Differences in Laminate Flooring vs. Hardwood Flooring, Part 2

About the advantages laminate floors have over hardwood flooring

Laminate can be installed by the relatively inexperienced
Installing hardwood flooring can be pretty difficult and is not recommended to be done by people who are inexperienced. Laminate flooring, on the other hand, is very easy to install and geared toward do-it-yourselfers who are bent on installing their own flooring.

Laminate flooring is more versatile in higher humidity and below grade
As for standing up to moisture, laminate flooring can withstand even higher moisture environments because it is water-resistant. Hardwood flooring is affected by changes is moisture and humidity, and is not recommended to be installed in bathrooms, kitchens, or any other areas where moisture is expected such as basements.

Laminate flooring is more visually versatile without practical limitations
With laminate flooring, you can choose a color or pattern of a softer type of surface - like American cherry, or alder - and not have to worry about denting it or managing the limitations of the "species" of your choice. This can be a great advantage if you want a certain color or pattern, but don't want to have to worry about how the floor will look over a longer period.

Laminate flooring is rated for the convenience of the buying public
Laminate flooring from reputable sources is rated by international standards by means of an AC (abrasion class) rating. This means that you know how much foot traffic your choice in laminate flooring is designed to take. You don't need to know anything about species and how hard they are. The AC rating tells you exactly where the floor of your choice is meant to be installed.

Laminate floors present a very customer-focused product, meant to present a look and a function you can count on, plus at pricing that gets you the effect you want for less.