About FAF Blog

The flooring blog at FindAnyFloor.com keeps you up to date with the latest flooring features, tips and hot topics? Find out what’s going on beneath those feet of yours! Visit the FindAnyFloor.com floor blog and stay up to date on all things flooring. Ask questions and find answers from our flooring pros! We also have a family of flooring blogs that cover topics such as green flooring, topics for floor professionals, and our corporate floor blog to keep up with everything at FindAnyFloor.com.

< < Jul

August 2020

= New Post

Hardwood Flooring vs. Laminate Floors Revisited

By FAF Staff Writer, (975 words) Posted in Hardwood Flooring on July 25, 2009
There are (50) comments permalink

A lot has been written about hardwood flooring versus laminate floors. You probably found this blog and many other hardwood and laminate flooring blogs or articles by searching online. Because of the constant questions that we receive, we are going to revisit the topic of how hardwood and laminate floors differ as well as how these two types of floors share similarities.

Each person reading this blog may have a different reason for wanting to know differences between hardwood and laminate flooring. Some of you might have been told they are the same, or wonder if laminate floors are more scratch resistant then hardwood. Below we are going to try and answer the most popular hardwood flooring vs. laminate floor questions. If you don’t get your floor question answered here, feel free to post a reply to this flooring blog and this social floor community will do its best to assist you.

First, let’s start by making sure that everyone reading this floor blog understands the definitions of hardwood and laminate flooring. Hardwood floors are natural products that can be either solid construction or engineered. Popular types (called species) of hardwood floors are red oak, maple, hickory, Brazilian cherry, teak and walnut. Laminate flooring is made with a solid fiber board core with a photograph of wood on the surface protected by a laminated surface.

The most popular hardwood versus laminate floor question is related to the visual appearance and everything related such as scratch, wear, and moisture resistance. Years ago a person in or out of the floor industry could easily tell the difference between laminate and hardwood floors. One easy way was just looking at them. Hardwood floors seemed natural, because it is, and laminate flooring looked like a photograph laminated like a driver's license. In addition, walking on the floors would prove just as telling as hardwood sounded denser which laminate felt and sounded thin and like walking on thick plastic. Sure, some of these differences remain today, but laminate flooring has become much more advanced and even flooring professionals can't tell the difference between hardwood and laminate by just the mere appearance. Of course, the more expensive the laminate becomes, the more "real" it appears. If you are thinking you can find a .89 cent laminate floor at a discount floor store or online through a flooring e–tailer that will fool your friends and family, think again.

When it comes to scratch resistance, laminate floors are the king. Although some hardwood flooring manufacturers have invented great finishes that protect hardwood floors from scratches, laminate floors are typically more resistant and show minor scratches to the surfaces less. Now, what if either type of flooring gets a scratch, this is where hardwood flooring shines over laminate floors. Hardwood can be repaired by either using a scratch repair kit or by having the floors refinished. Laminate is difficult if not impossible to repair. We have seen repairs made to laminate floors, and you can always seem to tell where as hardwood looks new again or is at least a lot less noticeable.

long with scratches, many floor consumers are concerned with denting or impact resistance. Hardwood floors vary in density and hardness is measured using the Janka Hardness Test. Even the hardest woods such as Ipe (Brazilian Walnut) and Cumaru, can dent. This is not to say that laminate floors will not dent, because they will, but do to the fact that they are made from fiberboard, they are a lot denser, therefore resisting dents.

One area where both types of flooring are susceptible to damage is from moisture. Hardwoods are natural and therefore changes in the humidity may affect they appearance do the expansion and contraction of the cellular construction. Laminate flooring is made from fiberboard, and although many companies have made moisture resistant fiberboard, most laminate is still vulnerable to wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. The difference between hardwood and laminate flooring regarding moisture is that hardwood can typically be repaired by drying out and being sanded and refinished. Laminate floors on the other hand typically have to be replaced if they suffer any moisture damage. This is because laminate flooring cannot be sanded and refinished. I typically tell people that laminate is like cardboard when it gets wet. Even when the cardboard dries it is never back to its new condition and always has some distortion left from the wet and dry process. The best thing for both hardwood and laminate floors are to keep moisture away from them.

In today's economic climate, FindAnyFloor.com gets a lot of flooring questions from consumers regarding the ease of Do It Yourself floor installation. More importantly we are asked if they can install hardwood flooring just as easy as laminate. The answers typically revolve around a person's knowledge and skill level with home improvement products. The easiest answer is this; if you want to install hardwood flooring yourself as a DIY project, you should consider click lock engineered hardwood flooring. The locking mechanism is different from traditional tongue and groove and engineered floors install much like their laminate flooring counterparts. In addition, most engineered hardwood flooring doesn't have to be glued or nailed down, making the installation much easier as a DIY (Do It Yourself) project. In any event, we always recommend that consumers consult a flooring installation professional before beginning a floor project.

The last point we will make about hardwood vs. laminate flooring is the life expectancy. Many people will assume that since laminate doesn't scratch as easily, that it will last longer or look better long term. This is really not the case. Hardwood flooring should last much longer than laminate flooring since hardwood floors can be refinished to look as good as new. This depends a lot on the thickness of the hardwood floor, especially if it is engineered. The thickness of the face of the hardwood floor above the tongue and groove or click system determines the amount of time that it can be sanded, repaired and refinished. The thicker the top layer the longer the hardwood floor will typically last.

Comments (50)

Wood Floor Repairs posted on: November 3, 2009

Thanks for your information in this blog posting.
I am also interested in latest news on Floor Sanding.

arizona hardwood flooring posted on: November 18, 2009

Great post, i like it very much.

arizona hardwood flooring posted on: March 3, 2010

The thing to remember, is wood and water are not friends. For the most part, simply clean it with a dry mop. There are wood laminate cleaners you can buy for occasional use. The thing is to apply this sparingly, and dry it immediately.

Swifter makes a good product. You squeeze the handle, apply the cleaner, and mop it dry all in one motion.

Laminate is made from wood, but pressed wood. The pattern you see in laminate is actually a photograph. The cleaning method is the same.

commercial floor sanding posted on: November 25, 2010

Thank for nice blog.i like this very much.Here you may also know more about commercial floor sanding.

Heated timber floors posted on: August 23, 2011

Engineered hardwood flooring is usually more expensive than laminate flooring. But while laminate flooring mimics a specific type of natural hardwood, it isn’t actually that wood. Engineered is made much like how laminate flooring is but has one significant difference. The top layer of laminate flooring is made from a photographic layer of whatever surface it is mimicking such as natural wood or stone tile. The top layer of engineered hardwood flooring is the actual wood. This gives the home the authentic feel of having real hardwood floors installed.

Tiffany And Co posted on: November 13, 2012

Numerous designs and versatile colours of Canada Goose UK clothes make the buyers having wonderful options.Architectural elements in our Louis Vuitton Official Website are fused with the youthful and exotic flair of bold shades.The interplay of light and cut Tiffany And Co Outlet can render effects that underscone the character of the architecture and create individual atmospheres.You could feel the top quality with hands promptly while you touch a Louis Vuitton UK. Pay attention that each LV bag is well-produced and meant to last for a lengthy time.

Louis Vuitton posted on: November 13, 2012

There are some pictures of the newest Moncler UK jackets on the internet.You'll definitely find at least one accessory design in Louis Vuitton Outlet Store which suits your preferences.Louis Vuitton Outlet is the perfect place for perfect Louis Vuitton products. At here, you can buy the best quality Louis Vuitton handbags, shoes, sunglasses and wallets. All items are triple-checked before they're delivered to you and make sure that the product don't have any flaw.The most important thing is that you can wear Canada Goose UK mens vest in the winter, slightly to chase fashion.

chenlinnndn posted on: March 16, 2013

New Balance 574
New Balance 576
New Balance 996
New Balance 1400
New Balance 999
New Balance 580
New Balance 575
New Balance 680
New Balance 595
New Balance 751

Calgary Flooring posted on: April 9, 2013

This post really nice and very helpful for everyone, I have seen so many hardwood and Laminate floors but I had so many confutation about both but Thanks to you for giving me this nice and very helpful information.

Jennifer posted on: April 11, 2013

This is really nice and very helpful post for everyone, I would like to say thank you for doing this great job.
Calgary Carpet Cleaning

Roger posted on: April 15, 2013

This post is really a very helpful post for me. And Now I am going to renovate my House so I would like to use Hardwood on my new floor.
Calgary Floor

jeremy scott shoes posted on: April 21, 2013

cheap jeremy scott shoes Adidas looks set to launch a cheap jeremy scott wings new running trainer on 13 cheap jeremy scott adidas February that will give those who wear it more boost in their stride.

hao nhien posted on: June 17, 2013

Vietnam Vietnam visas Visa to vietnam vietnam visa online visa for vietnam , Vietnam visa application , Vietnam visa application

Sorrell posted on: June 27, 2013

http://www.comparelifeinsurancecover.com/

Dixon posted on: July 3, 2013

http://www.comparelifeinsurancecover.com/over-50-life-insurance/

Cosgrove posted on: July 7, 2013

http://www.MI40Reviews.org

nice posted on: August 23, 2013

high replica for cheap gucci shoes

for cheap online gucci shoes for men

for cheap wholesale cheap gucci sneakers

for cheap sale online gucci shoes for women

online sale for you air max 90

for wholesale online to you cheap nike air max shoes

supply all kinds of nike shox r4

high replica for cheap cheap gucci shoes

for sale online cheap nfl jerseys

for cheap sale online cheap coach handbags

mcjambi posted on: September 9, 2013

Hi ! I am blog hay from Viet Tin, today is the nice day and i love to show you about my company.

We are the best moving house service in Viet Nam, we have: Chuyen nha, chuyen nha tron goi, chuyen van phong and dich vu chuyen nha, Dich vu chuyen nha ...

We have : Cong bo thuc pham chuc nang, Cong bo my pham

Driggers posted on: September 18, 2013

http://paleo-recipe-book--reviewed.blogspot.com

Crofts posted on: September 24, 2013

https://www.rebelmouse.com/thefatlossfactorreviewed/

Pruett posted on: October 28, 2013

http://metabolic-cooking-review.Tumblr.com

coachkors posted on: October 29, 2013

Lovelorn boy just graduated soon, Coach Factory Online, because the girls went to another city to work, even though its just how diverse communication tool, http://www.laurenpoloralph.com/, but one city and another city, Coach Purses Outlet, destined to exist a certain distance, MCM Bags Outlet Online, heart to heart communication suddenly become so difficult, boys want is the most pure feelings, http://www.guccishoesofactory.com/, not too little, Coach Purses Outlet Online, the other one is a girl, http://www.mmonsterheadphones.net/, has be

Jam Viet posted on: November 16, 2013

Hello anybody ! I am Jam Viet from Viettinlaw,
dang ky so huu tri tue, Dang ky logo, Dang ky nhan hieu,
Cong bo san pham, Cong bo my pham, Cong bo thuc pham chuc nang, Dich vu cong bo my pham, Cong bo thuc pham, Dang ky ban quyen phan mem, Dang ky ban quyen tac gia

Nock posted on: March 18, 2014

http://Geoxml.com/

title loan San Diego posted on: March 9, 2015

Lending decisions are based upon many factors, including, but not limited to your credit history, employment history, and current financial situation. Please note that some Lenders require credit checks as part of their credit approval process, which, if requested, we will provide to them title loan San Diego. You will not be charged a fee to use our service, and you are under no obligation to apply for credit with any of our Lenders.

Bandar Bola posted on: March 25, 2015

This is a fantastic website and I can not recommend you guys enough. Full of useful resource and great layout very easy on the eyes. Bandar Bola Agen Ibcbet

badenbarnaby posted on: March 25, 2015

I have not much time to visit many websites. But today I found this site accidently. I explored much information which is useful to my life. Thanks! Bandar Bola Terpercaya

Obat Luka Bakar Kronis posted on: September 17, 2015

Obat Luka Bakar
Obat Infeksi Paru Paru Kronis
Obat Luka Di Sudut Bibir
Obat Radang Hati Kronis

luois posted on: September 23, 2015

Jika kalian tertarik supaya mampu menyulam alis secara mahir maka saya referensikan belajar di Kursus Sulam Alis.
And apabila kalian pingin menyewa mobil nan hemat akan saya referensikan diSewa Mobil
Lantas,tuk kalian yang selagi mendapati kendala dgn pemanas air diwilayah kamu maka servicelah di Service Wika SWH.
Kalian mau mengirim, komoditi menuju seluruh dunia? Silahkan baca ini Jasa Cargo.

wengdongdong posted on: November 19, 2015

20151120dongdong
michael kors outlet
michael kors outlet
coach factory outlet
christian louboutin
sac longchamp
louis vuitton uk
abercrombie
true religion outlet

check cashing oceanside posted on: December 6, 2015

Bless you designed for very good tips writing to this fact web log. Anyone exercise routine. I'm sure happy to locate this kind of page. Right now pursue at from this check cashing oceanside And also like very good dignity a lot of these astonishing page thanks for your time seriously absolutely. Bless you plenty the reality is absolutely.

Medan posted on: February 14, 2016

Bandung
Bekasi
Cikarang
Jakarta
Karawang
Medan
Tangerang
Yogyakarta

aminos posted on: June 8, 2016

realy impressed with your usefull content thanks for share.??? ??? ????? ????? ????? ??? ?????? ???

rajaqq posted on: June 16, 2016

the great posting and dont forget visit my page at doyanqq and nice share from your site agen poker and ituqq asikqq pokerpelangi indoqq elangqq

Chikao posted on: September 16, 2016

Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!… Bandar Bola Judi Bola Online Information

LigaSbobet posted on: December 6, 2016

WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..more wait.. Sbobet Casino Daftar Sbobet Daftar Sbobet Casino Sbobet Casino Online Ligasbobet.net

hppy romz posted on: December 20, 2016

Frohe weihnachten 2016
weihnachten 2016
bilder weihnachten 2016
Frohes Neues Jahr 2017
Forhe Weihnachtsgeschenk f& 252;r freundin
Forhe Weihnachtsgeschenk 2016 f& 252;r freund
frohe weihnachten polnisch
frohe weihnachten 2016 spanisch

zhi20161222 posted on: December 22, 2016

puma outlet

mlb jerseys

uggs

louboutin sale

nike outlet

air max 90

north face uk

celine outlet online

vans outlet

adidas nmd runner

ysl handbags

fitflops

usacheckcashingstore.com/oceansi posted on: February 5, 2017

Appreciate it intended for pleasant write-up.! I prefer that almost send. I am about to examine these kinds of specifics combined with my personal friends. Currently simply click in this article usacheckcashingstore.com/oceanside They may on top of that want it rather undoubtedly. With thanks intended for beneficial do the job.

jhonalice posted on: March 22, 2017

Hi there, I found your blog via Google while searching for such kinda informative post and your post looks very interesting for me.
leather bags pakistan

jhonalice posted on: March 28, 2017

My friend mentioned to me your blog, so I thought I’d read it for myself. Very interesting insights, will be back for more!
users of the mattress-inquirer knowledge base

jhoalice posted on: April 1, 2017

I am always searching online for articles that can help me. There is obviously a lot to know about this. I think you made some good points in Features also. Keep working, great job!
mattress-inquirer recommended bedroom item

jhon alice posted on: April 3, 2017

Great post full of useful tips! My site is fairly new and I am also having a hard time getting my readers to leave comments. Analytics shows they are coming to the site but I have a feeling “nobody wants to be first”.
Flexographic printing machine

jhon alice posted on: April 4, 2017

Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon.
Basics of filing bankruptcy

jhon alice posted on: April 5, 2017

My friend mentioned to me your blog, so I thought I’d read it for myself. Very interesting insights, will be back for more!
guy fawkes mask amazon

jhon alice posted on: April 6, 2017

You have done a great job. I will definitely dig it and personally recommend to my friends. I am confident they will be benefited from this site.
Contact us

jhon alice posted on: May 2, 2017

I must say, I thought this was a pretty interesting read when it comes to this topic. Liked the material. . . . .
ccnp training london

devid miller posted on: June 22, 2017

locksmith seattle
locksmith seattle
locksmith seattle
locksmith seattle
locksmith seattle
seattle locksmiths
seattle locksmiths

devid miller posted on: June 22, 2017

seattle locksmiths
seattle locksmiths
seattle locksmiths
seattle locksmith service
seattle locksmith service
seattle locksmith service
seattle locksmith service

jenniferbella posted on: November 26, 2017

Very good post
Tinder for pc
Tinder for mac
Tinder for windows phone
Tinder for blackberry
showbox for pc
showbox for blackberry