the comparison of laminate vs hardwood flooring is depended on different factors such as installation, cost, and application. Choosing a floor is one of the important steps in designing any room in your home. It may not be the first thing you do while building or improving the home, but the type of flooring you get can affect the overall aesthetic of your room and its relationship to others. room elements. But in addition to factors like color, texture, and gradients, you also need to consider the type of floor you're using. So, what type of flooring is best for your home? Laminate flooring is recommended if you want a floor that is moisture and heat resistant, easy to install and clean, and inexpensive. At the same time, hardwood floors will be ideal for those looking for a floor that lasts longer, is easier to clean and maintain, has a higher property value, and has a more natural look. Choosing the right type of flooring for your home is entirely up to your aesthetic preferences and budget. Here are some key things to know when choosing between laminate floors and hardwood floors.
- Laminate flooring
- Overview
Laminates consist of several layers: a central layer of high-density fibreboard, layers that give it the appearance of a specific type of wood, stone, or metal, and a transparent outer wear layer to protect the image. 
Some floors also come with an extra support layer under the base to keep moisture out.
- advantage
- More options. Laminate flooring is designed from its layers of printed images, so you can find different types of wood patterns. You can also choose wood or metal image layers.
- Laminate floors are less costly than hardwood floors.
- Easy installation. The edges and ends of laminate floors are designed to fit together and are also easy to install for the inexperienced.
- disadvantage
- Easily damaged by moisture. Not suitable for areas such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements without a moisture barrier. It is okay to install laminate floors in the kitchen, but you should clean up any spills immediately.
- Cannot be refinished. The image layer is not solid wood, so the tiles or planks need to be replaced.
- Fake appearance. Laminate floors may give the appearance of a wood finish, but they may not look like real wood.
- hardwood floors
- Overview
Solid hardwood floors are machined from wood sourced from certain types of trees. The result is a dense, durable hardwood floor that resists wear and can be sanded and treated to remove signs of wear over time. 
- advantage
- Long term investment. With proper care, hardwood floors can last up to 10 years. In contrast, other types of soil need to be replaced after a shorter period of time.
- seems more real. Laminate floors have a uniform look that makes them look unreal. Hardwood floors, on the other hand, vary slightly in tone and color to appear more realistic and authentic.
- Anti-splash. Most hardwood floors are spill resistant, unlike laminate floors which require immediate spill removal.
- disadvantage
- Termites are likely to appear. May be susceptible to termite infestation if not maintained with care.
- more expensive. Hardwood floors are more expensive than laminate floors and other wood tiles and planks. It can also be more expensive to install because a subfloor is required.
- High maintenance. To maintain the quality of your hardwood floors, you should polish them every four years, then sweep up debris thoroughly and handle the floor with care.
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing the right type of flooring for your home. However, it is best to consider several factors to understand the impact of a purchase. This way you can weigh each major difference and see which is the best option for you in the long run. Here are the components you would like to consider. 
Flooring installation cost
the installation cost for flooring depends on different factors that you must be considered when you want to buy. For example, the type of tile is very important as the cost of laminate is different from hardwood. In this article, these two coverages will be discussed in different aspects.
- appearance
The appearance of laminate floors and hardwood floors can affect the overall look of a room. Solid hardwood floors are an attractive option due to their hard-to-imitate texture and material. Each hardboard or tile is made from certain types of trees that produce dense wood, each creating a unique pattern of color combinations. These can be dyed to match your home colors, but you can also choose to leave them as they are. On the other hand, laminate flooring also has its advantages. Laminate floors have the advantage that they can be customized, as the image layers can vary from room to room. From a distance or certain angles, it can look like real parquet. However, on closer inspection, it's easy to tell that laminate floors aren't real hardwoods. 
Newer laminate tiles have random repeating patterns to mimic the look of hardwood floors, but the repeat marks are easily distinguishable from faux wood. Hardwood floors look better because solid wood floors have real wood marks that are difficult to mass produce. Laminate can also look good, but it has a more artificial look.
- Water and heat resistant
Neither hardwood floors nor laminate floors are the best choices for waterproof floors, so they shouldn't be the first choice for rooms like bathrooms, laundry rooms, or basements. Hardwood floors can withstand minor spills, so they can be used in areas like kitchens. But in the event of flooding or standing water, it can seep into your wood and cause cupping and warping. It is also not recommended as a floor for a heating system, as wood shrinks and expands with humidity and temperature. If you still want to choose hardwood flooring, consider engineered hardwood flooring, although it may be more expensive than regular hardwood. At the same time, the wear layer of laminate floors is waterproof, which protects it from light spills from the surface of the board. But too much water seeps around the edges and ends up in the fiberboard, which can cause swelling and peeling that can affect surrounding panels. 
However, in terms of heat resistance, it can withstand powerful heating systems without falling off or shrinking. Laminate floors are generally better in terms of moisture and heat resistance, but they shouldn't be the first choice in places like bathrooms or laundry rooms. However, if you prefer solid wood and want a waterproof and heat resistant floor, you can modify your flooring to be moisture and heat resistant.
- Maintenance and repair
With proper care, hardwood floors can last up to 10 years. Hardwood floor maintenance means repainting and refinishing regularly, depending on foot traffic in your home. In case of severe damage, hardwood floors can be sanded and refinished, but most hardwood floors can only be sanded up to four times. This makes hardwood flooring a more practical option if you are thinking long term or want to install wood flooring in high traffic areas. Meanwhile, laminate floors can last less than 10 years before their quality declines. But with proper care and maintenance, laminate floors can last longer. In terms of repairability, damage to laminate floors is similar to hardwood floors, except that they cannot be refinished or sanded. There is no option to repair laminate floors, so you have no choice but to replace the affected tiles. 
It's a good idea to buy extra laminate floor tiles so that when some old tiles eventually wear out, you can replace them without worrying about whether your local laminate tile store still has the exact same pattern as yours. Hardwood floors are a more practical solution when it comes to maintenance and repair, because laminate floors are more prone to irreparable wear and require immediate replacement of tiles or planks, especially if they show excessive noticeable scratches or tears.
- Cleaning and Care
Hardwood floors only require fairly simple cleaning methods. Sweeping and vacuuming are acceptable, but the vacuum cleaner used should have a brush attachment that will not scratch the floor. For best results, use a hardwood vacuum designed for solid hardwood floors. Older types of hardwood floors require buffing or waxing, but newer flooring is already coated with polyurethane varnish and does not need to be buffed or waxed. Hardwood can be cleaned with a damp mop, but don't over-soak it. After cleaning, wipe up any excess moisture still on the floor. Laminate floors can be swept, vacuumed, and mopped. For best results, use laminate floor cleaners instead of all-purpose floor cleaners. Wipe off excess moisture after cleaning to prevent damage. Both are equally easy to clean, but be sure to pay close attention to the ingredients in the cleaner to avoid damaging your floors.
- Installation
Hardwood floors require professional installation to avoid damage during installation. After installing the subfloor, the hardwood should be installed with care to avoid any issues that may affect the long-term quality. 
You can buy finished or unfinished hardwood floors, the latter requiring sanding and finishing after installation. In contrast, installing laminate is much easier and can be a DIY project even if you have no experience. Laminate flooring planks interlock and require fasteners or glue. Laminate floors are easier to install than hardwood floors.
- Overall Costs
Hardwood is much more costly, beginning at $12 per square foot. However, hardwood floors made from common woods like oak or maple only cost $5 per square foot. You should also consider the cost of installing the subfloor and hire a professional contractor with experience installing hardwood floors. There is also the cost of maintaining and polishing the floor. However, with proper maintenance, hardwood floors can last over a century. Laminate floors, on the other hand, are more affordable at up to $3 per square foot. However, you can also choose to customize your own laminate flooring, and premium laminate flooring materials can also cost up to $12 per square foot. Installation is much simpler, so you can choose to hire a contractor or install the floor yourself. Laminate floors cannot be refinished when it comes to maintenance costs. So if your floor has too many scratches from wear and tear, you will need to replace the tile or plank. Laminate floors are more affordable than hardwood floors, including maintenance costs.
- lifespan
Hardwood floors can last 10 years or more if properly cared for over time. This includes any repairs and sanding necessary to remove damage such as scratches. Laminate floors, on the other hand, only last less than 10 years (even more for low traffic rooms) before losing their quality. 
Since laminate cannot be repaired, it may be necessary to completely replace the entire floor to maintain consistent quality. Hardwood floors last longer and can last up to a century if properly cared for. It can be a better solution than the durability of laminate floors.
- Property value
If you plan to sell your home in the future, hardwood floors can significantly affect the value of your property, up to 5% of the home's value. However, it should be in good condition, otherwise, your buyer will have to factor in the cost of using professional sand and ground treatment. Laminate floors do not have a significant effect on property values, but can add visual appeal to a room. This makes it a quick and affordable option for owners who want to develop their land before putting their property up for sale in order to attract potential buyers. Hardwood floors can increase property value, but not laminate floors. However, laminate floors are also a great option for those looking to spruce up their home to attract potential buyers. There is no wrong answer when choosing between laminate floors and hardwood floors. Your decision ultimately comes down to your preferences: if you want authentic-looking wood that will last a lifetime and withstand years of wear and tear, hardwood floors are a better bet. However, if you want something more affordable, versatile, and easy to install, laminate flooring is your best bet. On our website, we can help you find the right flooring to help you achieve your aesthetic vision. We have a variety of designs and floor types for you to choose from. Fill out a form on our site and our professionals will contact you within 24 hours.