Hardwood Flooring Comparisons to Laminate, Bamboo, Engineered Flooring and Carpeting
I will admit I am a little biased when making flooring comparisons. There are distinct pros for hardwood flooring when compared to engineered flooring, bamboo, laminate, cork, and even carpeting. That is one of the best parts of my job however, because I can see to all the various needs of my clientele. If it has to do with hardwood flooring, my crew and I have experience installing it, removing it, repairing it and maintaining it. Additionally, we have worked all over the Reno/Tahoe region, giving us specific knowledge of your neighborhood’s requirements.
Whether your home is right on the damp shores of Lake Tahoe, or your office building is halfway to Pyramid Lake in the middle of the high desert, our expertise ensures a perfect installation every time. So first, let’s discuss the advantages of standard hardwood flooring.
Hardwood Flooring Pros
Hardwood flooring adds beauty and value to any home or office. Once installed correctly, hardwood flooring will last as long as your home does. Hardwood flooring requires very little maintenance and is amazingly easy to care for. It comes in an almost infinite variety of sizes, shades, graining and inlay patterns. It does not hold allergens or molds, making it perfect for households with people who might be susceptible to respiratory issues. It shrugs off spills and stains which might make new carpet cry.
Engineered Hardwood vs Natural Hardwood
Engineered flooring has the look and feel of standard natural hardwood flooring. Currently, natural hardwood flooring comes in a greater variety of colors and styles, but the manufacturers of engineered flooring are always working to close that gap. The two materials cost about the same, with the most expensive natural hardwoods ultimately costing more than the most expensive engineered products. Engineered hardwoods tend to be lighter and fit tighter than natural hardwoods which makes them an excellent choice for kitchens and baths or higher floors where weight might be an issue. Engineered hardwood flooring can only be refinished two or three times, versus the five to seven times or more which natural solid hardwoods are capable of. Engineered hardwood flooring should be expected to last around 50 years.
Bamboo Flooring vs Hardwood
Bamboo flooring can be quite attractive. And, because it is made from the hard shell of a grass and not the heart of a tree, it can be harder and more resistant to scratches than many hardwood floors. Properly installed and well-maintained bamboo flooring should last 20 to 25 years. Bamboo flooring cannot be refinished in the same way hardwood flooring can, so it won’t last as long. That having been said, many people find the aesthetics and resistance to dents and scrapes which bamboo offers, make it a better choice for their needs.
Laminate Flooring vs Hardwood
Laminate flooring is essentially a plywood backed image of wood, protected by a layer of resin. That makes it very cost effective for the budget conscious. Laminate flooring is an excellent choice for areas which expect a lot of heavy traffic, children, pets and rollerskates. Laminate flooring should easily last from 5 to 15 years. Unlike hardwood flooring, it cannot be sanded and resurfaced; it can only be cleaned and refinished. Still, laminate flooring is a popular choice because it is so affordable and still very beautiful.
Cork Flooring vs Hardwood
Cork flooring is a marvelous choice if you want the beauty and luster of hardwood flooring but require a quieter, softer walking surface. Finished cork flooring is very durable, and because it has a slight sponginess to its surface is more resistant to scratches and dents than hardwood. Cork is more susceptible to sharp object penetration, while being more resistance to moisture. It also costs a little less than traditional hardwoods, and should be expected to last around thirty years if it is well taken care of. Cork cannot be re-sanded and refinished like hardwood flooring can.
Cork flooring is also an amazingly Green product, in that the material itself is just the bark of the Cork tree. Cork forests are managed and harvested with a keen eye to sustainability and environmental responsibility. It is always nice to find a Green product which actually costs less than its counterpart.
Carpeting Pros vs Hardwood
Carpeting is quiet. Carpet comes in a wondrous variety of nap thickness, color, design and materials. Carpeting also can serve as additional insulation to help keep a room warm. That is about all I have, pro-carpeting. Many people choose carpet to lay over the top of older hardwood flooring simply because they believe it is less expensive than refinishing their hardwoods and making them beautiful again. Sometimes, perhaps it is.
Artisan Hardwood Floors Is Here to Help
In regard to flooring comparisons, if you choose hardwood flooring, no matter what your needs or your budget are, Artisan Hardwood Floors as the experience and the resources necessary to make your dreams a reality. I am always more than happy to go over the various choices of product, and their individual advantages or disadvantages for your specific purpose. Please don’t hesitate to contact me right away, because I can never make too many friends. Naturally, initial consultations are always free.
I look forward to speaking with you.
Sorin Giurca
Master Craftsman, Owner