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Real Wood Vs Laminate Flooring
About Wood Flooring
Nothing can match the richness of a real wood floor. No two wood floors are exactly the same – the grains vary on each and every board, ensuring that every floor is unique. It is actually the imperfections in the wood that creates the richness that can only be found in real wood. Solid wood, because it adds to the structure of the home, will add value to the house, and can be refinished over and over again. The maintenance of a real wood floor is higher than that of laminate flooring. Wood flooring needs wood cleaners, scratch repairs as needed, and refinishing over time. Wood floors are more expensive to lay than laminate flooring. Not only do you have to pay for the wood itself, you also have to pay for professional installation. Professional installation is required to ensure that the subtleties in grain and colour are taken into account. You also have to be careful on which surface you lay a wooden floor. It should not be laid on a concrete slab floor as the dampness rising from below can cause the boards to warp. For the same reason, it should also not be laid below ground level or in wet areas.
About Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is made to look like wood or natural stone but is made from synthetic materials. Laminate is very popular due to its cost. It is much cheaper to install than real wood floors, has waterproof qualities and is quite dent-proof. Laminate flooring is also very easy to install. In fact, it is a job that can even be done by a do it yourself enthusiast as it requires little in the way of special tools. The laminate can be laid over any flat surface, but an underlay is recommended to reduce floor movement and sound transmission, and to increase comfort. The laminate can handle any amount of water or moisture, but it cannot be refinished. However, it is very easy to maintain as it is easy to clean, and scratch resistant.
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Related Categories
Building
Carpentry
Floor Coatings
Vinyl & Laminate