Hardwood Flooring vs Laminate Flooring: Difference and Comparison

Hardwood Flooring and Laminate Flooring is one of the most well-accepted flooring techniques. Hardwood Flooring is obtained from high-quality woods and provides a premium look for flooring.

Laminate Flooring looks exactly like high-quality wood flooring, but they are not. Both Hardwood Flooring and Laminate Flooring are extremely similar flooring techniques, yet they are exceptionally different from each other too.

Key Takeaways

  1. Hardwood flooring is made of real wood and can be sanded and refinished, while laminate flooring is made of synthetic materials and cannot be sanded or refinished.
  2. Hardwood flooring is more expensive than laminate flooring but can add value to a home and last for decades with proper care.
  3. Laminate flooring is more affordable and easy to install, making it a popular choice for DIY projects and rental properties.

Hardwood Flooring vs Laminate Flooring

Hardwood flooring is made from real wood and can come in a variety of species, such as oak, maple, and cherry. It is known for its natural beauty and durability. Laminate flooring is made from a high-density fiberboard core that is covered with a printed layer that simulates the look of wood, stone, or tile.

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Hardwood Flooring is one of the most well-approved and well-known flooring materials obtained from the wood of real hardwood trees. Hardwood Flooring materials are highly admired, estimable, and exemplary quality flooring materials.

Hardwood Flooring is not endorsed for wet or watery areas because of its damaging nature to water. Laminate Flooring is the most used, prestigious, and in-demand flooring material obtained from fiberwood that looks extremely similar to Real Hardwoods, but it is not real Hardwood.

Laminate Flooring is not endorsed for wet or watery areas because Laminate Flooring materials may get damaged when coming in contact with water.

Comparison Table

Parameters of ComparisonHardwood FlooringLaminate Flooring
DefinitionHardwood Flooring is the high-standard and high-quality flooring material of Hardwood tree woods.Laminate Flooring exactly looks like high-quality Hardwood, but they are not real Hardwoods.
WoodHardwood Flooring mostly makes use of Hardwood from trees.Laminate Flooring mostly makes use of Fibrewood.
Water ResistanceHardwood Flooring is not indorsed for wet areas due to its poor water resistance.Laminate Flooring is not indorsed for wet areas as it is not resistant to water.
Heat ResistanceHardwood Flooring has very poor fire resistance.Laminate Flooring has high fire resistance.
CostHardwood Flooring is the most high-priced.Laminate Flooring is mostly low-priced.
LifetimeHardwood Flooring lasts for more years.Laminate Flooring lasts for fewer years.

What is Hardwood Flooring?

Hardwoods Flooring is the most long-lasting flooring material with a pre-finished and premium look. The choice of pattern for Hardwood Flooring can be selected and implemented, such as plain and classy patterns.

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Moreover, the wood for Hardwood Flooring can be selected according to its color, texture, and age. Hardwood flooring provides a luxurious and cosy vibe to the flooring.

The wood for Hardwood Flooring is classified into many varieties, such as Walnut wood, Cherry wood Oakwood, White oak wood, Maple wood, Teakwood, Pinewood, Cedarwood, Bamboo Wood, Eucalyptus wood, and many more.

Walnut, Teak, and Cherry woods are the most high-end, lightweight, classy, and unique textured wood, most commonly known for their magnificent color and radiant look.

Cedar, Pine, and Maple wood are the most well-admired and low-priced affordable Hardwood Flooring woods well known for their texture, durability, and cost-efficiency.

Hardwood Flooring is not endorsed for wet areas due to its extremely poor resistance towards water. Hardwood Flooring is prone to fungus and gets damaged when in contact with water.

Moreover, Hardwood Flooring is not pet-friendly as it easily gets scratched and needs to be repolished annually to maintain the radiance of the wood. Hardwood Floorings are always warm and cosy and last for a lifetime.

hardwood flooring

What is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate Flooring is the most commonly used, eminent, well-approved, and in-demand flooring material obtained from fiberwood created with the help of adhesives to look identical to the natural woods.

The presence of adhesives in Laminate Flooring releases formaldehyde gas that can sometimes be harmful to health, yet the adhesives used are well-controlled and has a very lower amount of toxins that are considered to be safe for flooring.

The installation process of Laminate Flooring can be done effortlessly by anybody, as it is extremely easy to implement. Laminate Flooring is exceptionally pet-friendly as it does not easily get scratched and need not be repolished annually.

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However, even after starting stage of the degradation process of the Laminate Flooring material, it is impossible to repolish due to its single-layer nature. Laminate Flooring is not suggested for wet areas such as bathrooms and watery areas due to its tremendously poor resistance towards water.

Laminate Flooring materials are cost-efficient and easily available in the market, yet they lack durability as it does not last very long due to the poor quality of the materials. Laminate Flooring has high fire resistance and is endorsed for kitchen flooring.

laminate flooring

Main Differences Between Hardwood Flooring and Laminate Flooring

  1. Hardwood Flooring is a high-standard material made of Hardwood tree wood, whereas Laminate Flooring looks exactly like high-quality wood.
  2. Hardwood Flooring does not comprise adhesive chemicals, whereas Laminate Flooring includes adhesives.
  3. Hardwood Flooring has extremely poor fire resistance, whereas Laminate Flooring has high fire resistance.
  4. Hardwood Flooring is the most high-priced, whereas Laminate Flooring is mostly low-priced.
  5. Hardwood Flooring is long-lasting and lasts for more years, whereas Laminate Flooring lasts for fewer years.
Difference Between Hardwood Flooring and Laminate Flooring
References
  1. https://smartech.gatech.edu/handle/1853/29660
  2. https://asa.scitation.org/doi/abs/10.1121/1.4782562
  3. https://search.proquest.com/openview/070599ebd70d2c30b7047aa40d98687d/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=586301

Last Updated : 06 August, 2023

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23 thoughts on “Hardwood Flooring vs Laminate Flooring: Difference and Comparison”

  1. This article offers a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the properties of hardwood and laminate flooring. It’s a must-read for anyone contemplating a flooring upgrade.

    Reply
    • I completely agree. The comparison table provides a clear overview of the key differences between hardwood and laminate flooring, making it easier for readers to make informed decisions.

      Reply
    • Absolutely, Robinson Donna. The article’s detailed insights into the various types of wood and their characteristics make it an indispensable resource for homeowners.

      Reply
  2. The article provides an excellent overview of both hardwood and laminate flooring. The detailed descriptions and comparisons of their characteristics are highly beneficial for potential homeowners.

    Reply
    • I absolutely agree, Max61. The information provided about the water resistance, heat resistance, and lifespans of both hardwood and laminate flooring is particularly insightful for those considering a new floor.

      Reply
  3. The detailed descriptions of hardwood and laminate flooring are incredibly helpful and informative. This article provides a clear understanding of the unique features of each type of flooring.

    Reply
    • I agree, Collins Harry. The article provides valuable insights into the variety of wood options for hardwood flooring and the ease of installation for laminate flooring.

      Reply
    • I couldn’t have said it better, Collins Harry. The comparison table and the detailed explanations of individual characteristics really make this article a valuable resource for readers.

      Reply
  4. The breakdown of the various types of wood used for hardwood flooring is quite impressive. This article really helped me understand the importance of choosing the right flooring material for different areas of a home.

    Reply
    • I share your sentiments, Summer09. The information provided about the different varieties of wood and their characteristics is crucial for anyone considering hardwood or laminate flooring.

      Reply
  5. The article does a great job explaining the key differences and benefits of both hardwood and laminate flooring. It’s clear that hardwood flooring has several advantages, particularly in terms of longevity and quality.

    Reply
    • I couldn’t agree more, Jordan Ward. The detailed description of the water resistance, heat resistance, and cost of both types of flooring makes it easier for readers to make an informed decision.

      Reply
  6. The comparison between hardwood and laminate flooring is thoroughly researched and well-presented. It’s evident that both types of flooring have their distinct advantages and applications.

    Reply
    • I share your views, Leah97. The article effectively highlights the differences in water resistance, heat resistance, and overall cost between hardwood and laminate flooring.

      Reply
  7. This article offers a comprehensive overview of both hardwood and laminate flooring. It’s a great resource for anyone looking to learn more about the pros and cons of each type of flooring.

    Reply
  8. The detailed comparison of hardwood and laminate flooring is extremely informative and well-structured. The information presented in this article is essential for individuals looking to upgrade their flooring.

    Reply
    • I couldn’t have said it better, Campbell Lucy. The article is a valuable resource for anyone considering the installation of new flooring, providing a wealth of information about the pros and cons of each type.

      Reply
  9. I found the comparison between hardwood and laminate flooring to be very insightful. It’s clear that both have their advantages and disadvantages, and this article does a great job of highlighting them.

    Reply
    • I absolutely agree. The information provided will help readers make informed decisions when it comes to choosing the right flooring material for their homes.

      Reply
    • Indeed, Muhammad26. The detailed analysis of the water and heat resistance, as well as the cost and lifetime of both flooring options, is invaluable for those considering a new floor.

      Reply
  10. This comparison between hardwood and laminate flooring is very informative and enlightening. I appreciate the detailed breakdown of the differences between the two types of flooring.

    Reply
    • I found the comparison table to be very helpful to understand the distinct features of hardwood and laminate flooring. This article gives a comprehensive overview of the topic.

      Reply
    • I agree, Jade85. The information about the different types of wood used for hardwood flooring and the potential downsides of laminate flooring is particularly useful.

      Reply

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