Laminate and hardwood flooring are some of the most popular options for flooring in Northern Virginia, but with so many choices, when deciding between the two, which type of flooring is best for you?
While hardwood flooring and laminate flooring may look alike, nearly every other aspect is different—cost, maintenance, lifespan, installation and resale value for each varies. Hardwood flooring is a major financial investment, but its upfront cost can be worthwhile if you expect to live in the home for many years. Laminate flooring has a shorter lifespan than hardwood, but it’s less expensive and can create a natural and realistic look.
What Flooring is Easiest to Clean and Care for?
Hardwood flooring is easier to maintain than it used to be. Nowadays, you can vacuum hardwood floors, which simplifies cleaning. However, if you need a more thorough cleaning, damp-mopping with a wood cleaner can work well. The bright side of newer hardwood flooring installation is that a polyurethane varnish is applied to seal the floors, so you don’t have to worry about waxing or polishing.
Laminate flooring can also be cleaned with a broom or vacuum, but water needs to be applied sparingly. A damp mop with floor cleaner is typically the best choice. However, too much moisture can be bad with both floorings.
Which Flooring Offers the Best Lifespan?
Solid hardwood flooring can last about 100 years if you properly keep up with maintenance and cleaning. This makes the extra maintenance tasks worth it. However, if you don’t plan to stay in your home for a long time, laminate can be a beautiful, less costly alternative. While you are living in your home, you can enjoy how smooth and comfortable laminate flooring is to walk on due to its soft foam underlayment.
In a nutshell, laminate flooring is a good option for homes where budget, easy care, and comfort are most important. Hardwood flooring can be a better option if appearance, resale value, and long-term durability are the most important factors.
Contact the Experts at Premier Flooring to See All Our Flooring Options!
If you live in the Northern Virginia area and are looking to select and install laminate, hardwood, or any other type of flooring, look no further than Premier Flooring.
If you would like more information about the flooring types we offer at Premier Flooring, please reach out to our team. We can’t wait to help you enhance your home! If you are looking for flooring in Northern Virginia, please contact us to schedule a free consultation.