With so much choice available, you would be forgiven for finding the world of flooring a little tricky to navigate at times. If you’ve been wondering what the differences are between laminate, engineered wood and hardwood flooring options, we’ve put together this short guide to help you decide which will be best for your home and lifestyle.
Image Credit
Hardwood
A solid hardwood floor will always look timeless, and as this Forbes article
explains, wood floors are more profitable than installing carpet. Hardwood
floors are one of the most durable options because even though they will
scratch over time, any damage will be easy to sand out and refinish.
You’ll be impressed with the number of grains and colours there are to choose
from, and if you’re concerned about the environmental impact, you’ll find that
many companies are fully committed to sustainability. Prices will vary
according to the type and quality of the wood you choose, and although it will
undoubtedly be the most expensive option, the value it will add to your home
means it is often an investment worth making.
Engineered wood
If you want to achieve the look of a hardwood floor but without such a large
investment, engineered wood flooring, is an ideal option. Layers of inexpensive
plywood are finished with a top layer of hardwood, providing the same classic
aesthetic at a lower price point, and again, there are many colours and
finishes to choose from.
Should any damage occur, you will be able to sand and refinish but it is worth
keeping in mind that you will only be able to do this a couple of times before
the floor will need to be replaced. A well maintained engineered wood floor can
last for many decades, so they are also a good investment and are typically
very simple to install.
Laminate
As an even more inexpensive option, laminate is still a popular choice for
many. Layers of inexpensive wood are typically finished with a photographic
image of a wood grain, which means you miss out on the benefits that come with
real wood finishes. Small areas of damage can be concealed with filler, but
although it won’t last as long as other wood options, it’s still a durable and
easy to maintain option. There is off course Laminate Wood Flooring which is
more durable and has a great finish but don’t take my word for it check out
options including https://irwintiles.ie/index.php/wooden-flooring.html.
