2014-03-20

If you are thinking about installing some new flooring in your home you have a number of choices available to you. Two very popular options – which are available widely today – are laminate and solid wood flooring. But what are the benefits and the main differences?

This is what we are going to look at in this post, as wood floors (and wood look floors) can really enhance a home and add a touch of style and luxury to a property. So let us examine the characteristics of both hardwood flooring and laminate flooring, to help you choose the right material for your space.

Solid Wood Flooring: The Benefits

Hardwood flooring is a hugely popular choice because solid wood offers numerous benefits. It is strong, it is durable and it looks great too. Solid wood boards can be sanded and varnished or painted to achieve a desired look that will suit your taste and your property. And because this is solid wood this process can be repeated any time you fancy a change in your aesthetic.

The longevity of solid wood flooring makes it a great investment too. There are buildings throughout the world with ancient wooden floors that have been there for decades and even centuries, and if you choose hard wood and look after it yours could last just as long.



Laminate Flooring: The Benefits

Laminate flooring is popular because it gives a very similar finish to wood floors, yet is not made of wood at all. The advantage of that is that laminate flooring is very inexpensive, and usually a lot cheaper than hardwood flooring. The fact that laminate is an economical option makes it very appealing to a large number of homeowners and landlords who want to maintain their homes without spending a fortune.

Another benefit of this type of flooring is that it can be quickly and easily cleaned. Because it is made of plastic any stains can be mopped or wiped up in a second.



Solid Wood: The Drawbacks

One drawback of hardwood flooring is that it can be damaged by excessive heat, sunlight and moisture. Such factors can lead to wood warping and losing shape over time, necessitating repairs which could be costly. This is a reason that solid wood flooring should not be used over under-floor heating.

Laminate Flooring: The Drawbacks

An obvious style drawback is that laminate flooring is not wood. It can be printed with a wood grain effect on top but on closer inspection it is quite clear that this is no quality timber. Some people don’t mind that but others prefer to know that their floors are genuine wood.

It is evident that laminate flooring and hardwood flooring both have their advantages and potential drawbacks, depending on your perspective. Hopefully this article has made these points clear to you so that you can now make your choice and enhance your property.

The post Laminate Flooring VS Solid Wood Flooring: The Differences appeared first on Fuzzi Day - Health | Home | Living.

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