When you want a wooden look to your floors you have two main choices available – laminate and hardwood. Laminate flooring is a composite wood material made with pressboard and resin, and hardwood as the name implies is made of actual hardwood planks. Both can produce a natural and warm look to the floor of any room, but there are some significant differences that need to be taken into account when choosing which might be best for your home.
Price
Laminate is less expensive due to the larger scale of manufacturing composite materials. Hardwood can vary in price depending on how exotic the wood is though reasonable prices can be found for more common varieties. That said, laminate will always be easier on your wallet.
Looks
Laminate is imprinted with standard patterns depending on the type of wood it’s designed to emulate. This means that there will be repetition in any laminate floor and some may see this as a pleasant aesthetic choice. No two hardwood planks are the same, and can often vary tremendously in grain from tree to tree – this creates less of a cohesive look but much more of a natural one.
Durability
In terms of how much physical punishment these floors can take, laminate is far more durable and highly resistant to moisture, staining, and fading – in fact many manufactures offer ten to twenty-five year warranties on the finish. Hardwood’s sturdiness is dependent on the type of wood and the manufacturing process though generally speaking it can dent and scratch more easily. It is important to note however that if that dent or scratch occurs hardwood is far easier to repair since it can be sanded down and covered with additional stain. Repairs on laminate are far more difficult.
Longevity
You can expect twenty years of use out of laminate flooring since that’s about the time it will take for the finish to begin to wear out. Hardwood, properly maintained, can last a lifetime especially considering it can be refinished multiple times rather than replaced as laminate must be.
Maintenance
A little dry mopping and wiping with a damp cloth, along with the usual sweeping is enough to keep any laminate looking pretty. Hardwood needs special cleaners to preserve the finish and a quick response to any spills or stains to prevent the floor from being marred permanently.
In the end you’ll need to make the decision on which flooring is the perfect choice for you. We have both choices readily available, and if you want to take a better look, come down to our showroom and let our team help you make a decision you won’t regret.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should Toronto homeowners know about laminate vs. hardwood – making call?
When considering laminate vs. hardwood – making call, evaluate durability, maintenance requirements, and cost per square foot for your specific needs. Tony’s Flooring Centre at 268 Royal York Rd offers expert advice and free estimates to help you make the right choice for your Toronto home.
How long does hardwood flooring last?
Quality hardwood flooring lasts 25 to 100 years with proper maintenance. Solid hardwood can be refinished multiple times, extending its life significantly. The National Wood Flooring Association recommends professional refinishing every 7-10 years.
Can hardwood floors be installed over concrete in Toronto?
Engineered hardwood can be installed over concrete using a floating or glue-down method. Solid hardwood generally requires a plywood subfloor over concrete. A moisture barrier is essential in Toronto due to seasonal humidity changes.
Get a Free Flooring Estimate in Toronto
Ready to upgrade your floors? Tony’s Flooring Centre has helped Toronto homeowners since 1961. Visit our showroom at 268 Royal York Rd, Etobicoke, or call (416) 255-9631 for a free consultation. Contact us today to get started.