Laminate and bamboo are two types of flooring that are really making their mark with consumers. Laminate vs hardwood flooring difference and comparison. Hardwood floors are made from many different species of wood, some domestic and some exotic. Laminate is the most popular flooring that imitates hardwood. People love bamboo because of the feel and look of it. At winter time can feel pretty cold underfoot radiant heating cannot be installed under solid hardwood. Jul 19, 2012 there has also been a rise in the look and quality of laminate flooring that mimics hardwood flooring.
If youre set on having a real hardwood look, an engineered hardwood is an easier installation and more affordable price point than a solid hardwood. In addition to solid hardwood or bamboo milled into naildown tongueand groove planks, they can choose from a selection of laminates that are either milled. However rigid core luxury vinyl plank lvp has a small leg up because it can be steam mopped and wet mopped, which you should mostly avoid with bamboo and hardwood flooring. Bamboo flooring for pet accidents when choosing between hardwood and bamboo, considerations include wearability, easeof.
Rooms with low to medium traffic will do well with hardwood flooring while a high traffic area will be best fitted with tile or laminate. While hardwood flooring can last up to 75 100 years, bamboo floors have a lifespan of 10 25 years. Some manufacturers even texturize laminate floors to mimic wood grain and other organic characteristics, giving the floors richness and character. Price of hardwood vs laminate people often take price into account when they are considering flooring decisions.
This article will compare some of the factors between hardwood vs laminate flooring and help you decide which is best for your home. Hardwood vs laminate vs engineered hardwood floors whats the its core is usually plywood or highdensity fibreboard hdf and the top layer is composed of a of hardwood veneer which is glued atop the core to mimic nearly any species of hardwood. Jul 18, 2019 both laminate and bamboo flooring options are extensively used in any area of a home except maybe in bathrooms. Pros and cons of laminate flooring vs hardwood, vinyl. One must choose the best products that suit ones needs, requirements, and desires best and this is not an easy task. Feels and sounds somewhat artificial when compared to bamboo or hardwood floors. Bamboo flooring, on the other hand, is usually engineered by gluing together strands of bamboo to make a material that can be milled into boards resembling hardwood boards. Compared to hardwood floors, bamboo and laminate are more affordable to those who are on a tight budget. Bamboo is commonly touted as being slightly more moistureresistant and moldresistant, but the differences are negligible and essentially meaningless. Hardwoods are classic, timeless, and have beauty that has been unsurpassed until now. Bamboo is every bit as hard as most hardwoods and is slightly more waterresistant. It is harder than most hardwoods, which makes it extremely durable. Engineered hardwood vs laminate flooring differences, pros. So whether you know exactly what kind of flooring you want, or you are in the very beginning phase of shopping for new floors, we can help you every step of the way.
Instead of solid bamboo, the core of laminate bamboo flooring is made from agricultural and fiber crops and resins. Hardwood floors are natural and durable, but expensive. Laminate floors are made of plastic layers glued together while engineered hardwood floors are made of a solid wood top layer glued to an hdf or multi ply wood substrate. But just because hardwood is a much betterquality material than laminate, it doesnt mean. Complete guide to laminate vs hardwood flooring homeadvisor. Bamboo floors are cheaper and growing in popularity. Theres actually not that much between them and most of the pros and cons are the same as comparing laminate vs hardwood. Both laminate and bamboo flooring options are extensively used in any area of a home except maybe in bathrooms. Timber vs bamboo its in your best interest to strike the right note with flooring, since it adds so much character to your home or office. Also, laminate and bamboo floorings are very good alternatives to hardwood flooring when it comes to cost and maintenance. Stranded bamboo would be twice as hard than carbonized, and also harder than brazilian. The strengths of bamboo flooring start with its distinctive look, and if it captures your eye, you might not be happy with anything else. Engineered vs solid hardwood flooring can start many a lively debate among friends, home builders or remodelers and homeowners.
The strandwoven bamboo flooring i have in my bathrooms is great. Im most concerned about longterm maintenance costs and potential resale value. It has same thickness of solid hardwood flooring, like 15mm and 18mm, so foot feeling is very close to hardwood floor. Also bamboo and laminate are very good alternatives to hardwood floor when it comes to the cost. If youre seeking an alternative to hardwood but laminate doesnt sound like the material for you, consider engineered wood or luxury vinyl. Laminate vs hardwood flooring pros, cons, comparisons and costs. Bamboo flooring vs laminate flooring laminate is cheap.
However, it is important to keep in mind that it is essential to use a vacuum cleaner that has been specially designed for use on hardwood or bamboo flooring. Bamboo vs hardwood flooring difference and comparison diffen. Bamboo is extremely alluring, durable and long lasting flooring material which can last long for ages. Although it is commonly grouped with hardwood flooring, bamboo is not actually a wood, but rather a woody grass. Both trends have given rise to a debate as to the pros and cons of laminate flooring vs. Some people assume engineered and laminate floors are the same thing, but they are not. Compared to hardwood and laminate floors, standing on bamboo flooring would feel somewhat more comfortable and reduce body strain. Read our expert side by side comparison of hardwood and bamboo flooring and find out which is the best choice for you. In this comparison guide you will find the pros and cons to help you decide whether to choose laminate or hardwood flooring. Both resemble true hardwood but each comes with its own benefits and disadvantages. It is produced by mdf which has used multiple times of glue than bamboo flooring, of course, the formaldehyde emission is quite higher than bamboo flooring. Nov 02, 2018 when it comes to bare flooring, which is superior when comparing laminate vs.
When it comes to laminate flooring vs hardwood cost, laminate floors are more budgetfriendly. Both bamboo and hardwood flooring can be ruined by moisture from standing water or water vapor. Oct 16, 2018 cleaning and maintenance of bamboo vs lvt. If youre set on having a real hardwood look, an engineered hardwood is an easier installation. Bamboo flooring vs vinyl flooring quick comparison. The look and feel of hardwood flooring makes it one of the most popular flooring choices found in millions of homes throughout the u. Climatic suitability since bamboo originates in tropical areas, it has a higher climatic suitability than solid wood floors. Bamboo, a native plant to tropical regions with heavy rainfalls, grows much faster than hardwood and has a different cellular structure. Take into consideration the cost of laminate and hardwood flooring to determine what is best for you.
Consumers looking for a more affordable floor thats easy to install, is more resistant to moisture damage, and can handle everyday wear and tear like a champ, bamboo flooring is the right choice for you. These floors are also a healthy alternative for people who suffer from allergic reactions. Although many home and business owners prefer the warmth and highend appeal of wood over other flooring choices, bamboo continues to gain traction in the industry. Jul 29, 2014 bamboo flooring vs hardwood when it comes to building ones dream house, many issues arise. This is for a rental unit in a notthatupscale neighborhood in oakland, california. Oct 22, 20 this article will explore the differences between hardwood and bamboo flooring, what they are made of exactly, how they are manufactured and the various pros and cons of each.
This is a worthy investment whether youre refurbishing because your home has seen better days, or starting from scratch. Laminate flooring can be more durable than both hardwood and bamboo flooring, as it is a completely. While many view hardwood as a better investment, the advances in laminate flooring and the wide range of looks you can achieve with it cannot be denied. Explore which is better for kitchens, basements based on cost, resale value, durability, and more. Bamboo flooring should you stick with the old or go with the relatively new. Jul 18, 2019 laminate flooring generally is less expensive than engineered hardwood. Cleaning lvt and bamboo are similar, both can be maintained with a lightly damp mop, and both are highly resistant to moisture. Looking for the best price on hardwood flooring, laminate, cork, bamboo, iron balusters, or nearly any other kind of flooring product. Appearance of laminate flooring vs engineered hardwood engineered hardwood floors give the look of a hardwood floor and come in a range of looks, textures, styles and colors. Laminate flooring can be more durable than both hardwood and bamboo flooring, as it is a completely synthetic product.
When compared to hardwood, bamboo is slightly more resistant to water damage. If your budget is a large factor in deciding which flooring to go with, you should choose laminate. But you also must look at durability, resale value, cleaning, installation and more. Sure, when comparing laminate vs hardwood cost, laminate is usually the more affordable option. The hardness of bamboo is rated similar to hardwood according to the janka index, that rates bamboo harder than oak, ash and maple, among others.
Since bamboo is more resilient than hardwood though not as cork, it is considered more durable than hardwood. Hardwood flooring is 34inchthick boards of solid hardwood cut from a tree, while laminate flooring is essentially fiberboard with a photo layer and plastic protective surface. The higher the rating, the more durable the floors would be. There are pros and cons to both, but for the most part, nobody can tell the difference in the look once the floor is installed. Hardwood and laminate flooring offer a modern look for a home. Standard everyday cleaning of hardwood and bamboo flooring can be undertaken by using a broom, dry dust mop, microfiber mop or even a vacuum cleaner. Whether you decide on bamboo or hardwood flooring for you home, the flooring professionals will be able to help you every step of the way. The reality of flooring costs and what you can afford may be miles apart. Mar 22, 2017 i created this video with the youtube slideshow creator s. Aug 06, 2017 bamboo floors can also be refinished, but may need more careful treatment than hardwood. Tile vs laminate vs hardwood flooring when you look at your options for tile, laminate, or hardwood flooring, it can seem overwhelming. Both are equally valid options depending on what youre looking for.
There has also been a rise in the look and quality of laminate flooring that mimics hardwood flooring. Laminate flooring will not last as long as a properly maintained hardwood floor, though, and most laminate floors will need to be replaced after 1525 years. I created this video with the youtube slideshow creator s. Lower quality laminate floors may need to be replaced even sooner. Jul 26, 2017 if youre shopping for flooring, or even if youre just interested in home decor and remodeling, youve probably heard of both engineered hardwood and laminate. Difference between bamboo flooring and hardwood compare the. You might think this makes bamboo flooring impervious to water, but thats not the case.
Difference between bamboo flooring and hardwood compare. Bamboo flooring is mostly selected by the people due to its dramatic look and feel of it. Laminate flooring generally is less expensive than engineered hardwood. Hardwood vs laminate vs engineered hardwood floors what. In addition to our already low prices, check out our flooring coupons page to see how you can save even more on your new floors. The difference between these two types of floors can be confusing at first, which is why we put together a simple guide that compares hardwood against laminate, highlighting the pros and cons of each floor type in terms of appearance, durability, longevity, ease of maintenance and repair, and. Should i install bamboo hardwood, hardwood, or laminate floors. Bamboo flooring is an affordable option when compared to flooring like hardwood, but it is slightly more expensive than laminate. When investing in a new floor, many homeowners are faced with a choice between hardwood and laminate. Bamboo is a natural floor that is more like a species of hardwood than an imitator.
We carry hardwood flooring, laminate, bamboo, cork, vinyl, area rugs and even staircase materials like iron balusters. Bamboo flooring vs engineered hardwood builddirectlearning. Bamboo vs hardwood flooring difference and comparison. New types of flooring are becoming a hit with homeowners that are seeking alternatives to traditional hardwoods.
Dec 14, 2018 hardwood flooring and bamboo flooring are both very durable types of hard flooring that can add beauty to any home. Laminate vs hardwood ogdens flooring can help you decide. Nov 21, 2019 so, should you choose laminate or bamboo. Cheaper versions have 14inch cores, and the photo reproductions may not be as realistic as more expensive versions. Bamboo floors can also be refinished, but may need more careful treatment than hardwood. Nov 21, 2019 engineered vs solid hardwood flooring can start many a lively debate among friends, home builders or remodelers and homeowners.
Bamboo, on the other hand, is a natural material that is ecofriendly and not as expensive as hardwood. Both bamboo and hardwood come in several different styles, sizes, and species, which affect the final cost. The difference between hardwood, laminate and bamboo flooring. Heres a comparative look at bamboo versus hardwood flooring. Bamboo vs laminate flooring what is better theflooringlady. If youre on the fence about which flooring to install in your home, heres what you need to know about making the choice between engineered hardwood and bamboo. But just because hardwood is a much betterquality material than laminate, it doesnt mean that you should automatically discount laminates. They want to save money on a floor that will last 12 to 25 years rather than spend more for a lifetime floor. Let price, availability, environment and lifestyle issues help guide your choice. Bamboo is usually less expensive flooring option comparatively to hardwood materials. Bamboo is considered as one of not very expensive flooring options compare to hardwood, for instance. Bamboo vs hardwood flooring pros, cons, comparisons and. Hardwood flooring is classic, elegant, and beautiful, but newer options on the market are making their impact.
Find hardwood flooring or laminate flooring options for your home on this site right now. For decades, hardwood flooring has been the gold standard in hard flooring. Each has their own advantages as well as some drawbacks. Bamboo vs hardwood flooring pros, cons, comparisons and costs. Laminate vs hardwood flooring pros, cons, comparisons. Flooring identified as hardwood is probably just that solid hardwood milled into flooring boards. Solid hardwood is made of a single plank of wood with the grain running straight through, while engineered hardwood is made of a wood veneer 1 on top of many layers of plywood 2. Whether the boards are real or laminated, a harder surface will be more resistant to damage and last longer. When it comes to affordable and durable wood flooring, many homeowners are usually stuck between two choices. Laminate flooring vs engineered hardwood pros and cons. Comparing engineered wood with laminate is an interesting and worthwhile exercise and you might be surprised by the results. Hardwood vs bamboo flooring comparison, pros, cons, and pricing. Some people assume engineered and laminate floors are the same thing, but they. However, it is important to keep in mind that it is essential to use a vacuum cleaner that has been specially.
The difference between hardwood, laminate and bamboo. Laminate has improved in recent years and can be nearly as good as hardwood. Hardwood vs bamboo flooring comparison, pros, cons, and. Engineered hardwood has the natural characteristics. It was as cheap as laminate, has fairly good moisture resistance, and is heavier and stronger than hardwood i kept handing people planks and watching their surprise as they felt the weight. Both floorings have great style and choice to opt for, providing warmth, quality and richness of traditional hardwood flooring.