A TOUGH CHOICE


Solid wood or laminate? The experts at Luxury Flooring and Furnishings weigh up the pros and cons to help you decide which option would work best for your needs.


Renovating your commercial or contract property is always an exciting time, but that’s not to say that it doesn’t come with its challenges. If you’re in the market for new flooring, you may be wondering which material is best for you. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start.


Laminate and solid wood are two of the most popular flooring solutions on the market today. Both choices have a myriad of benefits to offer, making some property owners question which one is best.


The truth is, both materials can drastically improve some areas, yet fail to deliver positive results in others. The key is to match each type of flooring with its optimal environment. To do this, it’s important to get to know the pros and cons of both options.


Laminate flooring can be found in commercial environments of all kinds across the country, proving a favourite choice amongst property owners everywhere. It’s easy to see why this is the case. Laminate is highly accessible, coming with a small price-tag and minimal maintenance costs.


Due to the transparent protective surface coating, each plank boasts resistance to scratches, scuffs, and moisture. This makes laminate highly versatile, and a perfect addition to cafes, hair salons, and fitness studios.


Additionally, laminate is easy to clean and quick to install. The intuitive click fitting system allows planks to lock together without permanent adhesive and excessive fitting equipment. This is great for those who don’t want to disturb busy spaces, resulting in a loss of sales or a reduction in productivity.


However, at such a low price, it’s no surprise that laminate offers its fair share of drawbacks. Whilst laminate boards effectively prevent damages from humidity and moisture, their thin construction can only tackle moderate footfall. This, of course, is fine for smaller contract properties. Nevertheless, areas that see frequent traffic may be prone to wear and tear.


20 | WOOD & LAMINATE


Ultimately, this results in a shorter lifespan, which could lead to reinstallation and repair costs further down the line.


Additionally, many property owners agree that, whilst laminate does replicate natural materials with accuracy, it is not as aesthetically pleasing as real wood and stone. This could dissuade those who have an interest in interior design and bespoke furnishings.


Solid wood flooring is often seen as a more luxurious option and has become the go-to choice for many residential and commercial property owners.


One key reason is solid wood’s unparalleled durability. Common hardwood species such as oak, walnut, and acacia are performance assured, promising a long lifespan in areas of heavy footfall.


As an added bonus, solid wood boards can be sanded and refinished time and time again, helping to retain its stunning appearance throughout the entirety of its life. Add to this, eco- friendly qualities, enhanced air quality, and timeless style, and you’ve got a choice of flooring that’s perfect for retail and offices.


Unlike laminate, solid wood flooring comes with a hefty price- tag. Whilst it’s true that real hardwood can raise the value of your property, some owners are unwilling to fork over the initial costs, opting instead for something cheaper.


As a fully natural product, solid wood is also harder to maintain than many other flooring solutions. Warping and shrinkages can occur when the boards are exposed to humidity and moisture changes, limiting its application. Consequently, solid wood is unsuitable for areas with high levels of sunlight.


Remember to always consult a professional, whichever flooring material you use. This will prevent any costly mistakes.


www.luxuryflooringandfurnishings.co.uk


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52