Your choice of the right flooring is very important as it will be the one that is going to stay there for a very long time. There are quite a lot of flooring options these days, with two being quite popular: laminate flooring and solid hardwood floors. These two floors have their own unique styles and benefits for home décor and functionality. So, what is the comparison of Laminate vs. solid hardwood flooring, and which is the better choice? For your flooring Dubai needs, we have this comparison post for you. We will explain the difference between the two in detail.
What is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate is an artificial flooring material that is made with several layers. The first layer is the wear layer, which is transparent and is there for durability against scratching. Next is the design layer which comes with an image of a wood or stone pattern in high-resolution imaging. The core layer is third and is most important – often made from HDF (high-density fiberboard) for foot stability. Last is its backing layer to prevent moisture damage.
For laminate flooring in Dubai, you need to check the quality rating of the store you are buying from. A high-end floor company provides certification and grade for their laminate floors.
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What is Solid Hardwood Flooring?
The competition of all the other flooring types is solid hardwood flooring – a classical and timeless option. They are made from 100% natural wood. The trees are cut into planks of various thicknesses, and protective coatings are finished on them. The most popular wood species for solid hardwood floors include oak, walnut, cherry, and maple.
The thing that gives the best edge to hardwood over laminate is that it can undergo various finishes. You just have to do sanding and apply a new finishing layer – a true long-term investment. Keep in mind that while it lasts for a long time, it requires some serious care.
Read more: Top 7 Flooring Mistakes to Avoid for a Perfect Home Makeover
Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring
To get a better understanding of this floor option, we have these pros and cons of laminate flooring.
Pros:
- It is affordable and within everyone’s budget range
- It is highly durable and scratch-resistant, a perfect option for high foot traffic areas.
- Laminate is known for its water resistance but is still vulnerable to water damage.
- You can easily install these floors yourself with their click-lock tile system.
- The best part of these floors is that they are available in various material finishes. You can have it in wood, stone, ceramic, tile, or any other natural material.
Cons:
A few of its cons include:
- It is not real wood, so it will lack that natural authenticity and longevity.
- These floors, being made from synthetic materials, once damaged, need complete replacement.
- Some of the laminate floors might directly feel artificial, especially the ones with improper designs.
Pros and Cons of Solid Hardwood Flooring
For hardwood flooring, the pros and cons are as follows.
Pros:
- Hardwood floors provide that authentic natural beauty with their luxurious look.
- Wood is an element that you can sand down multiple times throughout your life to regain its fresh look.
- Solid hardwood from durable tree species is known to last for decades without significant wear.
- When you get these solid hardwood floors fitted in your home, it instantly increases the resale value of the home.
Cons:
- The thing that makes it hard for most homeowners to have is that it’s quite an expensive option.
- Wood is water absorbent, and under moisture exposure, it expands or warps.
- Wood floors need regular maintenance from the owner, refinishing and polishing once every few years.
- Solid hardwood flooring is not an easy thing to install, it requires professional help, which means high installation costs.
Laminate vs. Solid Hardwood: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Laminate Flooring | Solid Hardwood Flooring |
| Material | Synthetic wood-look layers | 100% natural wood |
| Durability | Scratch-resistant but not refinishable | Can be refinished, but prone to scratches |
| Moisture Resistance | High moisture resistance | Sensitive to humidity and water |
| Installation | DIY-friendly, click-and-lock | Requires professional installation |
| Cost | Budget-friendly | More expensive upfront |
| Lifespan | 10-20 years | 50+ years with refinishing |
Our Final Say: Which Flooring is Right for You?
So, what is the conclusion of laminate vs. hardwood flooring, which is better for your needs? Well, in our professional opinion, the choice of floors has to be about your preferences, budget, and lifestyle. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that is easy to maintain, laminate floors are the best choice. For the sake of having an authentic feel with a long life and increased home value, you need to invest in hardwood floors. For a Dubai homeowner, both these options work best considering the unpredictable weather of the region. Just weigh the pros and cons as per your needs and requirements and buy the solution perfect for your lifestyle and home.
