Difference Between Laminate and Hardwood Flooring
Angiosperm trees are a source of a kind of wood called hardwood. These days, this kind of wood is a popular choice in flooring. Hardwood flooring can be purchases in different colors, shapes and designs to add elegance to any room. Being a completely natural product, hardwood does not cause any form of allergies to people. Using hardwood, people can easily create countless patterns and designs for their flooring. Being made from one solid layer of pure wood, hardwood is certainly one of the strongest wood flooring you can use in your living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms.
Another flooring method is what we call laminate flooring. This kind of flooring provides a great tile, stone or even hardwood look to your floor. Although not made from real wood, laminated flooring can be a perfect hardwood floor alternative. It’s very resistant to sunlight which comes very handy in your offices, shops and even homes.
Although there are a lot of other materials for flooring currently available in the market, laminate flooring and hardwood are still among the most popular choices. Laminate flooring, besides being the newer of the two, has a few other advantages over hardwood. Laminate flooring is more durable; some even claim it’s 15 times stronger than the multiple-layered hardwood. In case of damage, laminate flooring is easier to repair as well. It’s also more durable and can withstand most factors that usually damage floors like humidity and temperature, including bacteria and pests. Laminate flooring does not trap water or dirt which making it easier to clean compared to hardwood which requires a lot more cleaning and other cleaning products.
Although both laminate and hardwood flooring are prone to surface scratches, hardwood gets scratched easier. This is because laminate flooring is not made of wood and has a smooth surface that deflects most pointed objects. Still, some people prefer hardwood even if its price is a lot higher compared to laminate wood since it can provide a more natural feel and firmer grip. But practical people who really want to make the most of their purchases, laminate flooring; with its multiple layers that make it as strong as possible, is still the most popular choice.