What is the cost of Laminate floor vs wood floor?

Answer 1

Laminate Vs Vinyl

LAMINATE: is a relatively new creation, introduced about 30 years ago by Perstorp in Sweden. It is basically a Formica type Melamine surface laminated (Glued) to a very dimensionally stable and harder than hardwood; fiberboard substrate.

Usually shipped in + or- 25 sq ft boxes of planks about 8"X49" depending on the vendor.

Today the edges are finely micro milled to fit/click together without glue or nails. The floor is pieced together at the jobsite much like Tongue & groove hardwood has been for centuries. But the laminate needs no nails & just lays in place held down by Gravity & the edge trim like quarter round.

The surface is actually a photograph of whatever you want the floor to look like. Walnut, tile, oak or butterflies if it would sell.

The surface is covered with an extremely hard gel coat, which usually includes minerals such as Aluminum oxide to make it very hard.

The term Floating floor is often used to explain the way Laminate is installed..

Wood is richer, adds to the value of a home and will cost about the same on the low end for wood as the high end for laminate.

Wood starts at about $2 per sq ft & $4-8 per sq ft is common & laminate starts about $1 & $3-5 is commmon

Laminate is much harder than vinyl or even real hardwood, easier to install, easier to maintain, tougher to take abuse and easier to repair.

The Rev sez Hope this helps