Which is the BEST, Timber Flooring vs Laminate Flooring?

Deciding For Timber Flooring Vs Laminate Flooring

Are you battling to decide between going the extra mile with hardwood flooring or saving some beans with laminate alternatives? The decision certainly throws homeowners for a loop, as both offer fantastic benefits and a few shortfalls. .

It all comes down to your needs and budget. You can find stunning timber-look laminate flooring that successfully mimics the real deal. Alternatively, if you are not one for cutting corners, authentic timber is of premium quality, will last years and radiate luxury and comfort.

Below, we weigh up both solutions to (hopefully) help you reach a final decision.

Comfort

1. Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring feels solid underfoot and is available in textured or smooth finishes. Therefore, it is easy to find the preference best suited to your needs. However, this solution can feel slightly more hollow than solid hardwood because of the installation process. It usually is not an issue, however, with an additional resilient foam underlayment.

2. Solid Wood Flooring

Hardwood flooring radiates natural comfort and warmth due to its organic origins. Timber aids in regulating the temperature within the home all year round and has a solid and comfortable feel underfoot.

Eco-Friendly Flooring

1. Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is an environmentally conscious option as it utilises recycled organic materials such as sawdust and wood chips to form its composition. Therefore, it alleviates the frequency of deforestation, encouraging support for forest conservation and regeneration. However, once produced, laminate flooring cannot be recycled further due to the added chemical compounds found in the finished product.

Laminate flooring falls into the hybrid flooring genre, consisting of synthetic materials to create a cost-effective solution that can mimic several styles of wood, stone, or tile. Laminate flooring Geelong is a popular choice for homes for any room that doesn’t experience excessive moisture. Laminate flooring promises longevity and durability, even in an environment with many pets!

In a nutshell, laminate flooring is a composite, synthetic flooring option and a popular choice due to its affordable pricing and ability to mimic various types of flooring materials, like hardwood flooring. It. The base is made from a plywood or fiberboard core layer, often with an underlayment for extra insulation and protection.

2. Hardwood Flooring

While timber flooring is the more natural choice, it is less eco-friendly because it relies on the cutting down of trees for harvesting. However, options are available to source sustainable or recycled timber.

Durable Flooring

1. Laminate Flooring

By design, laminate flooring is incredibly durable. It can resist damage like moisture and scratches, making it perfect for residential and high-foot-traffic environments. While laminate flooring is resistant to moisture and spillages, we still recommend protecting your flooring against potential liquid damage. Laminate flooring is also easy to clean, making it a hygienic solution!

2. Hardwood Flooring

Natural timber requires consistent maintenance to ensure it retains its quality appearance. The durability of the timber will also depend on the wood type and the quality and frequency of coatings. Timber may naturally expand and contract, which may result in slight buckling and warping, especially when in contact with moisture. Generally, hardwood will show more signs of wear and tear over time. However, you can easily refinish it to fix any visible damage and give it a fresh appearance!