Hardwood vs Laminate - Which Is Better?
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Posted On :
Feb-20-2011
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Article Word Count :
468
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There are more options than ever for people who are adding new flooring to their homes and want the look of hardwood. New technology has made laminate floors both affordable and easy to install. But, is this a better choice for you and your household than traditional hardwood? The answer is, both types of flooring have their advantages and drawbacks. Read on to learn the pros and cons of hardwood versus laminate flooring in Edina homes.
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At one time, the only way to get the look of hardwood floors was to spring for genuine hardwood flooring. With the new laminate floors, however, new options are available. One of the biggest draws of laminate flooring is the price. In general, a laminate floor will cost significantly less than a hardwood floor with the same appearance. Laminate floors are also easy to install. In fact, many people choose to install laminate floorings on their own instead of hiring a contractor. Laminate floors are extremely tough, and they never need to be polished or revarnished. They are also far more resistant to moisture than hardwood floors.
However, they do have their drawbacks. If laminate floors are scratched, it is not possible to buff out the damage as you can with a hardwood floor. The wood grain patterns on laminate floors are printed, so, their patterns repeat rather than having the random natural appearance that hardwood floors do. Also, a laminate floor has a lifespan of about 25 years, and will need to be replaced sooner than a hardwood floor.
There are many reasons that someone would choose wood floor in a Chanhassen home. While hardwood floors have a higher outlay at first, many people find them more economical over time. Properly cared for, hardwood floors can last a century or more. Hardwood floors can significantly add to the value of your home. If parts of a hardwood floor need to be replaced, it is relatively easy to match the type of wood and finish. Laminate floor patterns are sometimes discontinued, which means that you may not have this freedom with a laminate floor.
When considering the disadvantages of hardwood flooring in Chanhassen homes, it is important to realize that hardwood requires more upkeep than laminate. It needs to be periodically refinished. It is also far more prone to scratching, denting and other damage than laminate is. Because of the difficulty of installing a hardwood floor, many people choose to have their floors professionally installed instead of doing it themselves, which will increase the cost.
In the end, you will need to consider your specific situation to decide which is a better choice for you. If you want to save money on materials and installation, laminate is the clear choice. However, if you consider flooring a long term investment and do not mind a higher upfront cost, hardwood may be the right choice for you and your family. You can also choose to use both surfaces in your home, picking laminate for the high traffic areas and hardwood for the more formal and luxurious rooms. In the end, careful consideration of how your home will be used and what qualities matter most can help you pick the surface that suits you and your home.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Hardwood vs Laminate - Which Is Better?_53319.aspx
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Author Resource :
Find out more about laminate flooring Edina. Get more information on hardwood flooring Chanhassen and wood floor Chanhassen.
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Keywords :
laminate flooring Edina, hardwood flooring Chanhassen, wood floor Chanhassen,
Category :
Home and Family
:
Home Improvement
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