The Differences between Wooden and Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring looks very similar to wooden flooring, but there are some key differences between the two.  Laminate wooden flooring has been very popular in the UK and other parts of Europe for quite some time, but some people still prefer to go with real wooden floors instead.  There are benefits to both, of course, but before you decide which one you want in your home, you should learn about both and how they differ.

Installation of either type of flooring has become very easy.  In fact, both types of flooring sometimes use an interlocking system where you simply fit different stripes of either laminate or wooden flooring together.  There is no need to use nails or glue.  However, while almost all laminate flooring is done using this interlocking system, not all real wooden flooring is.  Note, too, that you cannot install wooden flooring over some types of surfaces, while you can install laminate flooring over just about anything.

Cost is another difference.  Wooden flooring is going to cost you more than laminate flooring.  Depending on the type of wood and the grade, the cost may be significantly higher.

However, you do get what you pay for.  Wooden flooring is going to last you practically forever, while laminate flooring may only last about 20 years or so.  Of course, if you take care of your floors, they will last longer, but still, laminate flooring is going to wear out sooner than wooden flooring.

Part of this is because wooden floors are simply more durable.  Laminate flooring is strong, but it’s not as strong.  However, laminate flooring is easier to care for.  With wooden flooring, you do need to treat it so that it won’t easily get scratches or stains.  If wooden flooring is always exposed to direct sunlight, it also has a chance to fade, leaving that part of the floor looking slightly different from the wood that’s not in the sun.  Laminate flooring will not fade.

Cleaning your laminate flooring is also much easier.  All you need to do is run a mop over it.  With real wooden flooring, you do occasionally need to refinish it or polish it using a specially designed flooring product.  Both types of flooring can be easily damaged by spills or excessive moisture since the moisture can get underneath the boards and cause warping.  For this reason, neither wooden flooring nor laminate flooring is recommended for kitchens or bathrooms.

On the whole, laminate flooring is cheaper and tends to be easier to install and care for, but real wooden flooring is more durable and will last longer.