Flooring comparison
Hardwood vs Laminate Flooring: Cost Comparison
Hardwood and laminate look similar but differ a lot in cost and value. Hardwood is a premium, long-term material; laminate is an affordable look-alike. Here is the 2026 comparison.
Hardwood
$8 to $22 per sq ft installed
Laminate
$3 to $8 per sq ft installed
| Feature | Hardwood | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost per sq ft | $8 to $22 | $3 to $8 |
| Typical 500 sq ft room | $4,000 to $11,000 | $1,500 to $4,000 |
| Lifespan | 50+ years | 15 to 25 years |
| Refinishable | Yes, many times | No |
| Water resistance | Low | Low to moderate |
| Resale value | High | Modest |
Hardwood
- Adds the most resale value
- Can be refinished many times
- Lasts a lifetime
- Premium, timeless look
- High upfront cost
- Scratches and dents
- Sensitive to moisture
Laminate
- Low cost
- Scratch and wear resistant
- Easy DIY installation
- Many looks
- Cannot be refinished
- Shorter lifespan
- Adds less resale value
The verdict
Choose hardwood if you want maximum durability, the ability to refinish, and the best resale value, and you can pay more upfront. Choose laminate for a budget-friendly, durable, wood-look floor, especially in lower-stakes rooms or a shorter-term home.
Both materials are crosscut the same way, and laminate in particular chips without the right blade, so read our DEWALT DWS779 miter saw review before you rent or buy a saw for the install. Buying saws for the job? Our best table saw and miter saw for a garage shop guide compares Amazon and Grizzly picks.
Doing the flooring job yourself?
Amazon picks · SponsoredA contractor quote is mostly labor. If that estimate felt steep, here is the exact gear to tackle this job yourself. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Budget: Under $100
Click-lock laminate planks are a budget-friendly DIY floor.
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Budget: Under $250
Foam underlayment cushions and quiets laminate or vinyl plank.
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Budget: Under $25
Spacers hold the expansion gap along walls during install.
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Budget: Under $25
Tapping block and pull bar kit seats planks tight.
Check priceFrequently asked questions
Is hardwood or laminate flooring cheaper?
Laminate is much cheaper, about $3 to $8 per square foot installed versus $8 to $22 for solid hardwood. Hardwood costs more but lasts far longer and can be refinished.
Does hardwood add more value than laminate?
Yes. Real hardwood is a sought-after feature that adds more resale value than laminate. Laminate looks similar but buyers and appraisers value it less because it cannot be refinished.
