Deciding between laminate and solid hardwood flooring for your home can be a difficult choice. Both have their advantages and disadvantages in terms of appearance, durability, maintenance, cost, and environmental impact. This comprehensive guide examines the key differences between laminate and solid hardwood to help you determine which is better for your needs.
What is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring, also known as floating wood tile, is a synthetic flooring product made up of several layers fused together. The top layer is a photographic image of wood, stone, or tile printed on a paper overlay. This layer protects the inner core, which is usually made from high-density fiberboard (HDF).
On the bottom is a stabilizing layer that makes the plank more dense and durable. The planks click together through tongue-and-groove construction and float over the subfloor rather than being nailed or glued down. This allows the floor to expand and contract naturally.
Advantages of Laminate Flooring
- Durable and scratch-resistant wearing surface
- Stain, fade, and burn resistant
- Easy “floating” installation
- Wide variety of styles and colors
- Affordable compared to solid hardwood
- Good for remodeling projects
- Can be installed on concrete subfloors
Disadvantages of Laminate Flooring
- Not real wood (photographic layer)
- Can appear artificial up close
- Joints between planks more visible
- Not as easy to refinish
- Can swell if water penetrates seams
- Not as high-end as real wood
What is Solid Hardwood Flooring?
Solid hardwood flooring is milled from a single piece of hardwood lumber, making it 100% natural wood. Oak, maple, cherry, and walnut are common hardwood species used. The planks are available in various widths and cut in different styles – smooth, hand-scraped, distressed, etc.
Solid hardwood can be installed above, on, or below grade. Installation methods include nail-down, glue-down, and floating. The planks are sanded and finished on-site after installation. Site finishing allows for customized stain colors.
Advantages of Solid Hardwood Flooring
- Made from real wood
- Timeless, classic appearance
- Can be refinished many times
- Increases home value
- Variety of wood species available
- Can be screened and recoated to refresh
- Quality increases over time
- Available in wide plank formats
Disadvantages of Solid Hardwood Flooring
- More expensive upfront cost
- Professional installation recommended
- Not suitable for below grade or concrete subfloors
- Can dent, scratch and stain if not cared for
- Susceptible to moisture damage
- Expands and contracts with climate changes
- Must be refinished periodically
Now that we’ve compared the basics of each flooring type, let’s dig deeper into the factors you should consider when choosing between laminate and solid hardwood.
Appearance
One of the biggest differences between laminate and solid hardwood is appearance. Laminate offers a wide variety of colors, styles, and textures. It can convincingly imitate the look of natural wood with photographic layer technology. However, up close, laminate does not compare to the richness and character of real wood.
Solid hardwood’s natural grain patterns and color variations give it an authentic, timeless look. The appearance and quality of solid hardwood flooring improves over time as it gains a patina. If scratches or dents occur, solid wood can be refinished to look like new.
Laminate’s printed top layer can become scuffed or worn over time. Major damage cannot be repaired since the floor cannot be refinished. Laminate offers more dramatic styles like a distressed rustic plank visual. But for a classic wood look, solid hardwood is unrivaled.
Winner: Solid Hardwood
Durability and Lifespan
Laminate flooring is highly durable and resistant to scratches, stains, dents, and moisture damage. The top layer protects the inner fiberboard core. Laminate won’t fade in sunlight or develop gaps during seasonal humidity changes. Most laminate carries warranties of 15-25 years for residential use.
Solid wood is susceptible to scratches, dents, stains, and moisture damage. Harder wood species are more durable. Site-finished floors are more scratch-resistant than prefinished. Humidity affects solid wood more than laminate, potentially causing gapping. With proper care and maintenance, solid hardwood can last 100+ years. But it likely will need refinishing every 10-15 years.
For long-lasting wearability with minimal maintenance, laminate is the better choice. Solid wood requires more care but is worth the effort for generations of use.
**Winner: Laminate **
Maintenance and Care
Keeping laminate floors looking good is simple. Sweep, dust mop, or vacuum to remove dirt and debris. Damp mop occasionally with laminate cleaner. Avoid excessive water. Planks can swell and warp if moisture seeps into the seams.
Solid hardwood requires more frequent cleaning. Vacuum, dry mop, or dust regularly. Damp mop with hardwood floor cleaner only when needed. Excessive water can damage solid wood. Don’t use wax or oil soap products. Hardwood should be refinished every 5-15 years depending on wear.
Laminate is nearly maintenance-free. Solid hardwood needs more routine care and eventual refinishing to keep it looking beautiful.
Winner: Laminate
Cost Comparison
Laminate flooring is significantly cheaper than solid wood. It starts around $1 per square foot installed. Mid-range products cost $3-5 per square foot. Premium laminates with realistic wood looks and textures run $6-8 per square foot installed.
Solid hardwood pricing starts at $3 per square foot and ranges up to $13 or more. Site-finished floors are less expensive than prefinished. Domestic wood species are costlier than imported. Exotic woods like Brazilian cherry or African mahogany are the most expensive. Professional installation adds to the total cost.
Overall, laminate is about 60-75% cheaper than solid hardwood when comparing similar-appearing options. Laminate provides an affordable wood flooring look compared to luxury solid wood.
Winner: Laminate
Installation and Replacement
One advantage of laminate flooring is its ease of installation. Laminate uses a floating installation method where planks click together without nails, staples, or glue. This makes DIY installation straightforward. Underlayment is rolled out first to reduce sound transmission. No power tools or experience needed.
Solid hardwood requires professional installation in most cases. The flooring must be nailed or stapled through the tongue into the subfloor. This provides a stable connection and allows natural expansion and contraction. DIY is possible but challenging. Improper installation can ruin solid wood.
Replacing damaged planks is easier with laminate. Individual boards can be disconnected and swapped out as needed without altering the surrounding floor. Solid wood requires sanding and refinishing affected areas to blend repairs.
Winner: Laminate
Resale Value
Solid hardwood flooring increases property value significantly more than laminate. Home buyers perceive wood floors as a premium feature and solid hardwood as the highest quality material. Laminate may be seen as lower-end depending on its realism and quality.
Solid exotic woods like walnut or Brazilian cherry provide the biggest resale value increase. Regionally grown oak and maple are also desirable. any homeowner improvements done with solid wood versus laminate will have better return on investment.
Winner: Solid Hardwood
Environmental Impact
Laminate flooring contains synthetic materials made from resins and bonding agents. The inner fiberboard core is sourced from fast-growth softwoods or recycled wood waste. Laminate contains few harmful VOCs and chemical emissions are lower than solid wood floors. Overall, laminate has a moderate environmental impact with some green product options.
Solid hardwood has a higher environmental cost. Old-growth forests are often cleared for prized exotic species. Domestic harvests can be sustainable if forests are properly managed. Solid wood emits higher VOCs from adhesives and finishes. But it is biodegradable and renewable if sourced ethically.
Winner: Draw
Moisture and Water Resistance
Laminate flooring resists damage from spills, wet mopping, and subfloor moisture better than solid wood. The fiberboard inner core will not warp or swell like solid wood. Most laminate floors have at least a 24-hour water resistance warranty. However, standing water or leaks can penetrate joints and cause planks to expand.
Solid wood is very prone to moisture damage. Constant exposure leads to swelling, warping, discoloration, and mold growth. Site-finished floors are more water-resistant than prefinished. Extra coatings and sealants can improve moisture protection. Solid hardwood is best avoided in damp basements or bathrooms.
Laminate offers superior water resistance overall. Solid wood requires extra precautions and professional waterproofing treatments in wet areas.
Winner: Laminate
Comfort and Noise
Laminate floors feel somewhat harder and louder than solid wood when walked on. Without enough underlayment, footsteps and furniture movement can transmit noise through the stiff fiberboard subfloor. High-density foam underlayment helps muffle sound but cannot match wood’s acoustic properties.
Solid hardwood provides a softer, warmer feel underfoot. The natural material absorbs sound rather than transmitting vibrations. Top-quality solid wood with thick planks is exceptionally quiet and comfortable. With cushioned underlayment, minor footfall noise can be further reduced.
For minimal noise transmission and a luxurious feel, solid hardwood is the better choice. Laminate can achieve adequate comfort with proper underlayment but not equal to wood.
Winner: Solid Hardwood
Climate and Location
Laminate flooring performs well in any climate. It is not affected by seasonal humidity changes or temperature swings like solid wood. Laminate resists moisture from damp basements or concrete slabs. It can be installed on any subfloor material and grade level.
Solid wood floors react to humidity fluctuations. Very dry or humid climates cause movement, gaps, or cupping. Solid hardwood should not be installed below grade or directly over concrete. Climates with moderate year-round humidity are best for minimizing seasonal gapping and finish cracks.
Laminate wins for adaptability and reliability across diverse climates and subfloor types. Solid hardwood requires climate control and careful installation for stability.
Winner: Laminate
Resale Value
Solid hardwood flooring has a clear advantage when it comes to resale value. All things equal, homes with real hardwood will sell for 2-3% more compared to laminate floors. Buyers perceive wood as a superior quality flooring material and are willing to pay more for it.
Exotic woods, wider planks, and site-finished floors boost value the most. Regionally produced oak, maple, and hickory are also desirable. Well-maintained solid floors with timeless appeal increase property value versus dated styles.
While laminate offers affordable wood looks, most buyers do not consider it equal to real wood. Laminate will not negatively impact resale, but solid hardwood provides a measurable premium.
Winner: Solid Hardwood
Ease of Repair
One advantage of laminate flooring is the ease of replacing damaged boards. A single plank can be disconnected and swapped out without altering the surrounding floor. This is handy for minor pet accidents, furniture indentations, or localized wear in high traffic areas.
Solid hardwood cannot be spot repaired in this manner. Refinishing is required to blend repairs. Significant sanding of surrounding boards is needed to match stain color. Major damage may require replacing an entire section of flooring. Repairs are more labor-intensive than laminate.
For simple DIY repairs, laminate wins. Solid hardwood requires skilled refinishing for seamless patches.
Winner: Laminate
Pet Friendliness
Laminate’s durable outer layer holds up well to pets. Scratches from dog nails are less visible. Odors, stains, and accident damage won’t penetrate the sealed wear layer. Spills are easily cleaned. High-quality laminate is a great choice for active households with pets.
Pets can really damage solid hardwood if claws are not trimmed. Finish scratches, stains, gouges, and discoloration from accidents require extensive refinishing. Water spills reach the bare wood underneath. Regular cleaning and place mats under bowls and beds help protect solid wood.
For seamless pet resistance, laminate is the better option. Solid wood requires vigilant maintenance and refinishing from pet damage.
Winner: Laminate
Kids and High Traffic Areas
Laminate stands up well to rowdy kids and heavy foot traffic. The durable top layer resists the dents, scratches, and stains that come with active families. Spills and accidents clean up easily. Laminate holds up over time even with rough usage.
Solid wood shows scratches, scuffs, and finish wear much quicker with excessive traffic and kid activity. Food spills can permeate the finish if not cleaned promptly. Frequent refinishing is needed in high traffic zones. Area rugs and furniture pads help protect solid wood floors.
For playrooms, rec rooms, and other kid zones, durable laminate is the better choice. Solid wood requires meticulous care and maintenance with excessive wear and tear.
Winner: Laminate
Floor Warmth
Laminate feels noticeably colder and stiffer underfoot than solid hardwood. The inner fiberboard core does not retain heat or provide insulation. In colder climates, laminate floors feel cool even with heating systems running. Warm socks or slippers may be needed.
Solid wood’s natural cellular structure has better thermal conductivity. It absorbs and radiates heat, providing a warmer feel. In older homes especially, wood floors increase comfort compared to tile, stone, or laminate. Rugs can augment solid wood’s warmth.
For cozy natural warmth, solid hardwood is the better performer. Laminate feels comparatively cold and stiff underfoot.
Winner: Solid Hardwood
Fading and Discoloration
The top layer of laminate flooring resists fading, stains, and discoloration very well. Direct sunlight does not alter the printed image over time. Chemicals and common household spills wipe clean without bleaching or staining. Laminate maintains consistent looks over decades.
Solid wood is prone to discoloration from sunlight, spills, chemicals, and normal wear patterns. Area rugs are recommended to equalize fading. Refinishing is needed periodically to rejuvenate wood’s original color. Some exotic species become richer and more nuanced with age.
For lasting looks and fade resistance, laminate wins. Solid hardwood evolves patina over time that requires refinishing to restore.
Winner: Laminate
Styles and Visual Appeal
Laminate floors offer unlimited style options with photographic layer technology. Dramatic visuals like weathered barnwood or bold tile patterns exceed solid wood’s offerings. But up close, laminate still has a flat, printed look. Straight repeating grain patterns appear less realistic.
Solid wood exhibits beautiful, natural variation in grain, knots, and character marks. No two boards are alike. The richness and depth of wood’s natural beauty cannot be replicated in laminate. There are fewer style options, but real wood’s visual appeal is unmatched by synthetics.
For the most realistic hardwood visuals, solid wood is superior. But laminate provides more dramatic styles.
Winner: Solid Hardwood
Matching Trim and Moldings
An advantage of laminate flooring is the availability of matching transitions, trim, and moldings. Major manufacturers make coordinated molding pieces designed to blend seamlessly with each laminate color and style. This provides a harmonious look between floors and baseboards.
Solid wood flooring may or may not offer matching trim options. Finding coordinating colors and species can be tricky. Mismatched transitions with stain color variations look sloppy. Custom molding staining or painting is often required to achieve clean, cohesive appearances between solid hardwood floors and trimwork.
Winner: Laminate
Recycling and Disposal
One environmental advantage of laminate is that it can be recycled. Although not commonly accepted by municipal recycling programs, some manufacturers like Pergo have recycling initiatives that collect and repurpose used laminate. Recycled laminate can be made into countertops, furniture, or new flooring.
Solid hardwood cannot be recycled easily. Refinishing allows extended use before replacement. But ultimately old solid wood floors end up in landfills. Using reclaimed wood provides an alternative to harvesting virgin timber. Disposal of adhesives and finish stains requires hazardous waste precautions.
For eco-friendly end-of-life management, laminate edges out solid wood as being more recyclable.
Winner: Laminate
Health and Air Quality
Laminate flooring emits low VOC levels and does not harbor allergens. The fiberboard core uses recycled wood material and synthetic resins. Laminate promotes good indoor air quality and does not aggravate allergy or asthma symptoms when installed properly. Those sensitive to dust should avoid during cutting and installation.
Solid wood emits higher VOCs from adhesives and finishes. Dust mites and pet dander can penetrate unfinished gaps. Wood may irritate those with sensitivities or allergies. Allowing time for finishes to cure improves air quality. Exotic species may have natural oils that affect indoor air. Proper ventilation after installation and routine cleaning improve air quality.
For ideal air purity and low emissions, laminate is the better choice. Solid wood requires extra steps to optimize indoor air quality.
Winner: Laminate
Soundproofing Ability
Laminate floors have poor sound dampening