The differences between laminate and quality floorboards

If you are looking at getting new flooring for your home, you might be considering hardwood or laminate. Both of these types of flooring are very popular and have their positives and negatives. You may wish to seek advice about which would be the most suitable hard flooring for your home. So speak to an expert property maintainer who will be able to visit your home and discuss with you the best flooring to suit your needs.
 
Before you invest in your new floor, it is sensible to compare the options available and consider the differences in durability, longevity, maintenance and, for some of the most important, appearance.
 
The flooring
Laminate flooring is made from multiple layers of synthetic material, designed to replicate the look of real, natural wood. It is made from melamine resin and fibre board material and the top has a texture surface that has been imprinted to create the look of natural wood.
 
Manufactured hardwood flooring consists of a number of plywood or wood layers. This type of flooring is manufactured from solid wood or plywood boards, with a stained, solid sawn wood lamella on top. Hardwood flooring is made from single bits of wood and can be bought unfinished or prefinished. Real wood has the varied texture of wood grain, so every plank, whether engineered or solid, is unique in appearance.
 
Durability and longevity
The robustness of any flooring can depend on where the flooring is used and the amount of foot traffic it endures.
Most laminates are harder than natural wood and resistant to moisture damage, staining and fading. If laminate flooring does get damaged, it is not possible to make quick and easy repairs. Once scratched or chipped, the surface of to be replaced the laminate flooring will show the damage. Laminate floors will not as last anywhere as long as hardwood flooring. A laminate floor is expected to need replacing after about 20 years. As laminate floors cannot be sanded, over time the inevitable wear-and-tear, scratches and general damage will eventually completely ruin the floor.
With some wood flooring, minor surface dents and scratches can blend in quite seamlessly with the overall look of the flooring. The sturdiness of a real hardwood floor varies greatly depending on the finish, manufacturer and how well it has been cared for. Natural wood is a softer material and can much more dent more easily. However, hardwood floors can be repaired and renewed relatively easily and often without the need of replacing how planks or even the whole floor, which is what has to happen when laminate has been badly damaged. Solid and engineered hardwood floors can last several decades if properly looked after. Once the surface finish has been sufficiently worn down, the floor can then be sanded and refinished.
Care
Caring for your laminate flooring is quite straightforward. All you really need to do is to regularly sweep, wipe with a damp cloth and dry mop. Wooden floors need to be cleaned using a natural wood flooring cleaner and it is recommended that you avoid using universal cleaners or furniture polish as these could damage the surface. For whichever style of flooring you choose, always try to clean up any spills quickly and give the floor a regular clean.  
 
New flooring is not only a practical need, but it can add extra warmth, colour and sophistication to a room. Whichever type of flooring you do decide on for your home, use the skills of a professional handyman, who will expertly install the flooring for you to enjoy for many years to come.