Hardwood Vs. Laminate Floor Durability
- The technology of producing laminate floors has come a long way to resemble the fine qualities of real hardwood. Manufacturers make laminate floors by compressing layers of wood particles at high pressure and sealing it with a plastic top layer made to look like real wood. Hardwood floors real wood planks from top to bottom.
- Moisture resistance is one factor when examining the durability of laminate versus hardwood floors. Laminate is a water-resistant product, meaning it does well when spills happen as long as you clean them up quickly. If moisture sits on the laminate or seeps into the cracks to the under layers, the pressed wood will expand and swell. Once this happens, you will need to replace the section with new laminate. Hardwood floors may swell, but are more resilient because the material is one homogeneous piece and can retain its shape.
- Wood is a soft material, subject to denting and scratching. Thus, hardwood floors are highly susceptible to sliding furniture or accidental drops. The compressed layers in laminate make it more resistant to denting while the protective plastic top coat help reduce scratch issues.
- A key part of floor durability is how long the floor will last if properly maintained. Traditional hardwood floors may last a lifetime, but generally last between 40 and 80 years according to Professorhouse.com. Maintaining hardwood floors requires using oils and refinishing water seals on the floor over time. Laminate floors may last as long as 20 years if you keep moisture away and users don't drag or drop a lot of items on it.
- Key selling points of laminate are stain resistance and it doesn't fade over time. Hardwood will fade in areas with high sun exposure, leaving outlines of furniture or rugs along the floor. However, you can re-sand and re-stain hardwood to restore the original beauty, but you must replace laminate if damaged or worn.
