How To Choose Between Hardwood and Laminate

The differences between hardwood and laminate flooring go beyond simple cost and personal taste. While most homeowners think of hardwood as the cream of the crop and laminate as a consolation prize, that doesn’t tell the whole story.

Both types of flooring have their pros and cons, which is why we’ve put together a few quick questions to ask yourself before you decide which style is right for your home.

Do You Have Pets?

If you have a dog, cat, or any other animal with sharp claws and lots of fur, laminate is a better bet for your floors. Not only is it harder to scratch, it’s also water-resistant, so accidents are easy to clean up. Hardwoods, on the other hand, are more vulnerable to scratches, and the smell of animal waste can cling to the wood even after washing.

Are You Trying To Improve Your Home’s Resale Value?

While new floors of any kind can add to your home’s resale value, hardwoods have become increasingly popular among homebuyers. Not only will hardwoods improve your home’s value more than laminate will, but they may also attract buyers who otherwise might not be interested.

Hardwood floors typically yield a 75% return when it comes time to sell your home. But with proper care and maintenance, that percentage could be even higher.

Will You Install It Yourself?

Seasoned DIYers can handle almost anything a project throws at them, but some things are easier than others. In this case, laminate is significantly easier to install than hardwood, and errors are less expensive to correct. If you plan on performing your own installation, we recommend you stick with laminate floors.

Is This Your Forever Home?

Hardwoods don’t just improve your resale value, they’ll also last a lifetime. Unlike laminate floors, which may need to be replaced in as soon as ten years, hardwoods can last as long as your home still stands. All you need to do to keep them healthy and beautiful is keep up with regular maintenance and, periodically have them refinished. So, if you plan on spending decades in this home, we recommend hardwood floors.

Still not sure which style of flooring is right for you? Contact our experts Hamernick’s for guidance from the team you can trust. And if you’ve already decided, take a look at our online selection and find the right floors for your home today.