors and laminate flooring can come in handy whether you’re browsing a new model home or attending an open house. There are many differences between hardwood floors and laminate floors. One of the major differences is hardwood floors are expensive but work for a lifetime and laminate is less expensive but will take some time.
The pros and cons of both types of flooring are the following. A hardwood floor requires a lot of maintenance and is more expensive, but it looks amazing since it is solid wood. Laminate flooring is made of synthetic materials, which makes it more affordable, and it is also more durable. Nevertheless, hardwood flooring will last for a lifetime (if properly cared for) and laminate will need to be replaced after 25 to 30 years.
Which is better, hardwood or laminate?
As a result of its affordability, easy installation, and durability, laminate has become the standard in most new home communities, replacing hardwood as an upgrade or a luxury feature.
Many people can’t tell that laminate flooring isn’t wood because it looks so good – but there are ways to tell.
A Hardwood or Laminate Floor: How to Tell
Despite looking at the floor casually, most people can’t tell whether it’s hardwood or laminate. These guidelines should help you tell:
- In laminate flooring, you will find repeating patterns every few boards, but in hardwood, the grains are random, so there is no pattern to be found.
- In laminate flooring, the floorboards are often glued together, while in hardwood flooring, nails or staples are more common.
- It is more likely that the floor is a natural hardwood than laminate if there are many dents and dings on it. Hardwood is also more likely to stain and fade, so you are more likely to find water marks and faded or discolored areas with hardwood floors.
Laminate vs. hardwood comparison
The following are some of the flooring product comparisons we have made:
The Laminate
- With solid hardwood looks and low prices, this is a great budget-friendly option
- Easy to assemble for do-it-yourself projects
- Has a high scratch resistance
- If necessary, one board can be replaced if it needs to be repaired
- Installation is possible over most surfaces, including concrete
- Minimizing allergens is possible
The Hardwood
- A luxurious appearance and style
- It comes in a wide variety of exotic woods, stains, grains, and patterns
- Any home will be more valuable with this addition
- Bamboo hardwood is now available in an eco-friendly and sustainable form
- Concrete can be installed with engineered hardwood
- There is a wide range of durability and resilience among hardwood species
- Scratch- and dent-resistant woods include oak, maple, and hickory
Wear and tear show on hardwood
When hardwood floors age, they can take on variations in color and even texture. These variations can be caused by sunlight or water that’s left on the wood for too long. In contrast, laminate is engineered to withstand normal wear and tear for a much longer period of time, making it more likely to retain its pristine appearance.
Scratches are common on hardwood floors
A floor that looks like wood may have a few scratches or even indentations, but it’s probably hardwood and not laminate. Hardwood is made up of softwood types. While this is attractive, it makes the wood more susceptible to minor and major damage. A laminate floor, on the other hand, is built to withstand the weight of normal objects dropped or slid across it.
Various hardwood patterns exist
True hardwood floors should not exhibit many patterns since each plank has its own unique characteristics. If you notice a lot of patterning and symmetry, you’re looking at laminate, not hardwood. Most laminate, however, is designed to repeat patterns in a way that appears authentic rather than systematic.
Flooring FAQs: Hardwoods and laminates
- Can hardwood last longer than laminate?
A hardwood floor often lasts much longer than a laminate floor, although it may need refinishing from time to time. A hardwood floor is also easier to repair, often with some sanding and staining, unlike a laminate floor that might need to be replaced.
- Which is more expensive: hardwood or laminate?
Almost always, hardwood flooring costs more to install than laminate. However, hardwoods last much longer, Cost of installing hardwood and laminate varies greatly depending on the type of each. But hardware is likely two or three times more expensive than laminate. But an average hardwood is good and long. so you might save money in the long run.
- How do laminates and hardwoods differ?
Since laminate flooring has a repeating pattern, unlike hardwood boards, it can be easily identified by its pattern. However, high-end laminates are designed to mimic the randomness of real wood, so it can sometimes be hard to tell the difference.
