Polyurethane comes in two forms, oil-based or water-based. Both are quite durable. Oil-based poly is slightly amber or golden-colored, so it will give a golden glow to your wood. Water-based poly dries crystal-clear so it won't change the color of your floors at all.
There are some oil-modified versions of polyurethane on the market now, available to consumers, which are still soap-and-water clean-up like water-based polys. These oil-modified polys tend to be more durable than ordinary polyurethane.
To minimize the appearance of scratches and wear later, choose a satin-finish instead of gloss.
The most durable hard wood floor currently being offered on the market and suggested by home builders is solid hardwood flooring. Other alternatives also include engineered hardwood flooring.
Laminate flooring is not real wood, it just imitates the look of it.
The difference between natural flooring and engineered flooring is that natural flooring is not altered, in the manner that engineeered wood is altered.
Bamboo flooring is usually more environmentally friendly. Bamboo also gives a very different visual look to a room than wood. Renewable bamboo flooring cost less than hardwood and look great. Bamboo grows significantly faster than hard wood so it is sustainable. Some bamboo trees grow to over 60 feet in a matter of months. They're cost-effective, attractive and unique. And think of the pandas you'll be feeding.
The advantages of laminate flooring are simple, they look really nice, almost everyone enjoys the look of them, laminate flooring is actually much more durable than hard wood! It's also very easy to take care of, it doesn't stain easily! A disadvantage to how easily it stays clean is that you have to care for it a lot to make sure it finishes properly, and it is somewhat expensive!
If the wood laminate flooring was well placed by a professional and well treated, it should be very durable. beside of the beauty of this type of flooring, it is also durable.
Cork flooring is more durable than wood flooring, and is also resistant to water stains, it is a less popular option but it definitely worth it in the long run. Wood is the more popular flooring however, and is usually nicer to look at.
I personally would recommend this type of wood flooring because it creates a hard, and strong surface, and therefore it is very durable.
Solid wood flooring are often longer lasting than other forms of flooring materials and carpets. It is highly durable, easy to clean, and generally more hygienic due to these properties.
No. Laminate flooring is made of the same materials as laminate countertops - a type of plastic. Even though the flooring looks like wood, remember it is NOT. Polyurethane applied to laminate will only bubble and flake off.
The most durable hard wood floor currently being offered on the market and suggested by home builders is solid hardwood flooring. Other alternatives also include engineered hardwood flooring.
PROS – Since laminate is made from pressed wood, it is more durable and resists scratches, moisture and wear and tear. Laminate flooring is also easier to clean. CONS – Even though laminate is more durable, it is not as visually appealing. Lower qualities of laminate may have artificial-looking wood grain textures.
Real wood flooring is better because it looks more natural and it is authentic wood.
Hard wood flooring is more durable than laminate when it comes to liquids. When a lot of water seeps into the laminates seams, it causes warping. This warping happens less with hard wood because of the solidness of wood, as opposed to thin laminate.
In general yes, but also be advised that bamboo is generally a bit less durable than hardwood floors.
Solid wood flooring is better in the sense that it's more durable when it gets a bit wet. Eventually, laminate wood flooring will buckle with too much moisture. Also, solid wood floor is easier to take care of. On the flip side, solid wood flooring is more expensive. The upside to that is that it raises the value of your home. Hardwood also requires frequent refinishing, which may prove to be a bit cumbersome. http://interiordec.about.com/od/hardwoodfloors/a/hardwoodfloorsF.htm
The pergo laminate flooring should last a long time under normal wear and tear. I would however suggest going with wood before the laminate flooring.