Trying to decide between hardwood and laminate flooring for your Takoma Park, Laurel, or Herndon home? Read on for the features of both types of flooring to discover the best choice for your Maryland, Washington DC, or Virginia home.

Simply put, hardwood flooring is solid hardwood throughout. Known for its expense, longevity, and traditional beauty, hardwood is susceptible to moisture and humidity. A well-maintained hardwood floor can last a lifetime, as opposed to an average of 20 years for laminate floors, but do tend to dent and scratch more than laminate floors. Traditional hardwood flooring can fade if exposed to sunlight, but unlike laminate flooring, can be refinished.

Laminate flooring consists of a picture of wood attached to a composite material. Considerably less expensive than hardwood, laminate flooring has more options for installation. Laminate flooring requires a layer of padding to reduce noise when walking and, while resistant to scratches and dents, but can be chipped. Because laminate is an image of wood, the aesthetic value can be less than that of real wood, as laminate flooring repeats the same wood grain pattern with each board. Laminate flooring cannot be refinished or resurfaced.

When choosing between hardwood and laminate flooring, consider your budget and long-term needs. Hardwood costs more to purchase and install, but lasts longer and brings greater resale value to a home. In comparison, laminate flooring is cheaper, easier to install, and durable, but lacks the warmth and longevity of well-maintained hardwood.

For more information on hardwood and laminate flooring, contact National Floors Direct. National Floors Direct provides expert carpeting and flooring installations throughout Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

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