Laminate Flooring vs Hardwood Flooring

Although laminate floors have been on the market for a while, there are still some misconceptions in regards to them. To put it simply, Laminate flooring is NOT Hardwood Flooring. It is like comparing apples and oranges, as the only similarity between the two is that one is a picture of the other. Don't get me wrong, they both do have their separate uses (and we do carry both). Laminate flooring is a computer generated image of hardwood (picture) glued onto a fiberboard core. It is a product that, like carpet and vinyl flooring, is installed, used for a period of a few years, and then replaced. Hardwood flooring is a lifetime investment. Hardwood flooring will always be repairable, refinishable, and as close to immortal as is possible. That being said, laminate has its uses.

We recommend laminate for bathrooms, lower cost areas, and other wet area applications, as most of them now have warranties against water. Many flooring retailers have the laminate, and sell it in place of hardwood. We choose to view the product for what it is, a compliment to hardwood. Laminate is always being sold on price. and yes, initially, the price is less - but, since we do have to look at the long-term value, it costs a lot more than wood in the long run.

Your best bet, as with all flooring, is to ask to see a floor installed with laminate, then a floor installed with hardwood....you make the decision.