Is it faster to lay hardwood flooring vs. Laminate?
Laminate flooring is the next rung down as an affordable option to mimic the appearance of actual hardwood flooring, with solid hardwood flooring regarded as the real
Answering "Is it faster to lay hardwood flooring vs. lamin?" is easy to answer. Looking at the surface level, we can see that laminates are stunning and, because of their embossed grain or hand-scraped finishes, are impossible to distinguish from hardwoods. They also last longer, install more efficiently, and are environmentally friendly. And they are typically still much cheaper than hardwoods.
But we should look closely to see what is the better option for you.
Major Differences
As the name implies, solid hardwood flooring is made up of flooring planks that are made of solid hardwood. The boards are typically 3/4 inches thick, with a smooth top surface and tongue-and-groove edges that interlock to keep the boards intact. Commonly, the tongues along the edges of the boards are used as anchor points for blind nails to secure the boards to the subfloor. If the boards are unfinished, the floor is stained and varnished after installation. Prefinished solid hardwood flooring, however, is becoming more popular.
Laminate flooring is created starting with a core layer of fiberboard generated from leftover wood. A design layer printed to imitate wood or another substance is placed on top of this. A clear, hard-wear layer that provides good scratch and stain resistance covers the design layer to provide protection. Laminate flooring boards are made with click-lock edges that snap together to secure the panels. Laminate flooring boards are pretty thin, ranging from 6 to 12 mm (1/4 to 1/2 inch). This floor is floating and doesn't need to be nailed or glued down.
Cost
Solid hardwood flooring costs between $4 and $8 per square foot. The cost of common hardwoods like oak, maple, and ash ranges from $4 to $7 per square foot, with more expensive species. Narrower flooring made of uncommon species and more comprehensive flooring made of the exact species costs at least $5 per square foot, with prices rising sharply after that.
Typically, laminate flooring costs between $1 and $3 per square foot. However, there are also options for designer flooring, which can cost up to $10 to $12 per square foot. The better, more expensive items can be distinguished by their thicker wear layers.
The Verdict
Choose solid hardwood flooring if authenticity, resale value, and durability are your top priorities. However, laminate flooring can be a good choice if you have a tight budget or wish to install the flooring yourself. Of course, the discerning eye would always recognize laminate flooring as genuine hardwood, yet it can still be a practical flooring option in many circumstances. Still, genuine hardwood flooring is the ideal investment if you want to increase the value of your house.
It's true what they say—"practice makes perfect"! For many years, a reputable flooring business has installed various flooring products. Online instructional videos can provide DIYers with a general concept of how to lay flooring, but in-depth practical knowledge cannot be acquired overnight. Only a professional will have the skills and experience necessary to complete the task correctly the first time and steer clear of common flooring installation issues.
Even high-quality flooring goods can appear cheap if they are not done correctly. Trust the experts to install your flooring so you get the most outstanding results; don't accept gaps or weirdly shaped pieces. You want to make the most of the significant financial investment you make in your home improvement.
Here at Vinyl Flooring & Beyond, our goal is to only give satisfaction to our clients by providing the best vinyl flooring service available. Contact us today!
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