To the untrained eye, it may be difficult to distinguish the differences between hardwood and laminate flooring. Natural hardwood and an engineered laminate often look incredibly similar. However, there are some key differences that we hope all of our clients are aware of.

When considering what type of hardwood will be the best fit for your home, you should consider as much information as possible. After all, with the longevity and durability of hardwood, your final choice will ultimately be what you will have to live with for a long time.

At Smith Bros, we offer both natural hardwood and laminate flooring options. In order to help you decide which option is better for you, there are a number of factors you should consider.

Hardwood vs. Laminate

Below, we have outlined four main areas in which natural hardwoods differ from engineered laminates:

• Durability and Upkeep

Generally, hardwood floors are more susceptible to scratching and damage as a result of excess moisture built up on the surface of the wood. Over time, hardwood tends to show wear much more than laminate flooring, and, if stained, hardwood can actually change color over time.

Laminates tend to be more resistant to scratches, moisture, and general wear and tear. Laminates do tend to smudge or stain much more easily than hardwood, and laminate flooring often requires special padding underneath to dampen excessive noise.

• Cost

Both hardwood and laminate flooring are considerably cheaper than common stone flooring options, such as granite or marble. Basic hardwood usually costs anywhere from $10-$13 per square foot while laminate flooring ranges from $7-$11 per square foot.

• Repair

With hardwood flooring, imperfections or blemishes can be relatively easy to repair by sanding and refinishing the affected area. Laminate flooring, on the other hand, is much more difficult to repair. With laminates, imperfections often necessitate the replacement of an entire, individual panel that can be snapped together with existing flooring. However, this practice always runs the risk of reinstalling a new piece that doesn’t quite match your existing floors.

• Life Expectancy

Typically, hardwood floors last much longer than prefabricated laminate flooring. Hardwood floors have a lifespan lasting up to 75 years while laminate flooring typically must be replaced by the 20-year mark.

Find What You Want at Smith Bros

As you can see, there are some considerable differences between hardwood and laminate flooring. We hope that this comparison will assist you in making the final decision that is best for your home, your family, and your lifestyle.

At Smith Bros, we pride ourselves on offering a wide variety of options for our clients and our expert salespeople in our show room are glad to help you sort through these options to find the hardwood or laminate selection that will leave you feeling satisfied for years to come.

If you would like to visit our show room to see our variety of hardwood options first hand, please visit our contact page to see hours and location of the nearest show room to you.

If you are interested in learning more about the products and services that our team at Smith Bros is proud to offer, please visit us online or give us a call directly today at 1-403-255-7791!

By Mark Freeland Join me on Google +