Although the finished product may have an identical look, hardwood and laminate are literally very structurally different. This makes the way that you simply install, repair, and clean them vary.
Both have an inventory of their pro's & con's, so if you're looking to put in either of those products in your home, it is vital that you simply understand the differences and benefits of each.
Wooden flooring (hardwood flooring) is formed of 100% wood, whereas laminate is formed of fiberboard with a photographic pattern placed on top. The layers are fused together under a transparent protective layer that adds durability and moisture protection. For this reason, laminate can sometimes be confused with engineered hardwood, but again, they're two completely different products.
While hardwood flooring is that the more authentic choice and features longer life, laminate flooring is typically the more affordable option. Both are very durable, with laminate being less vulnerable to scratches and easier to wash. The hardwood on the front side often re-emerges every 10-20 years to get rid of any dings, scratches, or dents on the surface.
The anticipation for laminate is about 20 years, but hardwood is often up to 75 years, counting on its width and the way it has been repeatedly refinished. whenever hardwood is refinished, it takes a skinny layer of the wood off, and most hardwood varieties are often sanded and refinished 3-4 times before it must get replaced entirely.
Most hardwoods are bonded together and installed by the best knowledgeable or experienced DIYer. The laminate flooring usually also clicks simultaneously, except for any repairs on the damaged laminate, the pieces wanting to be completely replaced, while hardwood is often repaired by sanding and refining.
Either way, it is often an honest practice to get extra flooring for any necessary repairs, especially in the case of laminate. You never know when you'll be wanting to knock out a wall or do other home renovations which will cause damaged floors!
Laminate
Hardwood