Comparison of Hardwood Flooring & Wood Laminate Flooring

Price and Style

• While laminate flooring looks a lot like authentic hardwood, there is a noticeable difference that may not work for your home. Laminate is significantly less expensive than hardwood, but if you truly love the look and feel of wood flooring, or prefer a type of wood that cannot be replicated by laminate, then hardwood may be a better choice. If your home is more high-end, laminate may look cheap, while the expense of hardwood may not be justified in a modest environment.
  
  

Maintenance

• Hardwood floors need to be cleaned and sometimes refinished; however, laminates cannot be refinished and so may not be suitable for those who may wish to strip and re-stain at a later date. It can be difficult to repair laminate flooring, since the pieces usually interlock and middle sections cannot be removed by themselves. Laminate flooring can be cleaned using a broom, dry mop or vacuum cleaner and rarely need to be mopped, whereas hardwoods require more frequent cleaning and polishing.
  
  

Durability

• Laminate flooring is more impact and scratch resistant than hardwood flooring due to its layered construction. Once it becomes scratched, it is more difficult to repair than hardwood flooring. Laminate is also more stain and fade resistant, since it features a protective coating.