If you’re choosing flooring for your home, wood laminate flooring and hardwood both fine options. Both offer similar appearances and can be used in the same areas, so how do you choose between them? Below are some benefits and drawbacks of each type so that you can determine your priorities.

Laminate Flooring

When comparing hardwood and laminate, the most obvious difference is going to be the price. Laminate flooring is considerably less expensive to install than hardwood because it’s cheaper to manufacture. Laminate is also more durable than hardwood, requiring less maintenance to stay in decent shape. However, once laminate flooring does wear out, you’ll need to replace it entirely instead of just sanding the surface.

Hardwood Floors

Hardwood is often seen as synonymous with upscale housing, and that will be reflected in your house value if you decide to sell. A hardwood floor is a major draw and may draw higher offers than laminate. Hardwood is also relatively easy to repair when it gets older; hardwood floors can be sanded and resurfaced multiple times to make them look like new. The major drawback, of course, is price, but the ease of refinishing it once it’s installed can help offset that cost in the long term.

If you’re deciding between hardwood floors and laminate, the choice comes down to your priorities. Do you prefer a floor that is cheaper to install and easier to care for in the short term, or do you want a long-term investment in a valuable material? The answer to that question will determine the flooring you should choose.

For 46 years, family-owned Parker Floor Covering in Hamilton, OH, has prided itself on high-quality flooring. Their flexible payment plans make it easier than ever to access the largest flooring selection in the area, including hardwood and laminate flooring. To learn more, contact them today at (513) 863-6767 or online.