Advantage & Disadvantage of Wood Laminate

Cost and Installation

• Compared with hardwood, most laminate provides a distinct cost advantage. Laminate installation is often simpler than hardwood because the laminate is glued down as opposed to nailed. This procedure allows homeowners to install their own flooring, which can result in even greater cost savings. Laminate is also available in a tongue and groove design, which allows the pieces to lock together. These boards float on top of the subfloor, making it easier to remove the floor or take out boards for repair later.

Durability

• Laminate has the advantage of durability. The surface resists scratching, making it suitable for use in most areas of the home. The boards rarely warp unless they are exposed to standing water or high-moisture conditions. Unlike wood, laminate has the disadvantage when damage does occur. Damaged laminate boards require replacement because they cannot be refinished as you would a wood floor. The surface can also become scratched and dull if the floor isn't maintained properly, and unlike wood, the scratches can't be buffed out.

Appearance

• Although laminate may use wood for its base, the visible surface is actually made of paper that simulates the look of wood. The paper layer is then sealed in a clear laminated coating. The difference in appearance between laminates and real wood is sometimes obvious, especially in cheaper laminates. Laminate also doesn't develop the warmth and luster of real wood over time. Installing high-quality laminate helps offset this disadvantage, since the laminate will resemble real wood more closely.

Maintenance

• Laminate requires daily sweeping to prevent scratches and damage. While hardwood also benefits from sweeping, the floor isn't ruined if scratches do occur. Furniture can cause deep gouges in the floor unless felt furniture pads or plastic slides are placed beneath the furniture legs. The main maintenance advantage is that the floor never requires the sanding, stripping and buffing labor that comes with refinishing a hardwood floor. Regular sweeping and an occasional damp mopping keeps the laminate shiny and clean.