You’ve made up your mind. It’s finally time for new flooring in your home. The only issue now is determining what type of flooring to purchase. You know you want a wood look, but can’t decide between hardwood and laminate floors. There are pros and cons of both and if you’ve hemmed and hawed for hours before turning to the greatest source of information—the internet!—you’ve come to the right place! We will walk you through the pros and cons of hardwood and laminate floors so you can make the right choice for your home!

What are the benefits of hardwood floors?

There are some benefits of hardwood floors that go beyond the fact that they greatly elevate the look of your home. Hardwood floors are also low maintenance and very easy to clean. They are also stronger and more durable than other flooring options and you won’t need to worry about the color fading. Plus, hardwood floors are timeless and can be refinished many times in different colors and shades.

What are the advantages of laminate flooring?

Laminate floors don’t get as much positive press, but there are many advantages of installing laminate floors in your home as well. First, they can be installed anywhere, even in below-grade spaces or areas with more moisture. Plus, they have good scratch and abrasion resistance and are also easy to clean. Laminate floors are also available in many different finishes and stains because they are machine-made. Installation of these floating floors is also easier than hardwoods and they typically snap together easily.

Will laminate floors hold up with pets?

Something to consider is how well flooring types will hold up to pets, especially if you have large dogs. Laminate floors are very scratch and abrasion resistant, which is great for those with pets. However, they cannot be refinished if they do become scratched or dented. Alternatively, hardwood floors do not fare as well with pets when it comes to scratches and gouges, but they can be sanded and refinished many times.

Does laminate or hardwood flooring cost less?

Typically, laminate flooring costs less than hardwood. Laminate flooring can be purchased for as little as $1.5 to $3 a square foot, whereas quality hardwood flooring is typically north of $5 a square foot. When you look at installed costs, the disparity becomes even greater because laminate flooring can be installed by the average DIY homeowner, whereas hardwood typically requires professional installation.

Trust Monarch Carpet With All Of Your Flooring Needs!

If you are looking to install new floors in your home, it is important to consider a variety of options to find the one that works best for you. At Monarch Carpet, we have a wide selection of flooring options from laminate and hardwood to carpets and area rugs. If you are interested in seeing what we have to offer, call us at (213) 388-7568 or stop by our showroom today!