Laminate vs. Hardwood Flooring
Laminate flooring mimics the look of wood at a lower cost, while solid hardwood offers a premium, long-lasting, refinishable surface at a higher price point.
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Laminate Flooring
A synthetic flooring product with a photographic wood-look layer over a composite core, installed as floating planks.
- Lower upfront installed cost
- More resistant to scratches and moisture than solid hardwood in many cases
- Faster, simpler installation
- Cannot be refinished/sanded like hardwood
- Shorter typical lifespan
Hardwood Flooring
Solid wood planks that can be sanded and refinished multiple times over their lifespan.
- Can be refinished multiple times, extending lifespan for decades
- Adds resale value in many markets
- Authentic, premium look and feel
- Higher upfront installed cost
- More susceptible to moisture and humidity issues
Which one makes sense for you?
Laminate typically costs less upfront and holds up well in higher-traffic or moisture-prone areas. Hardwood costs more initially but can be refinished multiple times over decades.
Key cost factors.
- Square footage and room layout complexity
- Wood species and plank width, for hardwood specifically
- Subfloor condition and prep needed
- Local humidity conditions
Before you decide.
- What's included in the installed price?
- How many times can this hardwood product be refinished?
- Is this product rated for the room it's going into?
Frequently asked questions.
Can laminate flooring be refinished?
No — laminate's wood-look layer is a printed image under a wear layer, not real wood, so it can't be sanded and refinished like hardwood.
All figures on this page are illustrative examples for general education, not quotes, appraisals, or guarantees of actual pricing. Actual costs vary by provider, location, project scope, and market conditions — always get a specific quote before making a purchasing decision.
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