Solid wood flooring, as the name suggests, is made from solid wood and absolutely nothing else. Made from planks cut from trees, solid wood flooring comes in a whole host of species of wood, grades of wood, colours and board sizes. The cost of solid wood flooring varies dramatically from the cheapest to the most expensive, and depends to a large extent on the species, the grade and the board width and thickness. There is no getting away from the fact that solid wood flooring is an investment, because a good quality solid wood floor that is well fitted should last more than a lifetime.
Laminate flooring is a synthetic product that is made to look like wood. Laminate flooring is made up of layers of synthetic materials (typically melamine resin and fibre board), which are bonded together to make a flooring board, which is then topped with a photographic image of wood. Laminate wood flooring should not be confused with engineered wood flooring, which is made up of layers of woods which are bonded together and then topped with a solid wood lamella or top layer. Laminate flooring is entirely man-made and contains no natural elements.
Because solid wood is a natural product, it expands and contracts as temperatures and moisture levels rise and fall. This expansion and contraction is completely normal and is generally allowed for by introducing an expansion gap around the perimeter of a room when installing the floor. That said, because of solid wood’s expansion and contraction, it’s not normally recommended as a suitable flooring solution for bathrooms and kitchens, where temperature and moisture levels go up and down significantly. Nevertheless, solid wood flooring is a great solution for pretty much every other room in the home.
Laminate flooring is praised by some as being cheap, as well as easy to install and maintain, however, there is no getting away from the fact that it is not “the real thing”. If you’re seeking a natural flooring solution, laminate flooring certainly isn’t for you. Add to this the durability of solid wood flooring compared to laminate and you start to ask whether there are in fact any economies to be made. Although laminate flooring is cheaper to buy and install than most solid wood floors, its life expectancy means that economies made at the start could quite easily wind up as false economy in the long term. Laminate flooring is intended for only light traffic and, anything more than that, could mean that it starts to look shabby very quickly and will need to be replaced often. This is not the case with solid wood.
So, if you’re in the throws of planning a flooring project for your home and are in the process of comparing laminate with solid wood, do make sure you consider the long term implications as well as the short term ones. You may be surprised at how quickly you recuperate the higher initial cost of a solid wood floor. Add to this, the fact that if you’re a house owner, a solid wood floor is (according to many recent reports) likely to help your house stand out when you come to sell it, helping attract more buyers and perhaps securing you a better price, you begin to really question the reasons for choosing laminate.
Comparison Between Solid Wood Flooring and Laminate Flooring
| Characteristics | Solid Wood Flooring | Laminate Flooring |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Made from solid wood planks | Synthetic material layers bonded together |
| Natural Look | Offers a natural and authentic wood appearance | Mimics the look of wood with a photographic image |
| Durability | Highly durable and long-lasting | Not as durable, prone to showing wear and needs frequent replacement |
| Moisture Resistance | Not recommended for high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens | More resistant to moisture, suitable for various rooms |
| Expansion and Contraction | Naturally expands and contracts with temperature and moisture changes | Less affected by expansion and contraction |
| Price | Can vary significantly based on wood species, grade, and board dimensions | Generally cheaper to buy and install |
| Long-Term Value | Can increase the value of a home and attract buyers | May not have the same impact on home value |
| Maintenance | Requires regular maintenance and refinishing | Easy to maintain, but not as easily repairable |
| Lifespan | Can last more than a lifetime with proper care | Generally has a shorter lifespan |
| Authenticity | Offers an authentic wood experience | Does not provide the same genuine wood feel |
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FAQ
1. What is solid wood flooring?
Solid wood flooring is made from planks cut from trees, consisting entirely of solid wood. It comes in a variety of species, grades, colours, and board sizes. Its cost can vary significantly depending on these factors.
2. What is laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring is a synthetic product made to look like wood. It is composed of layers of synthetic materials, typically melamine resin and fibre board, bonded together to make a flooring board. The board is then topped with a photographic image of wood.
3. Can solid wood flooring be used in bathrooms and kitchens?
Due to its natural property, solid wood expands and contracts as temperatures and moisture levels rise and fall. Because of this, it’s not normally recommended as a suitable flooring solution for bathrooms and kitchens, where temperature and moisture levels fluctuate significantly.
4. How does the durability of solid wood flooring compare to laminate flooring?
While laminate flooring is cheaper to buy and install, its life expectancy is shorter, especially in areas of high traffic. On the other hand, solid wood flooring is highly durable and is expected to last a lifetime if well maintained.
5. What are the long-term implications of choosing solid wood over laminate flooring?
Though the initial cost of a solid wood floor is higher, it often proves more economical in the long term due to its durability and longevity. Additionally, a solid wood floor can potentially enhance the value of your house and attract more buyers when selling.