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Engineered and Laminate Flooring in High Point vs. Solid Hardwood
If you’ve decided to invest in a new floor — style, appearance, and cost are all factors to consider when making your choice. Many homeowners are drawn to the natural appeal and versatility of wood flooring but aren’t sure which type of flooring to choose. Laminate, engineered, and hardwood floors are the most common options to choose from, but which one is right for you?
All three options possess unique advantages and disadvantages. Consider the pros and cons of laminate, hardwood, and engineered flooring to help you make your choice.
Comparison of Wood Flooring Options
Solid Hardwood | Engineered Hardwood | Laminate Flooring | |
---|---|---|---|
Price | High | Moderate to High | Low to Moderate |
Eco-friendly | Yes | Somewhat | No |
Scratch Resistant | Good-Very Good (species dependent) | Good-Very good (species dependent) | 3 |
Longevity | Lifetime | Lifetime | Up to 20 years |
Cleaning effort | Moderate | Moderate | Easy |
Can be refinished | Yes | Yes | No |
Can be spot-repaired | Yes | Yes | No |
Floor look-and-feel | Natural with unique grain pattern | Real wood (top) with unique grain pattern | Imitation of wood lacks unique grain pattern |
Laminate Flooring in High Point
Laminate flooring in High Point is a fully synthetic product that imitates the appearance of true solid hardwood floors. Although it is designed to take on the look of any species you prefer, the repeated patterns across boards can betray the product’s lack of authenticity. The top benefit of laminate flooring is its economical price. The biggest disadvantage is that it doesn’t last as long when compared to its competitors.
Pros of Laminate Flooring
- Economical (less costly than hardwood)
- Most durable, with a harder surface than hardwood or engineered wood
- Highly resistant to moisture damage and stains.
- Easy to maintain and clean (sweeping and dry mopping)
Cons of Laminate Flooring
- Difficult to repair
- Can’t be sanded or refinished.
- Doesn’t last as long as hardwood or engineered wood floors (up to 20 years)
- Not as eco-friendly because of the synthetic production process
Engineered Flooring in High Point
Engineered hardwood flooring in High Point is the next step up in terms of cost, but is fairly close in price to hardwood flooring. Engineered wood floors contain several layers of plywood, and is topped by a layer of solid wood – providing you with all the species options and unique grain pattern of solid hardwood. But the most popular trait of engineered flooring is its moisture resistance, surprisingly superior to hardwood, while its least popular trait is its limit in the number of refinishes it can handle.
Pros of Engineered Flooring
- Can last 40 to 80 years
- Can be refinished or sanded (around six to 7 times)
- Durable in high traffic areas
- Moisture resistant (more so than hardwood)
- Can be spot-repaired
- Unique grain pattern
Cons of Engineered Flooring
- Moderate cleaning care required (special cleaners)
- Limit to the number of times it can be refinished before it needs to be replaced
- Not as durable as laminate
Hardwood Flooring in High Point
Solid wood flooring provides the warmth, character, and natural appeal only true hardwood can offer. Harwood floors are known for their durability, beauty, and style. As with any flooring option, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider before making your final decision. Hardwood flooring’s most popular characteristic is its true authentic natural grain pattern and appearance. A common downside is that it is the most costly of the three options.
Pros of Hardwood Flooring
- Lifetime longevity
- Can be refinished an unlimited number of times
- Can be sanded
- Can be spot repaired
- Eco-friendly
- Unique grain pattern adds character
- Easy to care for (for most species soap and water works best)
Cons of Hardwood Flooring
- Highest cost of the three
- Least resistant to moisture
- Moderately tough to care for (some species can require special cleaners)
Choose the Right Wood Flooring for You with Advice from the Experts at Premier Hardwood Flooring
Investing in your home is a big decision. When you’re looking to add warmth and character of hardwoods to your home, you’ll want to hire the area’s wood flooring experts.
Premier has more than twenty years of experience specializing in installing and refinishing wood floors. With expertise in hardwood, laminate, and engineered flooring, Premier’s skilled craftsmen have the know-how to deliver all of your wood flooring needs.
Get your wood flooring installation underway by calling Premier Hardwood Flooring today at (336) 829-4259.