Is hardwood flooring or laminate flooring right for you? You decide!
Few debates have tormented homeowners so much as whether the toilet paper should be flipped over or under, whether the kitchen island can really replace the kitchen table, and whether or not hardwood flooring or laminate flooring should reign supreme. While the decision between hardwood flooring and laminate flooring used to be much simpler, as the quality and technology used to produce laminate has changed the competition has gotten much closer. Today we will settle the age-old score: which is better, hardwood flooring or laminate flooring?
The Materials: 101
Hardwood flooring is, unsurprisingly, solid hard wood. It is 100% natural and a renewable resource. Laminate flooring is created from a thin piece of fiberboard. The fiberboard is then topped with a high-definition image of wood, stone, or a pattern and then topped with a clear layer to protect the image.
The Cost
Hardwood flooring is always more expensive than laminate flooring, even if you choose a less unique species of wood. Maple, oak, and ash can be found for as little as $3.00/sq. ft. but wider planks or exotic wood species go for at least $5.00/sq. ft. Sufficient quality laminate can be purchased for $3.00/sq. ft., depending on the pattern and thickness.
Longevity
Hardwood flooring is well-loved because, with proper care and maintenance, it can last over a lifetime. Hardwood flooring can be resurfaced if it undergoes a lot of wear and tear instead of needing an entire flooring replacement. Laminate flooring, on the other hand, can only get about 10 years of use at most. If you use laminate flooring in a high-traffic area or a place in the home with a good deal of water, that lifespan will be even shorter. Laminate flooring also cannot be sanded or refinished like hardwood flooring can.
The Finishing Blow: Resale Value
Hardwood flooring is the clear winner, and resale value is what pushes it over the edge. A well-maintained hardwood floor has a higher resale value than a new laminate floor. The only hardwood flooring that might net a lower value than a high-end laminate would be a darker or less trendy hardwood species like red oak.
Ready for a Beautiful Hardwood Floor? You Can Trust John K Eareckson & Co.!
When you work with John K Eareckson & Co. Flooring, we will ensure your hardwood floors undergo a stress-free acclimation process and that they sparkle for years to come. From a seamless and beautiful installation to years of maintenance, John K Eareckson & Co. Flooring has the expertise to care for your home’s hardwood floors. For a consultation and more information visit us online or give us a call at 410-788-4200. You can also follow us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr.