Engineered Hardwood vs Laminate Flooring: Which Is The Better Choice?

Making a decision about what type of flooring to put in your home can be difficult. Do you want the look and feel of solid hardwood, but don’t want to spend the money? If so, engineered hardwood and laminate flooring are two great options for you. In this blog post, we will compare and contrast engineered hardwood vs laminate flooring, so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

What Is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Engineered hardwood flooring is a type of flooring that is made from multiple layers of wood. The top layer is usually made from hardwood, such as oak or maple, and the remaining layers are made from a softer wood, such as pine. The advantage of engineered hardwood flooring is that it is more resistant to changes in temperature and humidity than solid hardwood flooring. Engineered hardwood floors can also be sanded and refinished multiple times, just like solid hardwood floors.

What Is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is a type of flooring that is made from multiple layers of synthetic materials. The top layer is usually made from high-density fiberboard, and the remaining layers are made from a plastic laminate. The advantage of laminate flooring is that it is more resistant to scratches and stains than engineered hardwood or solid hardwood floors. Laminate floors can also be cleaned easily with a damp mop.

Engineered Hardwood vs Laminate Floors

Appearance

When it comes to appearance, engineered hardwood flooring has the edge over laminate flooring. Since the top layer is real wood, it looks more realistic than laminate flooring. Additionally, engineered hardwood flooring is all wood from top to bottom, so it feels harder underfoot than laminate flooring. All engineered hardwood flooring is also pre-sanded and coated, so it has a smooth finish.

While laminate flooring can look convincingly like wood from a distance, it breaks down upon close inspection. Its foam underlayment and synthetic core make laminate flooring feel soft and springy underfoot. Additionally, the wear layer is smooth but can be slippery. Ultimately, engineered hardwood flooring is a better option in terms of both appearance and feel.

Maintenance

Engineered hardwood and laminate flooring are both tough and durable, making them ideal for high-traffic areas in your home. However, engineered hardwood does require a bit more maintenance than laminate. For instance, spills and leaks need to be cleaned up immediately to prevent the floor from absorbing moisture and swelling.

In addition, it’s important to wax the floor periodically to protect the finish and prevent moisture damage. Although this may sound like a lot of work, the increased degree of maintenance can actually be a good thing. Most engineered hardwood floors can be refinished, so you can remove the wear layer and create a fresh, clean look whenever you like. With proper care, an engineered hardwood floor will last many years.

Costs

When it comes to deciding between laminate and engineered hardwood floors, the cost is often a deciding factor. Laminate flooring is more affordable than engineered hardwood, due in part to the fact that it is made of mostly man-made materials. The high-density fiberboard used in laminate floors is a mixture of sawdust and glues or resins that undergoes extreme compression in a factory. This process takes a fraction of the time and materials involved in felling a hardwood tree and milling it for flooring.

Furthermore, the wood layer in laminate flooring is simply a printed sticker, allowing all laminate floors to have the same price point regardless of species. In contrast, engineered hardwood comes in a variety of species that can affect the cost tremendously. Oak might be relatively affordable, while a more luxurious wood like cherry or mahogany can cost twice as much. When cost is a deciding factor, laminate flooring is the more affordable option.

Durability

When it comes to choosing to floor for your home, it’s important to consider not only style and cost, but also lifespan. Engineered wood flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners because it is durable and long-lasting. With proper care, engineered flooring can last 20 to 50 years, or even longer. Laminate flooring is another popular option, and while it doesn’t usually last as long as engineered flooring, it can still provide years of use. With proper installation and care, some types of laminate flooring can last 15 to 20 years. When making a decision about which type of flooring to choose for your home, be sure to consider all factors, including lifespan.

Resale Value

When it comes to resale value, engineered wood floors are the clear winner over laminate floors. Engineered hardwood can be sanded and refinished just like traditional hardwood, so it’s virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. Laminate floors, on the other hand, are perceived as being lower quality and less durable, even though they can actually be more durable than solid wood. If you’re looking to invest in a floor that will pay off in the long run, engineered hardwood is the way to go.

Closing Thoughts

So, which is the best type of flooring for your home? The answer to that question will depend on a variety of factors, including your budget and the specific needs of your household. However, engineered hardwood and laminate flooring have unique benefits that can be perfect for certain homeowners. If you’re still unsure about which type of flooring is right for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us – we would be happy to help!