Laminate vs Hardwood Flooring: Everything You Need to Know

So, you’re redoing your floors and wondering what the deal is between laminate and hardwood? You're in the right place! Laminate is like that super convincing double in movies - it mimics hardwood at a friendlier price and comes with a few more stunts and tricks up its sleeve. Hardwood, though? That’s the original star — classic, genuine, and occasionally a bit of a diva in terms of care.

Picking the right flooring is a game-changer. It's a long-term relationship, really; you’ve got to live with it every day, so you want something that’s your kind of beautiful and doesn’t need constant pampering.

If you’ve started your new floor search, you’ve probably heard some chatter surrounding "laminate vs hardwood," but what does it all mean for your home? Read on to find out!

Laminate Flooring

What is Laminate Flooring?

Composition and Construction: Imagine a photo of wood (a really, really sharp one) that’s then protected by a tough outer layer making it waterproof and extra scratch resistant.That’s laminate for you — it’s like hardwood’s stunt double and can take on a lot more action.

Appearance and Styles: With modern imaging technology, a premium laminate product offers a wide range of styles. It can look just like real wood or, in the case of the CALI Laminate Shorebreak collection, mimic stone tile, like marble, slate, and travertine.

Pros of Laminate Flooring

Affordability: Your wallet is going to love laminate. It’s like getting champagne on a beer budget.

Durability: Got kids? Pets? Don’t fret. Laminate can take what life dishes out, thanks to its super durable design. CALI Laminate is easy to clean and extra scratch and slip resistant.It’s also NALFA-certified as a waterproof product.

Easy Installation: If you’re a DIYer, you'll appreciate how laminate simplifies installation with its rapid click-lock design that can be floated without the need for any nails or glue. (Tile can be glued down if you prefer, but it’s not required.) Find all CALI installation guides here.

Cons of Laminate Flooring

Limited Refinishing: Laminate can’t be sanded down and refinished, so what you see is what you get. Fortunately, CALI Laminate tiles are protected by a super durable protective wear layer which is also covered by the floor’s 50-year residential warranty.

Water Damage Vulnerability: Although CALI Laminate is NALFA certified and100% waterproof, there are other laminate products out there that are susceptible to water damage, so be sure to opt for a high-quality product.

Environmental Impact: Again, quality varies in the laminate world, so research is key to find the safest options. CALI Laminate is FloorScore certified meaning it’s guaranteed safe for homes with kids and pets. It also contains recycled content with no harmful chemicals.

Hardwood Flooring

What is Hardwood Flooring?

Types of Hardwood: From oak to maple, there's a wood variety to suit any style. The CALI Hardwoods line offers engineered planks topped with thick veneers of European white oak in a variety of tones and textures.

Construction: CALI Hardwood is all engineered, meaning planks feature a premium veneer of solid oak over a stabilizing base of a more sustainable wood like acacia. This stratified construction makes for a stronger plank that doesn’t expand and contact as much as solid wood and also gets up to 4x as much flooring from each tree.Planks are protected by a multi-coat finish containing aluminum oxide for boosted luster and scratch resistance.

Pros of Hardwood Flooring

Timeless Beauty: Hardwood is like that classic, little black dress; it never goes out of style and works for any occasion.

Durability and Longevity: With proper care, hardwood floors can last a lifetime (or even several).

Home Value: There’s a reason real estate listings always note if a home has hardwood flooring. They speak to quality and added value.

Cons of Hardwood Flooring

Cost: Beauty comes at a price, and hardwood will cost you more upfront.

Installation Complexity: Hardwood installation can be a bit of a hassle and is usually a job for the professionals.

Maintenance Requirements: It demands respect! You’ll need to stay on top of cleaning and care.

Choosing the Right Flooring for Your Needs

Factors to Consider

Budget: Decide what you’re comfortable spending — and remember to factor in the cost of installation and maintenance down the road. 

Lifestyle and Use: Got a busy household? Kids? Pets? Make sure your floor can handle your life. It may be a good idea to install a more durable floor like laminate in certain rooms like the kitchen and bathrooms while opting for hardwood elsewhere.

Climate and Location: All floors respond differently to moisture and temperature changes, so consider your local climate.All CALI flooring is designed to be as stable as possible in the face of fluctuating environments, but we still recommend maintaining a stable indoor temperature and humidity range. Incorporating expansion gaps when installing is also required regardless of the flooring you’re working with. See all installation tips here.

“When it comes to durability and realism, there are not many floors that are a better fit than CALI Laminate, and the collections we have both currently and launching soon are the highest quality products we’ve seen in the category. That being said, for timeless beauty, real hardwood is hard to beat. It really depends on your personal preference and what’s the best fit for your space.”
- Ben Stallman, CALI Operations & Quality Specialist

So what’s the recap? Laminate is affordable, durable, and user-friendly. Hardwood is stunning, long-lasting, and has a timeless appeal. The "laminate vs hardwood" debate really comes down to what fits your home, lifestyle, and budget. Our two cents: you can’t go wrong with either CALI Laminate or CALI Hardwoods. They’re both top-of-the-line, and with the right care, they’ll be part of your home’s story for years to come. Choose what you love — your floors are waiting!