What is the Difference between Laminate and Wood Floors?

Laminate and wood are two very popular choices for flooring in modern homes. They have a wide appeal, both visually and in terms of their durability. The differences between laminate and wood lie mainly in their composition. This difference naturally implies different characteristics in the finished product as well. Laminate flooring is much easier to install than hardwood flooring, for instance, but nothing beats the authentic beauty of finished hardwood. Any type of flooring, if chosen well, can beautify a home. Laminate and wood are no different in this respect. Hardwood is often thought to be the superior choice, because of its attractive visual appearance and the fact that it is a completely natural material. However, some differences can make laminate the better choice, depending on the priorities of the homeowner. Laminate, for instance, can be installed directly over most flooring surfaces, and consists of panels that are thinner than hardwood, which can be advantageous. It ...  more