answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Laminate floors are manufactured, a thin layer of wood or Formica is glued to a backer. The surface is only about 1/16th of an inch thick and the whole board is about 3/8 inch thick.

Hardwood floors are all wood and 5/8 to 3/4 inch thick. Oak is the most common but there are many different types of wood available. They can be sanded and refinished several times over a long period of time. Laminate can not be sanded and had a hard factory coating that resists staining more than hardwood.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What is the difference between laminate floors and hardwood floors?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Which would bring more resale value on house hardwood floors or laminate floors?

Hardwood floors.


Do urine stains come out of hardwood laminate floors?

Yes, urine stains do come out of hardwood laminate floors. With a good cleaning, you should be able to remove anything out of laminate floors. That's why is there so widely used.


How to Choose Between a Hardwood and Laminate Floor?

When shopping for hardwood floors for your home, you’ll have to make a choice between installing a real hardwood floor or a laminate floor. It might seem like a cut and dry decision that choosing real hardwood is the better option, but owning a laminate floor has its merits. When you have to make the choice between a hardwood floor and a laminate floor, the deciding factor is always money. Hardwood floors cost much more than laminate floors, which makes laminate flooring a great option for people who are on a tight budget. In the past, laminate floors often looked cheap and inferior to real hardwood flooring, but with newer manufacturing techniques and increased consumer demand, it is often hard to tell the difference between a laminate floor and the real thing. The next issue that you need to think about when choosing between a laminate floor and hardwood is where you plan to install the floor. Real hardwood floors are not easy to install in every room. This is because real hardwood planks need to be glued to a subsurface or nailed into place. Doing so may be impractical and expensive. For example, if you have to install a hardwood floor over a cement slab, you will need to level the slab, sand it, and then apply glue, all labor intensive jobs that can cost a lot money. You also have to be careful about installing a real hardwood floor in places like the bathroom or kitchen where there the potential for a lot of exposure to moisture, which may cause the floor to warp or buckle. Instead, a laminate floor may be ideal. These floors are installed very easily without the need for glues or nails and can be placed over virtually any subsurface. Finally, you may want to consider the durability and ease of maintenance that a laminate floor has to offer. Laminate floors are resistant to scratching, fading, staining, and impacts that can damage the surface of real hardwood floors. On top of this, they are easy to clean, needing only a light vacuuming and mopping every now and then. Because of this, they are ideal flooring options for people who have kids or pets that may dirty the house a lot. If you’re making the decision between hardwood and laminate flooring, make sure you think about these things before making your purchase. Real hardwood floors are not suitable for every home and for every family. If yours is one of them, laminate flooring is a good choice.


You have an oily film on your laminate and hardwood floors. How can you get rid of the slippery film?

throw it out


How to Choose Between Hardwood and Laminate Flooring?

If you’re in the market to purchase new flooring for your home and are interested in wood floors, you’ll be faced with the choice between real hardwood flooring or laminate. While it may seem that choosing real hardwood is the smart choice, there are some things to consider that can make the decision more difficult. The most important factor in choosing between the different types of flooring is your budget. Hardwood floors are many times more expensive than laminate flooring. If you are on a tight budget, you can get the look of a hardwood floor by purchasing a laminate floor. In the past, it was easy to tell the difference between laminate wood floors and true hardwood, but with newer manufacturing processes, it can be difficult to tell the difference from appearances alone. Next, you have to consider where you want to install the floor. Hardwood floors need to be nailed or glued into place, making them difficult and expensive to install over cement slabs. Also, if you are installing hardwood flooring into areas that have a lot of moisture like bathrooms or kitchens, hardwood flooring can warp from the water. On the other hand, laminate flooring can be placed on top of any subsurface. Laminate flooring is installed in such a way that it floats over the existing subsurface, making it easy to install and remove. Laminate floors are also more durable than hardwood flooring. Hardwood floors wear down over the years and can scratch and lose their polish. After several years, the hardwood will need to be refinished in order to bring back its original luster and appearance. In addition, hardwood flooring can fade in sunlight. Laminate floors are very durable and resist scratching and impact dents. Not only this, but they will never fade and never need refinishing. Finally, laminate floors are very easy to maintain. All that they require is a quick mopping from time to time. If you have children who are prone to make messes in the house, laminate flooring may make it easier to maintain a clean home. Before you decide on the material for your new, wood flooring, consider the benefits and negatives to both flooring options so that you can install the flooring that is right for your circumstances.


What does hardwood laminate floor mean?

Laminate flooring combines natural looking designs with a tough, durable finish and can be used in almost any area of the home. Laminate floors also offer realistic designs and can replicate the characteristics of the popular handscraped hardwood floors


What is the main difference between hardwood and laminate flooring?

The differences are as follows: 1. Appearance: Hardwood floors have a tremendous variation in its texture and hence provides a new look each time. In case of Laminate flooring the same pattern repeats after a certain time. 2. Durability: The hardwood floors are much more durable than that of laminate floors. But there are few laminate flooring that are durable too depending upon the laminate material used. 3. Repairing and Maintenance: The maintenance of both the flooring is easier but hardwood floor require a little more attention than the laminate floor. But if there is any scratch or crack then repairing laminate floor is difficult than repairing a hardwood floor. 4. Safety: Hardwood is a natural material and hence it is 100% non-toxic and eco-friendly. While laminate flooring is made by mixing various components mixed with melamine resin at high temperatures and hence are toxic and not an eco-friendly one. aaflooringdirect.com


What is the best floor steamer that cleans and shines hardwood floors?

There is no steam cleaner that should be used on hardwood floors. Although products claim to be safe on wood and laminate, they are not.


How much do hardwood laminate floors cost?

Hardwood laminate floors costs will depend on the square footage you need. Some lower end floors will cost .89 a square foot and you may spend up to $3.50 for a good brand like Armstrong in a cheery finish.


Is it better to use laminate or hardwood for a floating floor?

The floors themselves install in a very similar fashion. If you want a floor with a lot of shine, you will want to go with hardwood. If cost is an issue, laminate.


What do I use to clean heavy duty stains on my laminate hardwood floors?

Depending on how deep the stains on your hardwood floors. If you have a stain that is recent, you may be able to clean the floor with hardwood strip cleaner, if not then you may have to restrip the floor.


Is swiftlock laminate flooring sturdy enough for young children?

yes, it is actually more sturdy than real hardwood floors because it doesn't get scratched by their toys and feet. my kids ruined my beautiful hardwood floors so i wish i had used laminate flooring instead.