When it comes time to get a new floor for your home, the debate between hardwood and laminate can be a fierce one. If you aren’t sure whether hardwood or laminate is the right option for your home, Monarch Carpets is here to help. Keep reading for four factors to consider when choosing a flooring product for your home.

1. Cost
If budget is your main concern, laminate flooring is the better option. Hardwood flooring can cost between $4 and $15 a square foot on average. The average cost of quality hardwood is around $8 a square foot. That doesn’t include the cost of installation either. Laminate flooring, typically costs less than $5 a square foot, with many floors selling for as little as $1 to $2 per square foot. Plus, you can save on installation costs by installing laminate yourself.
2. Durability
Durability is another area where hardwood and laminate differ. Solid hardwood, while able to stand up to scratches easily, cannot be installed in wet areas or below grade. Laminate, on the other hand, can be installed in bathrooms, basements, and humid areas. If you want a product that can last a lifetime though—albeit with some refinishing—solid hardwood floor is the way to go.
3. Ease of Installation
Installation is one area where laminate flooring takes the prize. Hardwood flooring is typically best left to the professionals due to the tools required to correctly complete the job. You will need saws, a floor nailer or stapler. Laminate, on the other hand, is great for DIYers. Most of the planks simply click together with no fasteners or glue required.
4. Appearance
When it comes down to it, hardwood holds the advantage over laminate. Even a cheaper species of hardwood like oak is more attractive than even the most exotic species offered by laminate manufacturers. From a distance, laminate can look like real wood, but up close, you will be able to tell that the flooring material is not real wood. However, many newer high-quality laminates have a more random pattern and integrated grain textures to make the product look more real.

For help finding the perfect floor for your home, stop by Monarch Carpets today!

When it comes to choosing a flooring product, it is understandable that you want to make the right choice. New flooring is a big investment, but with the help of Monarch Carpets, you can make the right choice. We have been in business for over 87 years and our experienced staff can walk you through the pros and cons of both hardwood and laminate floors. Give us a call today at (213) 388-7568 or stop by our showroom to learn more and start your selection process.

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