OnFlooring | Floor Decor Made Easy

Choosing between laminate and hardwood flooring can be challenging, as modern laminate has become increasingly realistic. When Pergo introduced laminate flooring to the U.S. market in 1994, early designs were simplistic and repetitive. However, today's advanced printing and texturing technologies have made it difficult to distinguish high-quality laminate from real hardwood at a glance.

So, which flooring type best suits your needs? Let’s break down the key differences.

Durability

Winner: Laminate (for scratch resistance), but hardwood has long-term charm

• Laminate Flooring: Highly resistant to scratches, dents, and everyday wear. It’s also less prone to staining and fading from direct sunlight.
• Hardwood Flooring: More prone to dents and surface wear, depending on the wood species. However, engineered hardwood with modern urethane finishes has improved durability. Over time, hardwood develops a natural patina that many homeowners appreciate.

Best for: Homes with pets, kids, or high-traffic areas → Laminate
Best for: Those who appreciate the beauty of aging wood → Hardwood

Installation

Winner: Tie (Both offer click-together installation)

Both laminate and many hardwood products use a UNICLIC locking system, allowing for a floating, click-together installation.

• Laminate: Always installed as a floating floor over underlayment.
• Hardwood: Available in floating, glue-down, and nail-down varieties.

Best for: DIY installation → Laminate
Best for: Multiple installation methods → Hardwood

Visual Appeal

Winner: Hardwood (for authenticity), but laminate is highly convincing

Modern laminate flooring closely mimics the look of real hardwood with detailed textures and high-definition prints. However, side-by-side, a trained eye can still distinguish laminate from solid wood.

• Laminate: Features highly realistic wood visuals but is ultimately a printed design.
• Hardwood: Every plank is unique, with natural grain variation, knots, and character that cannot be fully replicated.

Best for: Perfect pattern consistency and a modern aesthetic → Laminate
Best for: Natural variation and timeless character → Hardwood

Home Resale Value & Prestige

Winner: Hardwood

• Hardwood Flooring: Generally offers a higher resale value due to its prestige and longevity. Many real estate agents emphasize the desirability of hardwood in home listings.
• Laminate Flooring: While it adds value over carpet or vinyl, it does not carry the same luxury appeal as real hardwood.

Best for: Maximizing home resale value → Hardwood
Best for: Budget-friendly upgrades with style → Laminate

Aging & Longevity

Winner: Hardwood (for long-term beauty), but laminate holds up well over time

• Laminate: Maintains its original appearance for years but does not develop a patina. It is not refinishable—once worn, it must be replaced.
• Hardwood: Ages gracefully, with some species developing a richer tone over time. Some can be sanded and refinished multiple times to restore its beauty.

Best for: Flooring that evolves with time → Hardwood
Best for: Low-maintenance, long-lasting appearance → Laminate

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Laminate Floors Win in:

✅ Affordability – Typically much cheaper than hardwood.
✅ Durability – More resistant to scratches, dents, and fading.
✅ Easy DIY Installation – Floating floors with click-lock systems.

Hardwood Floors Win in:

✅ Appearance & Authenticity – Unique, natural character that cannot be replicated.
✅ Resale Value – A premium home feature that increases property value.
✅ Longevity – Some can be refinished multiple times.

Which one is right for you?

• If cost and durability are your main concerns → Choose Laminate.
• If you value natural beauty, uniqueness, and long-term investment → Choose Hardwood.

Still unsure? Explore our full selection of laminate and hardwood flooring to find the perfect match for your home!