With the last vestiges of winter dissipating, the feeling of springtime fills the air. This is a time for rejuvenation and rebirth, not to mention thoughts of sprucing up the homestead with the chore of spring cleaning and other various DIY projects. Of these, the thought of installing a new floor might be on your mind. A new floor can create an aesthetic that instantly turns your house into a home and gives you that warm, comforting feeling that so many homeowners want to experience.
One of the many choices you’ll be faced with is what material to use. While some are pricier than others, the quality you receive in return is well worth every penny spent. Two options that present themselves during any replacement are engineered wood flooring or laminate. Both have their individual advantages and understanding what makes them both unique can help you make a proper and informed decision.
Engineered Flooring
Based on the name alone, one might assume that engineered flooring is just that — man-made and engineered in a factory somewhere. However, this is not the case. Engineered flooring is composed of several strands of authentic hardwood creating a durable substance. It’s three times stronger than a normal hardwood floor and can last much longer. They tend to be more durable in damp conditions and high traffic areas. Engineered flooring can be installed in a variety of ways and last several decades.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring sometimes has the appearance and consistency of a hardwood floor but is artificial in its composition. Normally made of various fibers and resin, the planks are coated with a protective layer to prevent scratches and abrasions. They tend to be popular with people undertaking various DIY projects because they’re relatively easy to install. However, laminate flooring tends to be easily damaged in damp conditions and scuff marks cannot be smoothed out like in hardwood and engineered materials.
Choosing the Flooring That’s Best for You
Choosing between laminate and engineered flooring is a choice that tends to depend upon if your plans are for the short term or long term. Engineered flooring can last for several decades, so if you plan on selling your home at some point, it can greatly increase the resale value. Laminate flooring is ideal for DIY projects and can be very fun to install over the course of a weekend. However, you might need to replace it at some point.
Flooring.org
Choosing the proper materials for your new floor can sometimes be a difficult choice. At Flooring.org, we can make it easier and provide the supplies you need. Prefinished or unfinished, we have it all. Visit our page at www.flooring.org for all your flooring needs.
