Hardwood or Laminate: Which is better?

When you go to your builder’s décor centre or the local flooring store to choose hardwood or laminate, do you feel overwhelmed? Why choose hardwood or laminate? Is one better than the other?

I visited TORLYS showroom recently and received a refresher course on hardwood and laminate flooring from rep, Gord Robertson. I have specified TORLYS for years and appreciate their selection, quality and good looks. Gord showed me the complete line and highlighted the features of TORLYS laminate and hardwood flooring.

Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of hardwood and laminate to guide you in choosing the correct product to suit your needs and preferences.

TORLYS – Envique Maison Oak Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring pros:

• Will not fade in colour due to natural light or normal artificial light
• Can be customized to suit your desires
• Difficult to dent or damage
• Less susceptible to surface scratching
• Better stability against humidity
• Can often be installed over radiant heat systems
• Most laminates click or snap into place. TORLYS Laminates, for example, can be ‘un-clicked’ and reused or repurposed due to a patented joint technology which allows for the easy removal and reinstallation should a single board become damaged
• Can be installed over existing floors. And TORLYS can be uninstalled and reinstalled up to three times under warranty without compromising the integrity of the joints using their patented bulldog tool
• Consists of a pressed image of hardwood atop composite wood layers making all the processing and materials less expensive
• On average, usually costs 50% less to install
• High density fibre core is made up of recycled wood fibre content (renewable), which means it’s less harmful to the environment

Laminate flooring cons:

• Grain detailing can look artificial
• Doesn’t react well to moisture or acidity
• Requires expansion mouldings in doorways
• The resins and melamine used are made from non-renewable resources

TORLYS Edengrove Super Solid Hardwood

Hardwood flooring pros:

• Natural graining and shade variation between boards and colour will change over time (pro or con depending on personal preference)
• Damaged planks may not have to be replaced, rather they can be re-sanded and re-stained on site since smoothness and uniformity are not an issue.
• Can often be touched up with pens, wax crayon, polyurethane finish, markers, etc.
• Renewable resource in itself because it’s the real deal

Hardwood flooring cons:

• Though more durable, if a board is damaged, it must be removed and replaced and there are no guarantees that new planks will match the rest of the floor exactly.
• Susceptible to natural wear and tear even with a protective layer because natural wood is softer. Sun exposure will also alter the colour.
• If glue-down technology is used, repair becomes very messy and difficult
• Can only be installed on a plywood or OSB subfloor
• Hardwood will appear to be cupped if too humid an environment, or wood can dry out and crack or split
• Cost is dependent upon lumber and material cost which can vary depending on species and time of year. Lumber costs are steadily increasing
• Results in the destruction of forests and threatens the lives of tree species

The best product for you depends on where you plan to install your new flooring and your budget. I believe that the beauty of a natural wood product that is distressed, pitted, oiled and/or wire-brushed is unmatched aesthetically. However, durability is an issue with most wood products, so if you have pets, laminate may be your best choice. Or if you are looking for a great alternative to wood at a much better price point, then there are many laminate products that look terrific.

In fact, many people can’t tell the difference between some laminates and woods. And if you are looking for ease of maintenance, especially in high traffic areas, laminate may also be your go-to work horse. Whatever you choose, do your homework and remember to think about the colour and style of your entire home so there is continuity.

Jo-Ann Capelaci is president and principal interior designer of Colours & Concepts. The award winning company specializes in model homes and colour and upgrade selections for builders. They have been helping new home buyers choose finishes for their homes for over 20 years. Jo-Ann is dedicated to helping new home buyers create a model home feeling in their new home. Look for future articles on other topics to assist in decorating and designing your new home.