Hardwood vs Laminate Flooring: Which Is Worth the Cost?

Hardwood flooring costs $8-$18 per square foot vs $4-$8 for laminate. Hardwood lasts 75-100+ years and adds significant home value, while laminate lasts 15-25 years at half the price.

Cost Comparison

For a typical 300 square foot room:

• Laminate: $1,200 to $2,400
• Hardwood: $2,400 to $5,400

Hardwood costs about twice as much as laminate on average. For a full breakdown of all flooring types and what they cost, see our flooring installation cost guide. But there are important differences beyond price.

Durability and Lifespan

Laminate lasts 15 to 25 years before it needs replacement. It is scratch-resistant and handles daily wear well. However, laminate cannot be refinished. Once it is worn out, it must be replaced entirely.

Hardwood lasts 75 to 100+ years and can be refinished 3 to 5 times over its lifetime. Each refinishing restores the floor to like-new condition. A well-maintained hardwood floor can literally outlast the house.

Water Resistance

This is where laminate has a clear disadvantage. Standard laminate swells and warps when exposed to water. It is not suitable for bathrooms, laundry rooms, or kitchens with frequent spills.

Hardwood is also vulnerable to water but can withstand occasional spills if cleaned up quickly. Engineered hardwood offers better moisture resistance than solid hardwood.

For wet areas, neither is ideal. Consider luxury vinyl plank (LVP) instead — we cover it in our roundup of the cheapest flooring options that still look great.

Home Value Impact

Hardwood floors are the number one flooring choice that adds home value. Real estate agents consistently report that homes with hardwood sell faster and for higher prices. Many buyers specifically filter home searches for hardwood floors.

Laminate does not add the same value. Some buyers view laminate negatively, especially if it is lower quality or visibly fake. That said, high-quality laminate in good condition is better than old, damaged carpet.

Installation

Laminate installs as a floating floor over foam underlayment. Many homeowners can DIY it in a weekend. No nails, no glue, just click-and-lock planks.

Hardwood typically requires professional installation. Solid hardwood is nailed or stapled to a wood subfloor. Engineered hardwood can be floated, glued, or stapled. Professional installation adds to the cost but ensures proper acclimation and finishing.

Maintenance

Both are relatively easy to maintain. Sweep or vacuum regularly, use appropriate cleaners, and avoid standing water. Hardwood may need occasional refinishing (every 7 to 10 years depending on traffic). Laminate just needs replacement when worn.

The Verdict

Choose laminate if you want an affordable, good-looking floor for a bedroom, office, or rental property where long-term value is not the priority.

Choose hardwood if you own the home, want lasting value, and can invest in a floor that will serve you for decades.

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See what hardwood or laminate would cost for your specific project.