Whats the difference between laminate flooring and hardware flooring and which one is cheaper?

Answer 1

Laminate flooring is a synthetic material made to almost look like real hardwood and is cheaper. I would go with real hardwood.

Answer 2

Hun, it all depends on the room, and who is living in your home! Laminate may be the cheapest up front, but wear and tear in terms of years, I'd vote for hardwood.

We had a laminated floor in our kitchen, thinking it was the best way to go in case things spill. Boy oh boy we were wrong. I turns out having a single dog can change the type of flooring you need. If you have a dog, its claws can go right through the laminate, and if they like to chew, they will find a corner and can pull up the whole floor.

She does fine on the hardwood, she might scratch a little here or there, but it doesn't tear on claws, (or sharp edges of stoves, fridges, or other appliances. Hardwood also is actually an energy saver. Is holds in heat better then laminate during the winter, and also warms up faster.


Even in a home without a dog, (or children or cats) I think the only good place for laminate it a pantry or a bathroom.


I forgot! There are places where you can buy used hardwood from demolished or remodeled homes, used wood can give your floor the character you want, without breaking the bank!

Another, newer option is processed bambo. They press it into planks the same as hardwoork, but it is lighter and slightly cheaper, Plus, its MUCH easier to replace if you can find a local supply. It isnt carried heavily in stores yet, but it is a good option to look into

Answer 3

Hardwood floor is made of real wood. It needs to be varnished. It is easily scratched and dented and needs to be refinished after a few years (usually 3) in high traffic areas. You can put a rug over high traffic areas but keep in mind that the wood will change colors after a while with a rug on top. If you ever have a water seepage or flooding problem, unless the water exposure is major, the hardwood flooring won't be damaged. It is much more expensive to install (you usually need to hire a professional), the upkeep is more expensive but the upside is that if you ever want to sell your home, hardwood flooring gets you a better price.than Laminate flooring, is basically pressed particle board that is covered with a plastic covering made to imitate hardwood. This is then protected by plastic laminate. The upside is that it is easy to install (you can do it yourself) is easy to clean, hard to scratch and won't easily dent. On the downside, if ever you have water infiltration in a room with laminate flooring, the flooring will be ruined completely as the particle board acts like a sponge to water and will soak it up in no time and will expand. Because laminate flooring is not sealed with a varnish, the water will seep into the cracks between the boards down to the particle board. Laminate flooring is relatively inexpensive but that also means that if you ever want to sell your home, your laminate flooring will not be a big attraction factor.

If you can afford hardwood flooring, that's the way to go.

Answer 4

Laminate flooring is made of a very thin layer (as little as 1/16 of an inch!) of your choice of wood, applied over other, cheaper wood, used as the base. A good hardwood flooring can be made of solid wood, or can be 1/2 inch thick or more of your choice of wood. A laminate cannot be refinished, EVER. The other kind can, as many times as there is still good wood available. Laminate flooring sounds more like plastic when you walk on it, whereas solid hardwood sounds, well, like solid wood. Laminate is always cheaper, but there are many sources on line that will be cheaper than home improvement stores or flooring contractor prices. If you have any experience in working with wood, tools, or are good at measuring, this is a job that a homeowner team can do. My husband and I layed all 2000+ square feet of solid, nail down hardwood ourselves. Also, you can save money by buying unfinished, if you know anything about painting (Contractor friend?) Hope this helps! Good Luck!

Answer 5

Most answers you got is correct but off a little bit. Laminated wood flooring is just as it sounds. Laminated. It consists of layers of wood and wood bye-products. The top layer or skin is made up of real wood and is stained to what ever finish you are looking for. The remaining layers are cris crossed for strength and durability. This is cheaper then installing solid hardwood. Also toss out the mop and bucket because you "WILL" damage your laminate. Follow the manufacturers recommendation on cleaning.

Answer 6

Okay. I used regular hard wood flooring twice and both time it buckled in the middle of the floor. I then decided to go to laminate and it was so much cheaper, it looks better, and it is easier to maintain and clean. Hope that answers you question.

Answer 7

Though hardware flooring is costly then laminated one but as civil engineer I suggesting 2 use the 1st. one, as in long run the initial investment will be adjusted.

Answer 8

Laminate may be cheaper but real wood is so much better and hardier. Look at Lumber Liquidators on line.

Answer 9

Laminate is cheaper, hardwood is very expensive.

Answer 10

laminated is cheaper - looks like real hardwood but cannot be refinished

Real hardwood is more expensive but you get what you pay for.

Looks and resale - laminate

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