Are you looking to get new floors in your home? There’s plenty of options, but two of the most popular options available are hardwood and high-quality laminate. If you’re trying to decide between the two, there are pros and cons for both. Here are some things to consider when choosing between hardwood and laminate flooring:

Cost

If cost is your main consideration, laminate floors will always win. You can buy laminate for much cheaper than hardwood, and if you install it on your own, you also save on installation costs as well.

Durability

Something else to keep in mind is how durable the floors are. Laminate floors often have good scratch resistance and hold up better to pets. However, laminate floors cannot be refinished and often last for a shorter time than solid hardwood floors do. That’s because hardwood floors can be refinished many times.  

Location

You also need to consider where the floor will be installed. Hardwood floors should not be installed below grade or in bathrooms where there is high-moisture content. Laminate floors are great for all types of rooms.

Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

Hardwood floors are more difficult to clean than laminate floors. That is because you need to minimize the amount of water that is used when cleaning. Laminate, on the other hand, can be cleaned with soap and water as it is an engineered product.

Installation

Installation for laminate flooring is much easier than hardwood floors. That is because laminate floors are typically floating floors or adhered, which are DIY friendly. Hardwoods, on the other hand, need to be nailed or glued and are will likely require professional installation.

Sun Exposure

One thing that you might not think to consider, but is important, is the sun exposure that the floor will be getting. Hardwood floors do not hold up as good to direct sunlight and the floor can fade. This is concerning if you have a lot of furniture or rugs in the room. Laminate, however, typically has a UV inhibitor in the top coat to avoid this.

Trust Monarch Carpets with all your flooring needs in 2020!

If you are trying to decide between laminate and hardwood flooring, Monarch Carpets can help! Since 1937, we’ve been offering quality flooring to our customers and that includes helping them select the best type of floor for their project. Whether you’re looking to finish a basement or want to replace the floors in your kitchen, our expert team can help you choose the right flooring product. No matter what option you choose, you can rest assured that all of our flooring products are quality and made to last. Stop into our showroom today to view what we have to offer!

To learn more about the reliable and quality flooring products that we offer, visit us on the web at Monarch Carpets!