Narrowing down the decision between hardwood and laminate floors comes down to personal preferences and priorities. The most important questions to ask are, "How quickly do I want to get this done? What attributes will best fit my household?" and "What am I willing to invest?"

Advantages of Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring has been a traditional and popular style of flooring for decades, mainly due to its durability. Hardwood can last for many years and subsequently increases the value of a home, making it more appealing to potential buyers. Installing hardwood floors in your home is a good investment in many ways.

Mopping, vacuuming and sweeping will not wear down a wood surface, and hardwood floors are relatively easy to maintain, although excessive exposure to water should be avoided. Wood surfaces can be sanded and refinished multiple times, enabling the homeowner to revive their floors, rather than replace them, if they are ready for a new look.

The most popular woods used for flooring include cherry, walnut and oak, providing variations in color, texture and thickness. These variations allow for versatility in design, providing both modern and traditional homes with a touch of elegance and class.

Advantages of Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring has done well for itself as the newcomer to the market. It has proved durable, and, most importantly, affordable. Laminate can be installed for a relatively low price, or as a DIY project by homeowners willing to put forth the effort. Most laminate slates come with "snap edges" which are pushed or tapped in place to lock in the panels, allowing for simple installation.

Maintaining laminate is a breeze. It is easy to clean, and scratches can be easily fixed with repair paste, which can be purchased at a flooring outlet. As well as for its aesthetic appeal, laminate has been praised as a quite surface to walk on. Although it does not have the same prestige as hardwood, laminate works well in everyday settings and can is an easy and affordable alternative to resurfacing floors.

Whether investing in hardwood floors or renovating your house with affordable laminate, it is important to consider lifestyle and priorities before making your decision. If you are looking to make an investment in your home and reap the rewards later when you sell, hardwood flooring is a good option, but if you are looking to redo your home on a budget, or have an active household, laminate will more likely suit your needs.