Solid hardwood flooring is the most beautiful, elegant, and timeless flooring material you can buy for any space! So why are so many folks switching to laminate? Laminate has come a long way and it’s definitely worth exploring for your home or office.

Laminate actually performs better in some ways. My home has hardwood floors, but I first got the idea I might be better off with laminate flooring after getting an Australian Sheppard…who quickly scratched the heck out of it (especially around corners from her running after cats). I always thought it would look plastic, and obviously not wood, but many brands look awesome. So, I began making a list (this list) to determine if I’d ever buy hardwood again.

First thing you should know is laminate is not always cheaper. I always get folks asking for laminate thinking they’ll get a great bargain – not any more. It depends on the wood. But it is much cheaper and easier to install than hardwood. Laminate also doesn’t need as much pampering as hardwood – washes with soap and water if you’d like. All of these tradeoffs can make the decision between laminate vs. hardwood a tough one, but if you focus on the factors that matter most to you, the better fit should be clear. 

Materials

Hardwood is made with superior materials which is 3/4 inch of solid hardwood cut from a tree. Laminate is essentially particleboard, which is still wood, but with a photo layer on top that looks like wood and a layer of plastic on top of that. But just because hardwood is a better-quality material than laminate, it doesn’t mean that hardwood is necessarily better for your application. Don’t chose it for the prestige!

Although the materials used for hardwood flooring are superior, they are more easily scratched and stained. Laminate, on the other hand, is more resistant to scratching and staining, which is why laminate or vinyl are installed in commercial buildings. The problem is if they get damaged you can’t repair it. You’ll need to keep and extra box around in case you need to repair.

Laminate vs. hardwood durability

Assess the traffic load and wear and tear on flooring in your home. A more durable surface is easier to maintain and will look great for years to come.

Hardwood: CONS – Hardwood is susceptible to scratching, can get damaged from excessive moisture and will show wear, especially in heavily trafficked areas. PROS – Hardwood is the real deal; it is gorgeous and, depending on the type of wood, can add considerable value to your home.

Laminate: PROS – Since laminate is made from pressed wood, it is more durable and resists scratches, moisture and wear and tear. Laminate flooring is also easier to clean. CONS – Even though laminate is more durable, it is not as visually appealing. Lower qualities of laminate may have artificial-looking wood grain textures.

Best places for hardwood vs. laminate flooring

In addition to price, durability and repair, you should also consider the best (and worst) places in the home for both types of flooring.

Hardwood: Hardwood flooring is both beautiful and fairly durable, especially in lower-traffic rooms like bedrooms and dining rooms. But, if you have pets or a lot of foot traffic, your hardwood floors might show the scratches and wear overtime. Basements and bathrooms with a lot of moisture are also not good places for hardwood flooring. Nor are areas with lots of direct sunlight.

Laminate: Because laminate flooring is less susceptible to wear and tear from pets and foot traffic. Because of its top coat, laminate flooring typically does not fade from sunlight as quickly and noticeably as hardwood flooring and can be used safely in rooms with large windows. Although laminate holds up to moisture better than hardwood, it does not hold up enough for the kitchen or bathroom – use vinyl for those rooms.

In the end let your needs dictate what you choose – don’t get stuck on one material or the other. The cost and effort of laying down new flooring in your home is a huge project and you have to love it for a long time.