When you are remodeling or building you need to decide what type of flooring it is that you want. Many of the times people want the natural look or a wood floor appearance. In this case, you will want to decide to either install real hardwood or a laminate floor When it comes to natural hardwood floors you will notice that they add warmth to any room in which it is installed. It comes in a wide variety of species and colors. If you take care of your hardwood floor, it could last a life time. Some of the perks to hardwood floors is the fact that is a natural, non allergenic product. If you are into real estate, you will know that hardwood floors add some value to the home as well. When you are installing hardwood you have to choose between solid, long strip, and engineered flooring. Then you have to decide rather you have pre-finished or unfinished floors. If you go with unfinished, you have go through the mess of staining it. Although you have more control with the project by going with an unfinished floor, who has the time? Some other things to think about is the fact that hardwood can be scratched and damaged. Sunlight will affect the color of your floor too. You cant clean it with a mop and bucket because water will ruin your floor. So the upkeep is awful. What about the Laminate? Laminate floors have the impression of real wood or tile but not all the upkeep and troubles of the real stuff. It is a wood alternative. Laminate flooring has the look of real wood, but doesnt scratch. You have to have an extreme impact to damage the floor, but big dogs or dragging things will ruin the floor, but that could ruin any floor. Laminate will also not fade from the sun or burn from a cigarette. With laminate flooring you have three types also; glued-down, glueless, and pre-glued floors. Most of the time glue isnt required and even you can install the floor. It also doesnt need to be waxed or polished and you can use a mop and water to clean your floor. The only problem with laminate is the fact that you cant repair the planks, but you have to replace them. You also need to place a special padding underneath the floor, but can still be placed over concrete and other flooring materials. When being compared to each other laminate flooring is more scratch, stain, and fade resistant. It also can take more of an impact and is view low maintains. It is also easier to install. It is also cheaper to install. However the hardwood floor is more visually appealing and repaired easily. It can also be refinished and lasts longer than laminate. |
