If you're getting ready to install new flooring, you'll be faced with a choice between laminate and hardwood. Though they may look similar, each of these two flooring options has its pros and cons. Our real estate agents have summarized a few key factors to help you decide which is best for your home.

• Appearance and Aesthetics
  When it comes to aesthetics, the difference between laminate and hardwood flooring is glaringly obvious. Hardwood has a timeless appeal and tremendous texture variation of the wood grain. No two planks of hardwood flooring appear exactly alike. They can also take on different finishes and stains.
  
  When copying real wood, laminate flooring cannot look as genuine due to repeated patterns in the photographic layer. While the quality of synthetic materials continues to improve, repetition is unavoidable because it's impossible to replicate the uniqueness of authentic wood grains. 
  
  
• Durability
  The durability of the flooring surface greatly depends on foot traffic, wear and tear, adherence to manufacturer recommendations, and maintenance practices. Laminate flooring is made from pressed wood and has a wear layer that protects the photographic layer. The tough surface makes this type of flooring more durable and is almost impervious to stains, moisture, dents, and scratches. However, if laminate flooring is grooved, deep scratched, or heavily worn, it cannot be sanded or refinished – it must be replaced.
  
  Natural hardwood is softer and can dent more easily. Hardwood is also susceptible to scratching, will easily show wear, and can get damaged from excessive moisture. But solid hardwood can be repaired, refinished, and renewed, usually without the need to replace the planks or entire floor. 
  
  
• Repair and Maintenance
  Regular sweeping, wiping, damp mopping, or vacuuming is all that's necessary for cleaning and maintaining laminate flooring. No floor waxing is necessary for laminate wood floor. Hardwood floors, on the other hand, require a little more care because they need special cleaners that restore and preserve the finish.
  
  Most solid and engineered hardwood floors have excellent resistance to many household chemicals, red wine, and soda. The floor can be refinished many times, and noticeable imperfections can be reversed, without reinstalling everything, as is the case with laminate flooring.
  
  
• Moisture Resistance
  Wood is an organic material that responds to temperature and humidity fluctuations. Hardwood's water resistance qualities depend on the species of wood, finishing, and maintenance practices. Unfinished wood is more likely to get damaged if installed in the kitchen or bathroom.
  
  Laminate surfaces are stain and water-resistant. The tough top layer makes this material a good choice for areas where spills are a possibility, such as in the kitchen. 
  
  
• Cost
  Hardwood flooring is made from harvested trees; the type of wood you choose would determine the cost. But generally, hardwood is more expensive to buy and install. The stronger the wood, the more you spend. There are also added costs to wax, finish, and treat the floor. Laminate flooring is considerably cheaper than hardwood. The installation cost is about 50 percent less than it is with solid wood flooring.
  
  Hardwood flooring can go for $3-$10 per sq. ft., including installation. Good-quality laminate flooring cost about $3.00 per sq. ft. and up. You can get lower-quality laminate at a much lower price but at the expense of performance and looks. 

Looking for more home improvement advice before listing your home among the many Richmond homes for sale? For more tips and advice, contact us today!