Hardwood vs. Vinyl vs. Laminate: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to choosing new flooring for your home, the options can feel overwhelming. Three of the most common choices are hardwood flooring, vinyl flooring, and laminate flooring. Each has its own strengths, weaknesses, and price points. If you live in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho or Spokane, Washington, understanding the difference will help you make the best investment for your home.
Hardwood Flooring: Timeless Beauty and Long-Lasting Value
What It Is:
Hardwood floors are made from solid planks of natural wood (oak, hickory, maple, walnut, and more). You can also choose engineered hardwood, which has a hardwood surface layer over multiple layers of plywood for added stability.
Pros of Hardwood:
Durability: Lasts 50+ years with proper care.
Refinishing: Can be sanded and refinished multiple times.
Value: Increases home resale value and appeals to buyers.
Beauty: Classic, natural, and timeless.
Cons of Hardwood:
Higher upfront cost.
Sensitive to moisture and humidity.
Requires professional installation for best results.
Best For:
Homeowners who want to invest in long-term value, luxury, and timeless style. Perfect for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.
Vinyl Flooring: Affordable and Moisture-Resistant
What It Is:
Vinyl flooring is a synthetic material made to mimic wood, tile, or stone. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is the most popular style and looks very similar to hardwood.
Pros of Vinyl:
Waterproof: Great for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
Budget-Friendly: Lower upfront cost than hardwood.
Low Maintenance: Easy to clean with just sweeping and mopping.
Variety: Available in many styles and colors.
Cons of Vinyl:
Cannot be refinished — must be replaced when worn.
Less durable long-term compared to hardwood.
Doesn’t add as much value to your home as wood.
Best For:
Families on a budget, high-moisture areas, rental properties, or quick renovations.
Laminate Flooring: Durable and Cost-Effective
What It Is:
Laminate flooring is made of high-density fiberboard with a photographic image of wood, topped with a clear protective layer.
Pros of Laminate:
Cost-Effective: More affordable than hardwood.
Durability: Scratch- and stain-resistant.
Easy Installation: Often designed for DIY projects with click-lock planks.
Variety: Available in many wood-look finishes.
Cons of Laminate:
Not waterproof (though some water-resistant versions exist).
Cannot be refinished — once damaged, it must be replaced.
Shorter lifespan than real hardwood (10–25 years).
Best For:
Busy households with kids and pets, where affordability and scratch resistance matter more than longevity.
Which Flooring Should You Choose?
Choose Hardwood if: You want long-term durability, refinishing options, and a luxurious finish that adds value to your home.
Choose Vinyl if: You need waterproof flooring that’s affordable and easy to maintain.
Choose Laminate if: You want a budget-friendly, scratch-resistant option that looks like wood.
Flooring Experts in Coeur d’Alene & Spokane
At Cardwell Floors and Design, we help homeowners in Coeur d’Alene, Spokane, Post Falls, and Hayden find the perfect flooring for their homes. Whether you’re looking for the timeless elegance of hardwood, the practicality of vinyl, or the affordability of laminate, our team is here to guide you through every step — from selection to installation and refinishing.
✨ Contact us today for a free in-home estimate and discover how new flooring can transform your home. 208-771-4928
