Trying to understand the differences between hardwood and laminate flooring can be very confusing. Simply Floored would like to help you decide which product is best for you and, more importantly, your home.
First, you need to understand the different types of hardwood available. Solid hardwood floors have been around for a long time. They are generally ¾” thick and can be purchased raw or pre-finished. Because each plank is made from a single piece of wood, it tends to be very expensive. In addition, solid wood floors expand and contract with changes in temperature. In summer, humidity causes hardwood to expand, causing the planks to buckle. In winter, as the moisture decreases, the floor planks contract, leaving gaps. The high levels of moisture are the primary reason that solid wood floors are not recommended in basements or over concrete.
The “other” type of hardwood, which is becoming more and more popular, is multi-layer, cross grain constructed hardwood. This product is sometimes referred to as “engineered” hardwood, a misleading name because it implies that the wood is not real. Some people even mistake engineered hardwood for laminate.
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