Laminate Or Real Wood Flooring In Bedrooms?

Question

Hi. We have old carpet in all of our 3 bedrooms and want to replace it with laminate or real wood floor. We will probably be moving within the next year or two and have two children. Which would you recommend?

Answer 1

Solid wood flooring and plastic laminate flooring each have their pros and cons. Solid wood flooring is timeless and provides a look of elegance to a home that is unbeatable when it comes to flooring. However, solid wood floors are susceptible to moisture. Laminate flooring, on the other hand is lower cost and ideal for active families with pets, though it has a less elegant look and cannot be refinished.

Solid wood flooring is exactly that – solid wood. It is solid wood that typically comes in ¾” board strips and is available in many types of wood including Oak, Maple, Cherry, and Hickory. It can be purchased pre-finished or unfinished. It can also be sanded and refinished multiple times and can last many decades.

Solid wood flooring is susceptible to high humidity and moisture so it should only be used on ground or above ground levels. You should think twice before considering using it in a basement. Due to the fact that solid wood floors are moisture sensitive they can have the tendency to expand, contract or cup. The cupping action causes the wood edges to stick up, which can lead to floor damage and even tripping.


Solid wood flooring is also sensitive to scratches, though this can be mitigated with your choice of wood flooring as well as how you finish/seal the floor.

Solid wood flooring is typically more expensive than laminate flooring however it is well worth the investment. Solid wood flooring is actually one type of flooring that can raise the value of your home. If you are building, or have a high end home, then you should definitely go with solid wood flooring as most high end home buyers will prefer solid wood floors over laminate flooring.

Laminate flooring is basically made out of plastic with a photographic image of wood sandwiched in between the layers of plastic. Laminate floors are very durable and great for high traffic areas and active families, however they cannot be refinished once scuffed up and/or scratched. There are also limited colors/patterns to choose from. Laminate flooring can typically be cleaned with a damp mop, however excessive moisture can damage the laminate if water seeps in around the edges of the boards.

Laminate flooring is considered to be impervious to stains and dents and will not fade. Typically warranties on laminate flooring products, are 10 years or more.

Laminate flooring comes in various thicknesses from 6mm to 12mm. The thicker the material the longer it will last. In addition, the more it will simulate real solid wood floors, not just in appearance but also in sound when walking on it.

In regards to installation, a homeowner with a few basic tools can install both solid wood floors and laminate flooring. However, before installation a homeowner should first do their homework. Particularly with solid wood floors, it is important to allow for expansion of the material. Thus it is important to not butt the solid wood floor directly up against a wall.

If you are anticipating only staying a few years in a home and have children and pets, laminate flooring, can make a lot of sense, particularly as it is typically lower cost than solid wood flooring. If you plan to be in a home for a long period of time and want to make a serious investment in the home, then consider solid wood floors.

Do keep in mind though that solid wood floors will net you a better return on your investment than laminate will.

Answer 2

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RE:
Laminate Or Real Wood Flooring In Bedrooms?
Hi. We have old carpet in all of our 3 bedrooms and want to replace it with laminate or real wood floor. We will probably be moving within the next year or two and have two children. Which would you recommend?

Answer 3

Wood Flooring In Bedroom

Answer 4

laminate wood flooring is a cheaper route to go, but in my opinion it definately looks cheaper, and you can feel the difference when walking on it. laminate has a hollow sound to it when walked over, because generally it isn't glued down at all; it's just interlocked into one another, whereas real wood is glued to the slab/underlayment. if you can afford it, go with the real wood. you'll enjoy it more in the long run, and the resell value of your house will be more as well. good luck!

Answer 5

laminet is great and easy to clean. you say kids so you may want the laminant.
I did this in Nj. did my living room. and got a great resale on the house.
I did have a dog and just occasional vac kept is good. onec a month damp mop and it look brand new all the time.

Answer 6

laminate for bedrooms perfect its not for all the floor you can see with all the furniture just make sure your supplier gives you sound proofing underlay if your on timber floor

Answer 7

then go with laminate. that is of course if there isnt old hard wood under your rugs. if there is just have them refinished, itll look like new, trust me..

Answer 8

Oak. Laminate is crap. Adds no value to the house.