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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.

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Q: How to Choose Between Hardwood and Laminate Flooring?
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