Homeowners in Chicago and its suburbs are often conflicted about how to select the proper flooring material for their home. Luckily, with so many great options, the decision doesn’t have to be difficult.
But, before you decide between hardwood flooring and laminate flooring it’s important that you understand the pros and cons of each flooring type so that you can make the best choice for you and your home. Additionally, you should also think about the intended placement of the flooring alongside your aesthetic preferences, along with longevity, maintenance and eco-friendly considerations.
What is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is a synthetic product that is made to imitate the feel and texture of natural, hardwood flooring or other materials, like stone, metal or concrete. The composite core of laminate flooring is made of melamine resin and fiber board with the outer layer displaying authentic, wood-like patterns and textures.
Laminate flooring has come a long way in terms of design since it was initially introduced. However, this flooring option includes so many other benefits that make it a great choice for nearly any use. Just a few of the benefits that laminate flooring offers, includes:
- Extensive patterns and texture options
- Engineered for durability, longevity and resistance to damage
- Can be installed above or below grade and in other temperature-sensitive environments
- Lower cost compared to hardwood flooring styles
- Easy to clean with minimal ongoing maintenance required
What is Hardwood Flooring?
Hardwood flooring is a broad category that includes numerous wood species and levels of quality. One of the more important differentiators between hardwood flooring types relates to how the flooring was manufactured. The two main categories of hardwood flooring include:
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Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood flooring is made from multiple layers of plywood or wood planks. The bottom and inner layers are made of cross laid wooden planks or plywood, while the top layer is constructed of a solid, factory finished hardwood veneer.
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Solid Hardwood Flooring
Solid hardwood flooring is made of single planks of solid, milled lumber. For this reason, solid hardwood is typically more expensive than its engineered cousin, especially for some of the more exotic wood types.
Hardwood flooring is loved for the beauty, texture and the warmth is lends to a space. It is also a coveted flooring material for most living spaces and bedrooms that can help to increase the value of your Naperville home. Some of the other benefits of hardwood flooring include:
- 100% natural materials with unique character and variations
- Numerous wood types, plank widths, board lengths, stain and finish options
- The option to refinish, re-stain or sand existing floors for future updates
- An estimated lifespan of 50-80 years depending on care and maintenance
If you’ve got more questions about which flooring option to consider, please get in touch. Our team would be more than happy to discuss various flooring options and help you select the appropriate choice for your project.
