When it comes to choosing new flooring, there are a lot of different options. Two of those often selected are laminate flooring and hardwood flooring in Chicago. Comparing the pros and cons of each of these alternatives may help make the decision a little bit easier.
Home Value
Those who want to increase the value of their home with their flooring choice should opt for hardwood flooring in Chicago. New laminate flooring will help make the house look nicer than whatever old flooring was in place, but it doesn’t typically increase the overall home value. Still, a nice-looking floor may make it easier to sell a house even if it’s laminate instead of hardwood.
Cost
Hardwood flooring costs about twice as much as laminate to install, making it a less expensive alternative for those who are on a tight budget. The price for hardwood flooring does vary quite a bit depending on which type of wood is purchased. The more exotic trees and those that come from farther away tend to be more expensive than those that are readily available.
Durability
It can be a bit of a toss-up as to which of these types of flooring is more durable. Hardwood flooring is more easily damaged by either moisture or scratching than laminate flooring, but it can be refinished to bring it back to looking like new and thus may last much longer in the long run than the thinner laminate. Laminate flooring may need to be totally replaced when it gets damaged, although the types that come in pieces that snap together can sometimes be repaired by just replacing the particular pieces that are damaged. However, the new pieces may stand out as they won’t have the same fading or wear and tear that may be visible on other parts of the floor.
Another Alternative
For an option that combines some of the pros of each of these types of flooring is engineered hardwood flooring. This type of flooring is made from layers of wood, so it still has the real texture of the wood, while being less expensive than hardwood.
Contact American Carpet Distributors for more information on the different flooring options and their pros and cons.
