Miami Flooring: Hardwood Floors Vs Laminate Wood Floors

If you live in Miami or South Florida in normal and are considering replacing your floors with wood floors, take the time to do your homework on either you should pick hardwood flooring or laminate wood flooring. While you may prefer the look of a hardwood over laminate wood, there are differences in the installation, maintenance and wear and tear of each type of flooring. considering the subtropical atmosphere in South Florida, one singular wood flooring choice may emerge as the right choice.

Hardwood

Hardwood

It is true that hardwood floors are made out of real wood and therefore have the look of real wood. In northern states, hardwood floors work, but the problem with installing hardwood in South Florida is the humidity. Hardwood retains moisture, which can cause the floor to warp. This is not to mention the cost of hardwood over laminate or that installing hardwood floors is more involved than installing laminate wood flooring. Harder premise also means you're not only going to pay more for the materials, but you're also going to pay more for the installation.

Laminate

While laminate wood floors are not real or natural wood, these types of wood floors have several benefits, especially in South Florida. The wood material look alike used to originate laminate floors tends to be water-resistant, which is a big bonus in South Florida with the humidity, rain, flooding and hurricanes. Second, wood laminate is easier to install than hardwood floors, so you are not only going to pay less for the materials but you're also going to save on the installation. The downside of these floors is that the wood laminate can chip, but it does not scratch and dent like hardwood floors do.

Hardwood vs. Laminate Wood Floors

Hardwood

Moisture: Humidity and moisture warps the wood (Hint: South Florida is Very humid.).

Installation: Difficult

Durability: Dents, scratches and fades, but can be refinished.

Longevity: 80 years

Laminate

Moisture: Most are water-resistant, but check with the maker or supplier.

Installation: Easier to install than hardwood and comes with options for installation, together with glue-less.

Durability: Does not dent and scratch, but can chip. Refinishing is inherent with some wood laminates.

Longevity: 20 years

In less humid and moist areas of the country hardwood flooring is a fine choice. With the high humidity and water issues South Florida deals with on a daily basis, wood laminate by all means; of course pulls out ahead as the important choice for wood flooring.

Miami Flooring: Hardwood Floors Vs Laminate Wood Floors