Laminate or Real Wood Flooring: Which Is Better for Your Home?
Guide by BAYT

Flooring sets the tone for your entire home. It’s the surface you see and feel every day, so it needs to look beautiful, wear well, and suit your lifestyle.

One of the most common questions homeowners ask during renovations is whether to go with laminate flooring or real wood.

Both can look stunning when done right. But they perform very differently, and choosing the right one often comes down to budget, maintenance, and how you live.

Here’s how to decide, and how our team at BAYT helps clients make the right call for their space.

1. The Look and Feel

Real wood has a warmth and authenticity that’s hard to beat. Every plank is unique, with natural grain and variation that ages beautifully over time. It gives your home a premium, timeless character that laminate can only imitate.

Laminate, on the other hand, has improved dramatically in recent years. High-quality laminates now mimic the look of real wood with impressive realism, even down to texture and grain patterns.

For many clients, laminate offers 90% of the visual appeal at a fraction of the cost.

At BAYT, we show clients real samples on-site so they can see and feel the difference before making a choice.

2. Durability and Maintenance

If you have kids, pets, or a busy household, durability is key.

Laminate flooring is scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and generally better at handling wear and tear. It doesn’t require sanding or refinishing and is more resistant to stains.

However, it can’t be repaired easily if damaged, you often have to replace the board.

Real wood can be sanded and refinished multiple times, meaning it can last for decades. But it’s more sensitive to scratches, water, and temperature changes.

In kitchens or high-traffic areas, it might need more care to keep it looking its best.

Our design team helps clients choose flooring that suits how they actually live, not just how it looks in a showroom.

3. Moisture and Temperature

Ireland’s damp climate means moisture is always a concern.

Laminate performs better in areas where humidity or spills might occur, such as kitchens or utility rooms, provided it’s installed properly with moisture barriers.

Real wood expands and contracts with humidity, which can cause gaps or warping if the environment isn’t controlled.

For clients who love the look of wood but want extra resilience, we often recommend engineered wood flooring.

It’s a middle ground, a real wood surface on a stable base that handles moisture better.

4. Cost and Value

Budget is often the deciding factor.

Laminate typically costs less to buy and install. It offers great value for rental properties or when you want the look of wood without the higher expense.

Real wood, though more expensive upfront, adds long-term value to your home.

It’s a feature that buyers notice and appreciate, especially in living areas and master bedrooms.

When planning projects, BAYT provides full cost breakdowns during the design phase, showing how flooring choices affect the total budget.

This helps clients make informed decisions without surprises later.

5. Sustainability and Feel

Sustainability matters more than ever.

Many laminate products now use recycled materials and low-VOC adhesives, but real wood remains the most natural and renewable option if sourced responsibly.

The feel underfoot also differs, real wood feels warmer and softer, while laminate can feel harder and cooler.

We often combine both in a home: real wood in main living areas for warmth and laminate in utility or secondary spaces for practicality.

6. Installation and Finishing

Laminate is quick to install, with click-fit systems that make it ideal for tight timelines or occupied homes.

Real wood flooring takes more time to fit and finish, especially if it’s sanded and stained on-site, but the result is often worth the wait.

With BAYT’s design and build model, we schedule flooring at the right stage, after plastering, before skirting, to protect finishes and ensure a perfect fit.

The BAYT Recommendation

For most modern renovations, we often suggest a combination approach:

• Use engineered or solid wood in main living spaces for quality and character
• Use laminate or luxury vinyl in kitchens, hallways, and high-traffic areas for durability and easy upkeep

This balance gives you a premium look where it matters most, and practicality where you need it.

Final Thoughts

There’s no wrong choice, only what’s right for your home, lifestyle, and budget.

The key is to plan early and choose materials that align with how you live day-to-day.

At BAYT, our design and build team helps you explore all flooring options, weigh costs, and find the right fit for your space.

With our integrated process, we coordinate design, supply, and installation, ensuring your floors are beautiful, durable, and seamlessly finished.

Thinking about renovating your home?

Talk to BAYT today. Whether you prefer the timeless charm of real wood or the practical appeal of laminate, we’ll help you make a choice that enhances your home and fits your budget perfectly.