Hardwood vs Laminate: Key Differences
Both give you the warmth of a wood floor — but they behave very differently when it comes to cost, durability, moisture and resale value. Here's the honest comparison we walk homeowners through every week.
Which one is right for you?
If you want the quick verdict: choose hardwood when you're investing in a home you'll keep and want lasting value you can refinish for decades. Choose laminate when budget, speed and scratch resistance matter most — rentals, busy family rooms, and quick refreshes before selling.
Hardwood wins on
Longevity, resale value, refinishing, and the look and feel underfoot that buyers pay a premium for.
Laminate wins on
Upfront cost, scratch resistance, installation speed, and easy care in high-traffic spaces.
Neither wins on
Standing water. For kitchens, baths and basements, ask us about waterproof luxury vinyl plank.
Hardwood vs laminate at a glance
How the two floors compare on the factors homeowners ask about most.
| Factor | Solid Hardwood | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost | Higher — premium material and more involved installation | Lower — typically a fraction of hardwood's total cost |
| Lifespan | 50+ years with refinishing | 15–25 years, then replaced |
| Scratch resistance | Can dent and scratch; refinishing erases wear | Tough wear layer shrugs off pets, kids and traffic |
| Moisture | Sensitive — not for wet areas | Tolerates quick spills, but not standing water |
| Repairability | Sand and refinish to like-new, again and again | Damaged planks are swapped, not repaired |
| Resale value | Strong buyer demand; adds real value | Well accepted, but no premium |
| Feel & sound | Solid, warm and quiet underfoot | Good with quality underlay; can sound hollow without it |
| Installation time | Slower — nailed or glued, plus acclimatization | Fast click-lock floating install; many rooms in a day |
When hardwood is worth it
- You plan to stay in the home long-term — refinishing keeps it beautiful for decades
- Resale value matters: hardwood is one of the most requested features among Lower Mainland buyers
- You want a floor that can be repaired rather than replaced after wear
- The rooms are living spaces, bedrooms or hallways — away from regular moisture
When laminate makes more sense
- You want the wood look on a tighter budget — or across a large area
- Pets, kids and heavy traffic make scratch resistance the priority
- It's a rental or a pre-sale refresh where speed and cost drive the decision
- You want minimal downtime — click-lock installs are fast and clean
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, hardwood or laminate?
Laminate is significantly cheaper. Installed laminate typically runs a fraction of the cost of solid hardwood, because both the material and the installation labour are less expensive.
Does laminate look as good as hardwood?
Modern laminate is impressively realistic at normal viewing distance, with textured wood-grain surfaces. Up close, hardwood still wins — and unlike laminate, it can be refinished to look new again.
Which is better for kitchens and basements?
Neither is ideal for wet areas. Laminate tolerates occasional spills better than hardwood, but for kitchens, bathrooms and basements we usually recommend waterproof luxury vinyl plank instead.
Does hardwood really add resale value?
Yes — real hardwood is consistently one of the most requested features among Lower Mainland homebuyers, and it can be refinished for decades. Laminate is well accepted but doesn't carry the same premium.
Can you install over my existing floor?
Laminate often can float over a sound, level existing floor. Hardwood has stricter subfloor requirements. We check this during your free on-site consultation.
Explore both options
Still deciding? Let's look at your space together.
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