Laminate Flooring Is NOT Hardwood Flooring
It seems there is some confusion out there about laminate flooring. Some people think it's
actually a type of hardwood flooring (such as "engineered" wood). I hate to break it to you guys, but
it's not. Laminates are just printed pieces of paper laminated onto a fiberboard and then sealed
with a protective coating. This doesn't necessarily mean laminate is an inferior product (it doesn't have quite
the rich warmth of hardwood, but it is reputed to be fairly durable), but it should not be mistaken
for the real thing. There's a reason it's cheaper folks!
It's also of worth to note that laminate is
relatively new in the flooring world. Though manufacturers will often guarantee
it for twenty-five years
or more, it's only been around since the early 90s, so how well it does over time is still to be seen. Hardwood
floors, on the other hand, are time-tested. Many homes over 100 years old still have the original hardwoods (though
they've probably been refinished a few times). If you can afford the extra money, spring for hardwood. This
really adds warmth and value to the home. However, if you are on a budget, laminates can give you the
look, if not the feel, of hardwood flooring.
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