Floating Hardwood Floor Vs Laminate

Homeadvisor s flooring guide explains the differences between laminate and engineered hardwood and reviews the pros and cons of each.

Floating hardwood floor vs laminate. Both of these flooring options have advantages and disadvantages so it s important to take some time to get familiar with each. In this method individual planks or in some cases tiles interlock edge to edge to. However commercial grade laminate flooring still provides great durability as it resists scratches sunlight and even heavy wear and tear. Floating vs glue down hardwood floors when considering engineered hardwood flooring there are really only two options that make sense floating or glue down.

Solid hardwood flooring as the name suggests is comprised of flooring boards that are solid hardwood material through and through. Explore which is better for kitchens basements based on cost resale value durability and more. Laminate floors are an affordable alternative to hardwood floors. Both resemble true hardwood but each comes with its own benefits and disadvantages.

Laminate runs 1 to 7 per square foot depending on the quality. Cheaper versions have 1 4 inch cores and the photo reproductions may not be as realistic as more expensive versions. Engineered hardwood debate right there. Due to its synthetic blend laminate is more affordable than more premium natural options such as wood ceramic tile or stone.

The term floating floor does not refer to a type of flooring material but rather to a method of installation that can be used with a variety of materials including laminates engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl flooring. Hardwood flooring is made from natural durable woods such as oak maple or hickory that can last a long time when maintained properly laminate flooring which is made of a synthetic fiberboard material and has a laminate finish is much cheaper than hardwood but will not last as long. Laminate flooring is designed as a floating floor meaning that it doesn t secure to the ground underneath but rather floats by the means of an interlocking design. 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.

Floating floors have become increasingly popular for many types of floor coverings. Laminate flooring generally is less expensive than engineered hardwood. Popular floating floor options. This does not mean laminate flooring is a particularly inferior choice however as in some cases it can.