How to Choose Between Laminate and Wooden Flooring

While lots of us still love carpets and then there are things like luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) to consider, two of the most popular options a floor layer will be asked to lay is wooden flooring and laminate flooring.  If you are considering these two for commercial flooring, domestic flooring or even yacht flooring, how do you choose between them?

What are they made from?

To start with, it is important to understand what both are made from and why this plays a big part in the decision between the two.  Solid hardwood flooring is made from 100% wood while engineered wood flooring has a plywood base.  Laminate flooring is a fibreboard that is topped with an image of wood or stone to create the look then finished with a tough transparent layer to make it strong and durable.

One of the big factors in choose for homes around Portsmouth and Fareham is whether you can install it yourself.  With laminate, there are some products that you can install yourself if you use a floating floor approach.  This means you click the pieces of laminate flooring together and simply installed them on top of your existing floorboards.  But some laminates and all wooden flooring will be best fitted by a floor layer to ensure the job is done properly – and because they have the right tools for the job.

Cost and longevity

Of the two options, laminate flooring is definitely the cheaper and is a great option if you are trying to work with a budget – in the same way, that vinyl flooring can be more cost-effective than carpets.  You can get lower and higher quality laminates so there is a variation in the cost.  A good quality product should last at least 10 years.

Wood flooring can last a lifetime but obviously is a lot more expensive.  Like laminate, some woods are cheaper than others and wider format planks will cost more, as will unusual or exotic woods if you love a particular type.  Wooden flooring may need some care down the line as the top surface can be discoloured by UV rays, but it is also simple to have it recoated or refinished.

Can you use it in the kitchen and bathroom?

Laminate flooring is very resistant to both water and stains, but you do want to ensure it is fitted properly or there is a risk that water can get into the joints and this can cause swelling.  It can work in the kitchen but isn’t always ideal in the bathroom as there is much more water on the floor – unless it is an area away from the water if you have a large bathroom.

Wood flooring is also not recommended for bathrooms but can work in kitchens.  The main issue is that standing water and those occasional Hampshire floors can damage the flooring and lead to the need for repairs.  It is also popular for yacht flooring or even in place of superyacht carpets as long as it is protected from the worst of the water.