24 May 2017

Real Wood or Laminate?

The flooring industry is developing more and more every year. There are so many flooring options to choose from. It can therefore be a little overwhelming when trying to find your dream design. Read this quick guide and follow our experts top tips and advice on how to choose from two of the most popular types of flooring. Real Wood or Laminate? Which flooring is best for you?

Real Wood

It’s no secret that real wood has become increasingly popular both for domestic and commercial use. Warm and natural, this classic flooring is difficult to emulate. Firstly the term ‘real wood’ includes more than one type of flooring…

Solid Wood

This option is exactly what the name suggests; one piece of hardwood timber such as Oak or Walnut, measured and chosen specifically for your needs. Depending on the texture of the wood you chose and the amount of traffic it receives, will determine how often your floor will need to be restored (sanded and treated), to keep it’s appearance fresh. This means your floor can develop and mature along with you and your home.

Engineered Wood

Essentially very similar to solid wood. The difference being that this option consists of separately cut pieces, roughly 15mm of ply wood with a veneer hardwood finish. Depending on which wood you choose, typically each board measures around 18-20mm thickness (including 15mm of ply). This can allow the flooring to be sanded back to restoration over time. Due to the ply base, you may be restricted to the amount of restoration you can do, however this also means that it can withstand moisture more effectively than a solid wood option.

The finished look and feel of wood is warm, unique and distinctive. More expensive than a laminate flooring, wood is considered to be an investment that can last decades, with the correct care and treatment.

Laminate

Laminate flooring has developed a bad reputation over the last 10-15 years, due to poor quality products flooding the market. However, in recent years there have been developments resulting in an improvement of quality and variety of styles. It’s made of thin, pressed wood board with an effective image of wood on top and covered by a clear protective layer of resin. Although it is composed of mainly wood fibers, it is not considered to be wood in it’s natural state. Restoration is therefore not possible.

Laminate flooring typically ranges from 6mm to 12mm in thickness and is easy to install with a step by step ‘click’ process. Although moderately water resistant, typically extreme submersion can cause swelling and permanent damage. However, highly water resistant products are now on the market and so can now be used in kitchens and bathrooms. Laminate has the same warmth as wood and due to it’s incredibly strong surface, can with stand a large amount of repeated traffic. Although laminate cannot match the unique appearance of wood, it’s top layer of resin can prevent damage from scratches over time.

Whether you choose real wood or laminate, both types of flooring have a timeless, classical finish that will bring warmth and elegance to your home.