Laminate vs Solid Hardwood: Which Is Better?
Updated July 2026 · Pricing data from Floormath's flooring cost model
Short answer: Hardwood wins on lifespan, resale, and the ability to refinish; laminate wins on upfront price and scratch resistance. If you'll own the home 10+ years, hardwood usually pencils out. Short horizon or rental: laminate.
Side-by-side comparison
| Laminate | Solid Hardwood | |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost (1,000 sf) | $3,219–$10,164 | $7,439–$21,439 |
| Material price/sf | $1.29–$6.99 | $3.49–$14.99 |
| Typical install labor/sf | $2.00 | $4.25 |
| Lifespan | 15–25 years | 50–100 years |
| Water resistance | water-resistant; only rated products handle standing water | poor — swells and cups with moisture |
| Refinishing | cannot be refinished | refinishable 4–10 times |
| Underfoot feel | hard, hollow-ish without good underlayment | warm, solid, premium |
| Resale impact | neutral | strongest resale driver of any floor |
| DIY difficulty | very DIY-friendly | difficult; usually pro-installed |
Cost difference at real project sizes
| Project | Laminate (typical) | Solid Hardwood (typical) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 144 sq ft | $841 | $1,719 | $878 |
| 500 sq ft | $2,920 | $5,970 | $3,050 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $5,839 | $11,939 | $6,100 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $11,678 | $23,878 | $12,200 |
When Laminate is the right call
Water-resistant; only rated products handle standing water; hard, hollow-ish without good underlayment; very DIY-friendly. It makes the most sense where those traits carry the day — and its 15–25 years lifespan sets your replacement horizon.
When Solid Hardwood is the right call
Poor — swells and cups with moisture; warm, solid, premium; difficult; usually pro-installed. Resale-wise it's strongest resale driver of any floor, with a 50–100 years expected lifespan.
Compare laminate and hardwood for your exact square footage
Run the free calculator →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, laminate or hardwood?
For a 1,000 sq ft installed project, Laminate typically runs $5,839 vs $11,939 for Solid Hardwood at mid-tier — a difference of about $6,100. Budget and premium tiers widen or narrow that gap.
Which lasts longer?
Laminate: 15–25 years. Solid Hardwood: 50–100 years. Lifespan per dollar often matters more than sticker price — divide installed cost by expected years to compare honestly.
Which is better for resale?
Laminate: neutral. Solid Hardwood: strongest resale driver of any floor.