Refinish Hardwood Floors or Replace with Laminate: What’s Cheaper?

After years of dedicated service, hardwood floors inevitably undergo wear, displaying signs of dullness, fading, scratches, and dents. The redeeming aspect lies in the fact that hardwood floors can be revitalized through refinishing or even replaced with laminate flooring when needed. This guide delves into the considerations between refinishing and replacing hardwood floors with laminate, shedding light on the comparative costs.

Hardwood vs. Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring stands out as a cost-effective alternative, offering a broad spectrum of color options and styles. Additionally, laminate planks can convincingly mimic real wood. The advantages of laminate flooring include affordability, straightforward installation, and a diverse array of design choices to complement various home decors.

While laminate flooring boasts affordability and ease of installation, it lacks the refinishing capability of hardwood floors. Hardwood, with its capacity for multiple refinishing sessions, eliminates the need for frequent replacements. However, laminate flooring requires additional material for repairs in the event of damage.

Comprising a core fiberboard layer, a design layer, and a clear protective wear layer, laminate flooring exhibits water and stain resistance. Yet, like hardwood, excessive moisture can affect laminate. The average lifespan of laminate flooring ranges from 15 to 25 years, while properly maintained and refinished hardwood can endure up to a century.

Cost of Refinishing a Hardwood Floor

The expense of refinishing hardwood floors hinges on factors such as floor size, hardwood type, chosen finish, local labor costs, and the floor's overall condition. For DIY enthusiasts, refinishing can present cost savings on labor, with expenditures primarily allocated to equipment rental or purchase for sanding and refinishing.

Professional refinishing costs, as per Angi, generally fall within the range of $3 to $8 per square foot. The total cost for most homes spans from $1000 to $2600, with variations based on specific factors.

When to Replace a Hardwood Floor

The decision to refinish, resurface, or replace a hardwood floor relies on its condition. Refinishing addresses minor surface imperfections, including staining, sun fading, dents, and scratches. Resurfacing involves replacing damaged planks, leveling the floor, reinforcing planks, and refinishing, albeit at a higher cost than refinishing alone. Replacement becomes a viable option for severe damage such as deep cracks, extensive wear, and significant water damage like rotting and warping.

Installing Laminate Flooring Cost

Laminate flooring serves as a budget-friendly replacement option, offering ease of installation and various textures resembling wood. Costs for buying and installing laminate flooring range from $3 to $8 per square foot, with variables such as plank quality, project complexity, and subfloor repairs influencing the final expense.

On average, installing laminate flooring can cost between $1400 and $4600. Laminate's popularity as a hardwood replacement stems from its capacity to emulate the look and feel of hardwood at a lower cost, with minimal maintenance expenses.

Which is a Cheaper Option?

In the long run, refinishing a hardwood floor proves more cost-effective than replacement. For well-maintained hardwood floors, refinishing, especially as a DIY project, offers savings on labor. Laminate flooring is more affordable to purchase and easier to install compared to new hardwood floors.

Choosing between laminate installation and hardwood refinishing, the latter emerges as the more economical option. Refinished hardwood floors not only enhance longevity but also contribute to better resale or home value. In scenarios where refinishing is impractical due to severe floor conditions, laminate flooring installation becomes a viable and cost-effective alternative. The enduring value of a hardwood floor ensures a favorable resale value, making it an attractive choice for those considering property flipping.

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