Laminate Floor Cost Vs Hardwood

Laminate flooring is a great choice for homeowners who want the look of real hardwood at more affordable costs.

Laminate floor cost vs hardwood.

Laminates cost between 1 and 5 a square foot depending on the quality of the laminate and its finish. Both are strong durable floors that are less expensive than natural wood but laminate flooring typically costs less. Even so the cost of hardwood varies drastically with some woods oak maple american cherry being fairly affordable and others exotic wood species. The reality of flooring costs and what you can afford may be miles apart.

Installation would run between 2 400 and 4 000. The boards usually 3 4 inch thick are generally milled with a smooth top surface and tongue and groove edges that interlock to hold the boards together. Solid hardwood flooring as the name suggests is comprised of flooring boards that are solid hardwood material through and through. Like traditional wood laminate flooring is available in a variety of colors to complement virtually all design styles.

Cost of laminate vs. Laminate runs 1 to 7 per square foot depending on the quality. Both materials mimic a natural wood floor beautifully but if you re all about natural beauty you might prefer the solid wood top of an engineered hardwood floor. Laminate flooring generally is less expensive than engineered hardwood.

Because hardwood floors can last for generations they raise your home s value more than laminate floors. Most wood floors cost between 12 to 20 a square foot installed. Pricing depends on the type of wood you choose. They cost around 2 a square foot to install making the total cost for a laminate floor about 2 to 8 a foot.

Homeadvisor s flooring guide explains the differences between laminate and engineered hardwood and reviews the pros and cons of each. Cheaper versions have 1 4 inch cores and the photo reproductions may not be as realistic as more expensive versions. Explore which is better for kitchens basements based on cost resale value durability and more. Cons hardwood flooring is made of harvested trees.

Pros cons of both flooring options with a look at durability cleaning maintenance more. Engineered hardwood debate right there. With proper care hardwood flooring is a better long term investment than laminate flooring but hardwood s upfront costs may deter homeowners.