and which is easier to care for? real hardwood means the wood is softer right? So what would I do in case of scratches or nicks,etc? I have heard it is the most expensive, but looks really good. Anymore ideas about wood flooring?
2007-03-17 15:53:11 · 9 answers · asked by jennyh 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
Solid hardwood flooring is the best. It can be completely sanded and refinished at least two times. Laminates whether photo finish or a thin veneer of wood are what you have. If scratched the only way to fix is to replace the damaged section which takes extreme care. Solid wood flooring, Oak, Maple, are expensive however will last a long long time. I've refinished Oak flooring which was installed in the early 1900's and they look brand new.
If going laminate, I suggest the wood veneer vs photo finish.
Looks and feels better.
Hisemiester
2007-03-17 16:12:50 · answer #1 · answered by hisemiester 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are vast differences. However if you are not going to be very carefull in the care of the floor go for Laminate because you can't mop with water on hardwood flooring and spills need immediate attention or the floor will warp. Hardwood does not require padding underneath because it has natural resiliance, Laminate is noisy and stiff and requires padding, however it resists scuffs and nicks, scratches and stains whereas the Natural wood is not so forgiving, but the warmth and luster and silence of wood flooring--well it's all good and it's all up to your lifestyle.Laminate, if it's damaged needs to be replaced generally, it's hard to repair. Natural wood lends it'self to sanding and patching and filling. Hope that helps
2007-03-17 23:48:17 · answer #2 · answered by Faerie loue 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hands down hardwood, you will never get a shine on the laminate floors like you do hardwood, plus you can also use the same top coat on the hardwood that they use on gym floors which is really durable....hardwood floors aren't that bad to care for, I run a dust mop over mine every other day and once every month or so I use white vinegar and water and a damp cloth and wipe it down, then apply a coat of orange glo for hardwood floors and they look nice all the time, the nicks and dings only add character to the floor as long as they aren't deep gouges or scratches...good luck with your decision......
2007-03-17 23:24:27 · answer #3 · answered by judy_derr38565 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A real wood floor will take a little more care. But it is not that easily scratched. For the extra expense you will definitely love the beauty of real wood. With the right finish it will not be much harder to care for that a laminate. But it will out last a laminate for years. Even the new laminates. They have them guaranteed for 20 to 30 years but a real wood floor is timeless. Hard wood is hard. So any scratches may even scratch a laminate.
2007-03-17 23:00:41 · answer #4 · answered by skip1960 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hardwood flooring is definitely better. Okay, so it uses and gets scratches but laminate flooring a just sawdust and glue with a plastic laminate covering... If you ever plan to sell your house, keep in mind that there is no resale value with laminate flooring.
Wood flooring is a much better investment, hands down. And it is easy to care for.
Also, laminate flooring is not good when talking about soundproofing. Tell me how you think it sounds to walk on plastic... cause that's what you'll be walking on if you use laminate flooring.
Have you thought of another option? Cork flooring is warm, easy to care for, absolutely gorgeous and has excellent resale value.... So you might want to look into that!
2007-03-17 23:10:03 · answer #5 · answered by The ReDesign Diva 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Would flooring is a little more expensive, however when you can polish it, and maintain a shine on it much easier than the laminent. As far as scratches and knicks in it, unless you are really rough on it, there should not be a problem, I have real wood, and 2 labradors ... trust me with them running on it, it still looks brand new and my house was built in the 50's
2007-03-17 23:01:07 · answer #6 · answered by catelynn62 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hardwood floors look alot better in my opinion. But the laminate looks good too. And if you are on a strict budget then laminate would probably be your best choice.
2007-03-18 00:09:58 · answer #7 · answered by jenn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The laminates that they sell today are OK,but they don't last as long as the real wood. You pay a little more, but it is worth it in the end.
Real wood is not necessarily softer. You can get cherry for example and that is a hard wood.
2007-03-17 23:01:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorrty to those lamiate flooring folks, but.....hardwood is more expensive and definitely better. Seen both..have hardwood..can't convince me of lamiante and I ahve talked to the pro's,. Hardwood definitely.
2007-03-18 00:39:05 · answer #9 · answered by managermom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋