Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - difference between hardwood and laminate?

Hi,Everyone:

I want to know what is the key difference between hardwood and laminate? I recently want to do some job on my floor because my wife really hates the carpet as days go by.
Besides the laminate is cheaper than hardwood, what are other differences between them?

Thanks!!
Acton

There is plastic laminate that has a picture of real wood adhered to substrate material. This product has protective coatings applied as do the wood surfaces. Wood laminate, also called engineered wood, has a thin veneer layer of real wood over several layers of substrate material. The thicker the veneer layer (nothing less than 1/8") and the more layers of substrate material, the better. If you go with a major manufacturer (recommended), you will find good, better, best levels of quality, warranty, and price. You will also find that there are different installation methods--glue down, nail down, staple down, or click together (floating floors). Pre-finished solid hardwood is usually a nail down product into a 3/4" subfloor (plywood or OSB). Each manufacturer tends to have its own specific instructions for subfloor, vapor retarders, cushion, acclimation, installation, and care and maintenance.

thanks!

How to determine which material is better for my situation? In other words, what is pro and con of hardwood and laminate?

One thing I know, hardwood lasts longer.

Hardwood will add value to your home since it is permanent. You can always refinish it over the years. Though I would not recommend it in a wet area like a kitchen or bathroom. Go with laminate or tile in there.

High quality laminate is generally more scratch resistant than hardwood. I have noticed if you put laminate in a very large open space it creates an echo. I think the thicker hardwood does a better job absorbing sound than laminate.

Pre-finished hardwood flooring and pre-finished engineered wood floors often come with state-of-the-art scratch resistant finishes. No finish is scratch proof. Some of the higher quality engineered wood products may cost as much or more than solid hardwood.

If shopping for engineered wood (wood laminate), go with a major manufacturer that offers good, better, best levels of quality, warranty, and price. When comparing the cost of the 'best' engineered wood laminate with solid hardwood, you may be pleasantly surprised.

Thanks for information.

Could you name some manufactories which have good brands?

Also as you said, you need to look at the brand to determine which one is better. But generally speaking, isn't better to have hardwood flooring to improve home value? Laminate seems a economical way to have a wood floor.

Is it true?

Thanks for your guys' time!
Acton

Think of laminate like carpeting. It won't last forever and you'll probably change it over time. I had Pergo in my prior house and had no complaints. My dogs didn't put a scratch in it no matter how fast they ran through the room. Personally, I still prefer hardwood for the value and look.

Harmonic sells its laminate floor in the costco. Is it a good brand?

You tend to get what you pay for when it comes to floor covering products. It can not be emphasized enough to shop around to learn who the name-brand manufacturers are that offer good, better, best levels of quality, warranty, and price. Some offer even lower quality products under a different name.