Is Laminate Wood Better Than Hardwood

Laminate engineered wood solid hardwood and vinyl.

Is laminate wood better than hardwood. Laminate flooring generally is less expensive than engineered hardwood. If you re seeking an alternative to hardwood but laminate doesn t sound like the material for you consider engineered wood or luxury vinyl. The more you spend the thicker the laminate tiles will be. Cheaper versions have 1 4 inch cores and the photo reproductions may not be as realistic as more expensive versions.

Photo by johnson mcleod design consultants cons of wood look tile. Even if the surface is kept well sealed cracks between engineered wood or laminate boards can allow moisture to penetrate to the organic substrate plywood or fiberboard causing it to swell or. By amy lynch photo. Over the years laminate has improved its appearance and is able to mimic wood better than ever.

Not only are the materials themselves cheaper but laminate wood installation cost is on average 50 percent less than hardwood installation. Both resemble true hardwood but each comes with its own benefits and disadvantages. Engineered hardwood debate right there. Neither laminate or engineered wood is a great choice for humid damp locations although both are better than solid hardwood in these situations.

Major differences solid hardwood flooring as the name suggests is comprised of flooring boards that are solid hardwood material through and through. The boards usually 3 4 inch thick are generally milled with a smooth top surface and tongue and groove edges that interlock to hold the boards together. Discover whether hardwood or wood look flooring is the better pick for your place with this side by side comparison of laminate and hardwood. Laminate runs 1 to 7 per square foot depending on the quality.

While the flooring market has an abundance of both types of materials in most cases solid or engineered hardwood flooring is a wiser healthier and more environmentally conscious choice than laminate. If you have your heart set on having a wood or faux wood floor you have four choices. Newer and typically more expensive laminates have embossed and textured surfaces to replicate the look and underfoot feel of solid hardwood. More rigid than luxury vinyl aka non resilient.

The image of hardwood is then placed over the composite wood covering it to form the laminate. Laminate flooring can cost 3 7 per square foot including installation. Laminate and engineered versus hardwood or vinyl. While confusing at first differences between hardwood and laminate flooring become quite obvious when inspected closely.