What Type of Wood Flooring Should I Choose?

Most people are aware there is a difference between hardwood vs. laminate floors, but often don’t know much about engineered hardwood floors. Some think it’s the same thing.

What’s the difference? How can you tell one from another? Here’s how:

Hardwood Floors are just that, wood. They are durable, timeless and add value. There are many different types of woods, colours and finishes to choose from. The cost will vary depending on the thickness, type and grade of wood, and whether the floors are pre-finished or finished on site. A solid wood floor can last for decades.  Solid ¾-inch boards can be refinished up to 10 times. Thinner ones can’t be sanded as much, but if topped with durable factory-applied coatings, they shouldn’t require frequent refinishing. Design tip: When it comes to the length of strips used, longer strips mean fewer distracting end joints. To make a small room appear bigger, use shorter strips.

Engineered (or composite) Hardwood is composed of a top layer of hardwood and multiple layers of plywood. At first glance, it can be difficult to distinguish from hardwood. Unlike solid hardwood floors, engineered hardwood doesn’t shrink or expand, making it resistant to warping and cupping. It’s considered very strong and stable. It can be sanded and refinished although not to the same extent as hardwood. There is some debate about whether or not engineered hardwood can be used in a basement. Although it is more resistant to moisture than hardwood, engineered hardwood is not as resistant to moisture as laminate flooring.

Laminate Floors are a multi layered synthetic flooring product fused together through a lamination process. Laminate flooring simulates hardwood and is usually composed of melamine resin and fibre board materials. It is less expensive and easier to install than solid hardwood and engineered hardwood floors. When installing laminate, the strips can be fastened or glued down, or left to float.  Laminate floors are a popular flooring choice for basements. They can also be the better way to go if you have a dog.  You can often tell whether or not a homeowner has a dog by the condition of their hardwood floors. Both hardwood and engineered hardwood can get scratched up pretty easily by dogs, unlike laminate.

At the end of the day, the flooring you choose for your home will depend on cost, the look you’re going for and where in your house you plan to use it. There are pros and cons to all three. Weigh the options and decide which one or ones will work best for you.

When you’re ready to buy or sell in the Burlington or Oakville area, please contact me. I can help!