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If you're looking to add flooring anywhere in your home, it's important to choose the right material to meet your needs. Two of the most popular flooring options are natural wood and laminate flooring. While both of these flooring options are similar, there are some key differences between the two.

1. Price

Hardwood: Hardwood flooring typically start around $2.50 per square foot at the cheapest for lower quality wood types. These prices quickly rise to over $5.00 per square foot.

Laminate: Laminate flooring is a more affordable option as compared to hardwood. Typically, laminate flooring will cost as low as $1.00 per square foot. For high-end laminate options, they will typically cost around $3.00.

2. Installation

Hardwood: Installing hardwood floors is difficult to do if you don't have previous experience. To secure into the ground, hardwood flooring must be stapled securely. If you seek professional installation, prices can get high quickly.

Laminate: Laminate floors are simple for beginners to install. Typically, they just lock right into place with each other, making it an easier option. If you have a professional install this type of flooring, it's cheaper than hardwood.

3. Longevity

Hardwood: Hardwood floors are known for being long-lasting and durable. As long as you take care of them properly, hardwood floors can last a lifetime, lowering repair costs.

Laminate: Laminate flooring typically lasts a minimum of 10 years. Although this flooring is durable, it's more susceptible to damage and wear.

4. Maintenance And Cleaning

Hardwood: This type of flooring is known for being difficult to maintain, particularly if you have pets of children. In general, look to immediately clean up any spills and polish your floors every so often.

Laminate: Laminate floors have very specific needs, making them hard to maintain. Laminate floors can easily be scratched, warped or ruined. Make sure not to get laminate floors wet otherwise they could be destroyed.

5. Home Value

Hardwood: Hardwood flooring is often considered the gold standard. Most people like this type of flooring, meaning that homes with hardwood are typically valued a bit higher.

Laminate: Although laminate flooring has its strengths, it is a cheaper flooring method. As such, it is not viewed as favorably upon by buyers.

6. Appearance

Hardwood: Although appearance is highly subjective, there is something about hardwood flooring that people enjoy. Whether it is rustic or modern, hardwood is generally considered to be more attractive.

Laminate: With laminate flooring, it is typically viewed as an attractive flooring option, just not on the level of hardwood. One advantage of laminate is that it can look like tile, stone, and other materials, making it a flexible option.

There you have it, the pros and cons of both hardwood and laminate flooring. Use this information to choose the flooring type that best suits your style.