Choosing a new floor is a big decision, and real wood flooring is one of the best choices you can make for your home. Real wood brings natural beauty, warmth and character that lasts for years, and it can add value to your home too. Laminate is a cheaper copy of wood, but it cannot match the real thing for looks, feel or long life. In this guide, we look at how the two compare, so you can see why so many Kent homeowners choose real wood.
Key Takeaways
- Real wood flooring looks stunning and can add value to your home.
- Wood can be sanded and refinished again and again, so it can last for decades.
- Laminate is cheaper at first, but it cannot be repaired and often needs replacing sooner.
- Wood is a natural material that is kinder to the planet. Laminate is man-made and hard to recycle.
- Wood feels warmer and softer underfoot than laminate.
Cost Comparison
Wood flooring usually costs more to buy and fit than laminate. But it is best to think of real wood as a long-term investment. A good wood floor can last for decades, and it can be sanded back to look new again, so you are unlikely to ever replace it.
It can also add value to your home. Laminate is cheaper to start with, but it wears out faster and cannot be repaired. When it looks tired, the only option is to replace it. Over the years, that can cost more than one quality wood floor. With wood, you pay once for a floor that keeps on giving.
Durability
Real wood is tough and built to last. It is true that wood can pick up the odd scratch or dent over time. But here is the big difference: wood can be sanded and refinished. That means a worn wood floor can be brought back to life and look as good as new, again and again.
Laminate has a hard top layer that resists scratches, but once that layer chips or wears through, it cannot be repaired. You have to replace the damaged planks, or even the whole floor. A wood floor that is looked after can last a lifetime, and even be passed on to the next generation.
Maintenance Requirements
Looking after a wood floor is simple. Sweep or vacuum it regularly to keep grit away, and wipe up spills quickly. Every now and then, clean it with a damp mop and a wood-safe cleaner. That is really all it takes.
Laminate is also easy to clean, but it has one big drawback: when it starts to look worn, there is nothing you can do to freshen it up. A wood floor is different. Even after many years, a quick sand and reseal makes it look brand new. A little care goes a long way with real wood.
Installation Process
Wood flooring gives the best results when it is fitted by professionals, and that is where our team comes in. We prepare the subfloor properly, make sure everything is level, and fit each board with care for a smooth, flawless finish.
This is skilled work, and getting it right means your floor looks beautiful and lasts for years. Laminate is designed for easy click-together, do-it-yourself fitting, which is handy, but the finish rarely matches a professionally fitted wood floor. When you choose wood with Kent Flooring, our experts handle everything, so you get a perfect result without the hassle.
Aesthetic Appeal
This is where real wood truly shines. Every wood floor is one of a kind, with natural grain patterns and colours you simply cannot fake. Wood adds warmth, character and a timeless look to any room, from cosy cottages to modern homes.
You can pick from many types of wood, each with its own shade and texture, to suit your style. Laminate is made to look like wood, but it is a printed copy. Look closely, and you will see the same pattern repeat across the floor, and it lacks the depth and richness of the real thing. If you want a floor that looks and feels genuine, nothing beats real wood.
Environmental Impact
If you care about the planet, wood flooring is the clear winner. Wood is a natural material. When it comes from responsibly managed forests (look for the FSC label), it is a renewable and sustainable choice.
At the end of its long life, wood can be recycled or reused, and it breaks down naturally. Laminate is man-made from wood chips, plastic and glue. It takes a lot of energy to produce, it is hard to recycle, and most of it ends up in landfill. Choosing real wood is a kinder choice for the environment.
Comfort and Feel
Real wood feels wonderful underfoot. It has a natural warmth that makes a room feel cosy and welcoming, which is lovely on colder days.
Wood also has a little give, so it feels softer to stand and walk on. Laminate tends to feel harder and colder, because it is a man-made surface sitting on a solid core. For comfort at home, wood wins every time.
Resale Value
A real wood floor is a big selling point if you ever come to move. Buyers love natural wood, and homes with quality wood floors often stand out and sell well. In fact, wood flooring can add up to 2.5% to a home’s value, according to the National Association of Realtors.
Because wood lasts for decades and can be refinished, buyers see it as a lasting, high-quality feature. Laminate may look similar at first glance, but it does not have the same appeal, and buyers know it will not last as long.
Moisture Resistance
It is fair to say that solid wood does not like very wet rooms, as too much water can cause it to swell. But this is easily solved. For kitchens or busier areas, engineered wood is a brilliant option. It is real wood on top, with a clever layered base that copes well with everyday spills and changes in the air.
For most rooms in the home, wood is a perfect fit. Just wipe up spills when they happen and your floor will stay looking great. Our team can help you pick the right type of wood for each room, so moisture is never a worry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does wood flooring affect indoor air quality?
Real wood is a healthy choice for your home. It gives off very few of the chemicals that some man-made floors can release, so it helps keep the air in your home clean and fresh.
Is wood flooring a good choice for allergies?
Yes. Wood flooring has a smooth surface with no fibres for dust and pet hair to hide in. A quick sweep keeps it clean, which makes it a great choice for anyone with allergies.
Is wood flooring suitable for homes with pets?
Wood is a great choice for pet owners. Harder woods like oak stand up well to busy paws, and if your floor does pick up scratches over the years, it can be sanded and refinished to look new again. Laminate scratches, sadly, are there for good.
Does wood flooring help with noise?
Yes. Natural wood absorbs sound better than laminate, which can sound hollow or noisy underfoot. Adding the right underlay makes a wood floor quieter still.
How does wood flooring cope in busy, high-traffic areas?
Wood is a strong choice for busy areas. Pick a hardwood with a tough finish, and it will handle years of footsteps. Best of all, when it eventually looks worn, you can refinish it rather than replace it.
Conclusion
When you compare the two, real wood flooring comes out on top. It looks stunning, feels warmer and softer, lasts for decades, and can be refinished again and again instead of being thrown away. It is kinder to the planet, and it can even add value to your home. Laminate may cost less at first, but it cannot match real wood for beauty, comfort or long life.
If you want a floor you will love for years to come, wood is the smart choice. Get in touch with the wood flooring experts at Kent Flooring, and we will help you find and fit the perfect floor for your home.
