What are the advantages and disadvatages of using laminate flooring over hardwood flooring?

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Answers:
Laminate flooring is cheap and easily available in almost any grain/wood/effect you like. Furthermore if you buy some sort of construsted substrate laminate flooring (such as chipboard or mdf) you will not have the difficulties involved with the wood "moving" as the grain expands and contracts seasonally. This isnt a big deal if you have it professionally fitted as they will take this into account whatever they use. It may/may not disintagrate if it is saturated in water for a more than a few days..hardwood would simply expand a little.

Hardwood flooring is expensive but really will last for ever is treated properly initially whereas laminate in the long run (20 -30 years) will probably need some work done on it/ replaced entirely. Unless you pay for high quality laminate I expect the finish on it will dull after about 5 years and need touched up every 5 years subsequently to prevent marking and damage to the laminate surface. 5 years is an estimate. You will be able to tell by comparing the "throughfares" to the unworn places when the finish is worn down. The difference with hardwood flooring is that for about 30$ you should be able to get enough boat varnish to cover a large area ( 4 m x 4m say) many times. This mean that for a little extra work on your part to begin with you save a whole lot on further maintenance. Furthermore I wouldnt even know where to begin with touching up worn laminate flooring..the current fad for it is just that...its nice and cheap and intended as disposable.

Advice: If it is a famil;y home to be passed on through a couple of generations perhaps.definately go with hardwood. Its worth the extra few $$.

If your making up the house pretty to sell on...stick the laminate down and forget it! Get cheap laminate with an expensive and attractive wood veneer! Keep your pennies and just woo the buyer.

If your are simply giving the hosue a makeover for your own sake...well your in between the two I guess. What can you afford? How long do you intend to stay there?.

Put simply...laminate...short term..hardwood.permanent...