Cost Laminate Flooring Versus Hardwood

Here laminate flooring holds a big advantage since it is one of the most affordable of all flooring materials.

Cost laminate flooring versus hardwood. Most wood floors cost between 12 to 20 a square foot installed. Solid hardwood flooring as the name suggests is comprised of flooring boards that are solid hardwood material through and through. In comparison real hardwood flooring costs an average 5 to 10 per square foot with installation running an additional 4 to 8 per square foot. Explore which is better for kitchens basements based on cost resale value durability and more.

Because hardwood floors can last for generations they raise your home s value more than laminate floors. Both materials mimic a natural wood floor beautifully but if you re all about natural beauty you might prefer the solid wood top of an engineered hardwood floor. Photo by mary cook pros of wood look tile. Laminates cost between 1 and 5 a square foot depending on the quality of the laminate and its finish.

Laminate flooring is a great choice for homeowners who want the look of real hardwood at more affordable costs. They cost around 2 a square foot to install making the total cost for a laminate floor about 2 to 8 a foot. With proper care hardwood flooring is a better long term investment than laminate flooring but hardwood s upfront costs may deter homeowners. Installation would run between 2 400 and 4 000.

Installing hardwood floors can cost between 9 and 12 per square foot compared with about 3 to 5 per square foot for carpet so some homeowners opt to install hardwood floors only in some. Both are strong durable floors that are less expensive than natural wood but laminate flooring typically costs less. The boards usually 3 4 inch thick are generally milled with a smooth top surface and tongue and groove edges that interlock to hold the boards together. Laminate flooring can be purchased for 1 to 3 per square foot at big box home improvement centers although it s possible to spend 10 to 12 per square foot on designer styles.

Like traditional wood laminate flooring is available in a variety of colors to complement virtually all design styles.