Laminate Wood Flooring vs. Hardwood: Which Is Better?

When choosing flooring for your home, the decision often comes down to laminate vs real hardwood flooring. Both options have their strengths, but understanding their differences can help you choose the best fit for your needs, lifestyle, and budget.

At Baker Bros, we’ve guided homeowners in Arizona in finding their perfect flooring for decades. 

Whether you're considering hardwood's authentic charm or laminate's practicality, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Your Options

Hardwood flooring is made from solid wood planks or engineered layers with real wood on top. Laminate, on the other hand, is a manufactured product that uses a high-resolution image of wood sealed beneath a protective wear layer.

The Cost Factor

Initial Investment

Hardwood flooring typically costs more upfront than laminate. Hardwood flooring installation averages between $10 - $25 per square foot, while laminate generally costs less. However, the long-term investment value differs considerably.

Return on Investment

Real estate professionals consistently rank hardwood flooring as a top feature for home resale value. The same NAR report shows that hardwood floors can recover up to 118% of their cost when you sell your home.

Maintenance

Hardwood's Staying Power

With proper care, solid hardwood flooring can last for decades. One of its biggest advantages is that it can be refinished multiple times, essentially giving you a new floor surface without complete replacement.

Laminate's Practical Benefits

Laminate flooring offers excellent water resistance and durability against daily wear. Its wear layer protects against scratches, fading, and stains. However, unlike hardwood, laminate cannot be refinished. When it's worn out, it needs replacement.

Durability: How Do They Compare?

Durability is often a top concern when choosing flooring, especially in high-traffic areas or homes with pets and children.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is designed to withstand scratches, dents, and stains, making it an ideal choice for busy households. Its wear layer acts as a shield, preventing damage from everyday activities. 

On the downside, however, despite being resistant to surface damage, laminate can chip under heavy impact, and repairing damaged sections normally requires replacing entire planks.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring, on the other hand, is more durable but also more susceptible to scratches and dents, especially from heavy furniture or sharp objects. 

However, solid hardwood has the advantage of being refinishable multiple times, which allows you to restore its original beauty even after years of wear. 

Engineered hardwood offers additional stability and resistance to moisture, making it a better choice for environments where humidity may be a concern.

Aesthetics: The Look and Feel

When it comes to appearance, hardwood flooring is often considered the gold standard. 

Its natural grain patterns, rich textures, and authentic feel bring warmth and elegance to any space. No two hardwood floors are exactly alike, giving your home a unique and timeless appeal.

Laminate flooring has come a long way in replicating the look of hardwood, thanks to high-definition printing and quality textures. It offers a wide variety of designs, from traditional oak to exotic woods, allowing you to achieve the look you want at a fraction of the cost. 

Installation Considerations: What You Need to Know

When it comes to installing new flooring, the process is just as important as the product. We've seen many beautiful floors fail to reach their potential because of improper installation. 

Both hardwood and laminate have specific requirements that affect not just how they're installed, but how they'll perform in your home for years to come.

Hardwood Installation

In order to install hardwood flooring, you need experts on your side. The process involves careful planning and precision at every step. First, the wood needs to acclimate to your home's environment, typically for several days, to prevent warping or gaps after installation. The subfloor must be perfectly level and free from moisture issues.

The actual installation process requires:

• Proper acclimation to your home's environment
• Specific subfloor requirements
• Precise tongue and groove fitting
• Professional tools and knowledge
• Careful consideration of expansion gaps
• Expert finishing techniques

Laminate Installation

Although some people personally know how to install laminate flooring because it’s typically marketed as a DIY-friendly option, professional installation ensures the best long-term results. Its floating floor design typically makes installation quicker than hardwood, but attention to detail is still key. 

Many laminate products feature user-friendly click-lock systems, but proper underlayment and moisture barriers are essential for longevity.

Making Your Decision

Consider these factors when choosing your flooring:

Choose Hardwood If:

• You're planning to stay in your home long-term
• Maximum resale value is important
• You want the ability to refinish
• You appreciate the authenticity of real wood

Choose Laminate If:

• You're working with a tighter budget
• You need high water resistance
• You have active kids or pets
• Easy maintenance is a priority

Professional Installation Makes a Difference

Whichever option you choose, professional installation is crucial for longevity and performance. At Baker Bros, our installation experts understand the nuances of both materials and ensure proper installation for optimal results.

Get Expert Guidance

Still unsure which option is right for your home? Visit our showrooms to see and feel the differences yourself. Our design consultants can help you weigh the pros and cons of each option based on your specific needs, lifestyle, and budget.