Owen PalmerBy Owen Palmer

Updated November 2026

Laminate flooring versus wood flooring is one of the most common choices homeowners face before a renovation. In this guide, we compare the two on durability, moisture tolerance, refinishing, comfort and upkeep, so you can match the right floor to each room. By the end, you should know which material fits your traffic level, budget and long-term plans.

Start With What Each Floor Is Made Of

Solid hardwood is milled from a single piece of timber, usually 3/4 inch thick, and can be sanded and refinished several times over its life. Engineered wood has a real wood top layer bonded to plywood or HDF cores, so it handles humidity changes better. Laminate is a photographic image layer under a clear wear layer, bonded to a high-density fiberboard core. It looks like wood or stone but has no natural grain beneath the surface.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 7 Best Light Wood Laminate Flooring Options for Every Room.

Compare Durability and Moisture Resistance

Laminate’s wear layer resists scratches and fading well, which makes it a practical choice for busy kitchens and hallways. Wood dents more easily but can be refinished, while a deep gouge in laminate usually means replacing the plank. Moisture is the bigger difference. Laminate’s HDF core swells if water sits on it, so spills need to be wiped quickly. Solid wood reacts to humidity by expanding and contracting across the seasons, so it needs stable indoor conditions. Neither material belongs in standing water, so avoid installing either in a full bathroom.

Plan Installation, Upkeep and Long-Term Value

Most laminate is a floating click-lock system that goes over an underlayment. A confident DIYer can usually complete a room in a weekend. Solid hardwood is nailed or stapled to a subfloor, which takes more skill and tools, so many homeowners hire a pro for it. Engineered wood can float or be glued down.

For upkeep, laminate needs a damp microfiber mop and a cleaner made for laminate, and wood needs a pH-neutral wood cleaner and occasional refinishing. Refinishing is where wood earns its value, since a well-kept solid floor can last generations. Laminate is cheaper to replace in sections but cannot be restored. If you plan to sell in a few years, wood often adds more perceived value.

Checklist Before You Decide

  1. Measure the room and add about 10 percent for cuts and waste.
  2. Check the subfloor for level. Laminate tolerates small dips poorly, and wood needs a flat, dry base.
  3. Test the room’s humidity and check for basement or crawlspace moisture.
  4. Count the foot traffic, pets and kids who will use the floor daily.
  5. Decide whether you want to refinish later or replace planks as needed.

Common Mistakes

  • Installing laminate in bathrooms or unvented laundry rooms where water collects.
  • Skipping the underlayment, which affects sound, comfort and moisture protection.
  • Using a steam mop or wet mop on either floor.
  • Buying the cheapest laminate without checking the wear layer thickness.
  • Installing solid wood in a room with no climate control.
  • A tapping block and pull bar help you close click-lock laminate joints without damaging the edges. View on Amazon
  • A pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaner suits sealed wood floors and keeps the finish from breaking down. View on Amazon
  • A moisture meter helps you check subfloors before either material goes down. View on Amazon

FAQ

Is laminate flooring cheaper than wood flooring?

Laminate is generally the lower-cost option to buy and install, while solid hardwood costs more but can be refinished for decades. Compare quotes in your area for your exact project.

Can you refinish laminate flooring?

No. Laminate’s printed surface and wear layer cannot be sanded down, so damaged planks must be replaced. Solid hardwood can be refinished several times.

Which is better for pets?

Laminate usually holds up better to scratches from claws, though it can still dent. Wood with a hard finish also performs well, but deep scratches are harder to hide on lighter boards.

Conclusion

Laminate flooring versus wood flooring comes down to moisture exposure, refinishing needs and how long you plan to stay. Laminate suits busy, budget-conscious rooms, while solid or engineered wood suits long-term living spaces. For structural or subfloor concerns, consult a flooring professional before you commit.

Ready to choose one?

Owen Palmer

About Owen Palmer

Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our DIY home renovation guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.