Blinds Shades

Posts Tagged ‘wood flooring’

Hardwood flooring and laminate flooring are the top choices for floor improvement today. Carpeting, which at one time was high on the list, has now dropped considerably. Either hardwood or laminate is a preferable choice. Sometimes it is difficult to decide which material is best for a particular job. There are some positive and negative considerations for each one.

Before making a decision, one needs to know some characteristics of both materials. Hardwood comes in two basic types: engineered and solid wood. They are both wood, but the engineered wood has a hardwood top that has been fused to a softer wood bottom layer. They both can come with tongue and groove installation, but the hardwood usually will require nails or clue. They both come in various colors and wood types. Laminate, on the other hand, is not actually a real wood at all. It is made of high density fiberboard with a picture of wood laminated on top. It can be purchased to look like wood, tile, or stone.

Hardwood is the preference for many people. These people are usually purists who want only natural sources used in their home. They believe that natural beauty far exceeds manufactured materials. There are several pros for choosing hardwood over laminate. A major pro is that they are extremely durable. There are some houses that have had the same hardwood floors for decades. They are just as attractive today as they were when installed years ago. Also, some people believe that a true hardwood floor has a better feel of warmth when walked upon. It has a richness that can not be duplicated. Hardwood floors come in a variety of woods and colors. One can get oak, maple, pine, cherry and even some more uncommon woods. A major pro for installing hardwood is that it can greatly increase the home market value. Many new home buyers look specifically for hardwood when looking for a home. Since it has stood the test of durability, they know it is a good investment.

Although hardwood flooring can be an excellent choice, it also has some cons that one must consider. It has a price which is usually higher than other flooring materials. It does have a tendency to fade if exposed to a lot of direct sunlight. It also does not do well in an area that retains moisture. It must have regular cleaning because dirt, grit, and grime can scratch it . It also has a tendency to stain which can sometimes be difficult to clean without hiring a professional to do the job. If a person wears hard shoes like high heels, or if a person has indoor pets, it can scruff easily. Although these are things to consider when making a decision, a little care and thinking ahead can usually take care of or eliminate these potential problems.

Laminate is also an excellent choice for floors. Its sales are on the increase. There are some good reasons it is so popular. For one thing, a homeowner can get the look of wood for a much smaller price. With some high grades, it is challenging to tell if the floor is wood or laminate without a careful inspection. For home owners who like to do things themselves, it is usually an easy enough job to install it yourself. This can make the project even less expensive. Its maintenance is usually very easy, and it is very stain resistant. With many people today trying to economize, it can be a great choice both financially and visually.

There are some cons to laminate. It is not as durable as hardwood. Although many companies give several years on their guarantee for it, it is really too soon to know how long it will actually last. Once it has been on the market longer, this factor can be determined better. It sometimes does not do as well as other flooring materials in a very high traffic area. It cannot be shined like a hardwood because of the finish already on it when purchased. It has more of a matte finish, and even this finish can become dull and lose some of its luster after several years. Although most manufacturers claim that it can be repaired if damaged, damage usually requires that the individual damaged board be completely replaced. Even though it does have some cons, if taken care of properly, it can be a very viable option for homeowners.

Both hardwood and laminate floors are usually superior to carpet. Carpet can harbor mold and dust. Hardwood and laminate can be more easily and effectively cleaned. This could be a major factor for people who suffer with allergies in making a decision on which floor material to choose.

Choosing between hardwood flooring and laminate flooring is really an individual preference. Although hardwood is considered to be the higher quality product of the two, laminate is certainly also a good choice especially if funds are limited. Some people have both in their homes and like both equally well. Only you can decide which will work best in your personal choice.

The thing with hardwood flooring is that it takes a a lot more to take care of than laminate flooring. Although, you can use chemicals to wax laminated floors better then wood floors. Wood needs a certain type of waxes that sparkles the floor without damaging the floor.

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