If you’re searching for flooring that resembles solid hardwood but costs less, you need to compare engineered wood flooring with laminate flooring. The cost, water resistance, durability, and ease of installation of these two flooring ideas are comparable and different. Both were created as affordable and flexible substitutes for solid hardwood flooring, the industry standard.
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Engineered wood vs. laminate flooring vs. Hardwood: The Key Differences
Engineered wood is made out of layers of plywood and solid hardwood, which sets it apart from solid hardwood. This material is constructed with each layer facing a different direction to avoid warping and dips in the level surface. You can transform your space with premium hardwood flooring brands from Eko Flooring.
Laminate flooring is more similar to planks than to solid hardwood. Particleboard with a “transparent” layer for durability and an “image” layer for look is what gives it its wood-like appearance. Unlike engineered hardwood, it is made entirely of synthetic wood.
After installation, engineered wood flooring, and solid wood flooring have the same visual appearance because of their similar surfaces. However, to conserve money, the layers beneath are made of several kinds of genuine wood. As a result, solid wood flooring costs more than engineered wood flooring.
Appearance and Comfort
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered flooring often looks nicer than laminate flooring. The top withstands rigorous inspection because it gets made of genuine wood.
Engineered flooring is composed entirely of wood. As such, it feels more substantial underfoot than laminate flooring, much like genuine hardwood flooring. Every engineered hardwood floor comes pre-sanded and treated to provide a smooth, splinter-free surface.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring might appear to be wood from a distance. On closer examination, though, this resemblance breaks away. Laminate flooring feels almost bouncy underfoot thanks to its synthetic core and foam underlayment. Although the wear layer is soft and comfy beneath socks or bare feet, it may be slick under heels.
Hardwood Floors
Hardwood flooring planks come in various widths, from 8 to 12 inches. The gaps between the boards of solid flooring are often tighter after installation. For added customisation, pre-finished and unfinished panels come in extensive types of colours and species.
Cost
Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are among the priciest varieties available in the market, among many others. Pre-finished hardwood flooring may cost £8 per square foot. Prices for hardwood flooring typically range from £8 to £15 per square foot.
Engineered Wood Floors
Conversely, engineered wood flooring is a more reasonably priced flooring choice. The cost per square foot for engineered wood flooring varies from £2.50 to £10. The majority of types, however, range from £4 to £7 per square foot.
Laminated floors
Compared to engineered hardwood, laminate flooring is typically less expensive since it is made of synthetic components, which are frequently less costly than genuine wood. Laminate flooring may be purchased for £3 to £8 per square foot on average.
Durability
Hardwood
Solid hardwood is well known for being long-lasting and resilient with the proper care. Its structure provides outstanding durability and strength against wear and tear. Even while solid hardwood could be more vulnerable to problems with moisture, with the best moisture control, it can survive for centuries.
Engineered Wood
Engineered hardwood is susceptible to scratching and denting, particularly in high-traffic areas. The thickness of the top wear layer, however, determines how long it will last. Greater resilience to dents and scratches is offered by thicker wear layers, extending the life of the flooring.
Laminated Flooring
Laminated flooring is more scratch and dent-resistant than engineered hardwood. The underlying ornamental layer gets shielded by the wear layer. However, prolonged exposure to moisture may cause laminate plank edges to expand, which may result in damage.
Moisture Resistance
Engineered Wood
Compared to solid hardwood, engineered hardwood is more moisture-resistant because of its layered composition. It may get installed in locations with greater humidity levels due to its intrinsic resistance to moisture. Nevertheless, spills must be quickly cleaned up to extend the life of engineered hardwood, as it is not thoroughly waterproof.
Hardwood
Solid hardwood is more prone to problems with moisture, such as buckling, cupping, and warping. It organically expands and contracts in response to variations in air conditions because it is made of only one piece of wood.
Laminated flooring
Although some laminate flooring products get marketed as “water-resistant,” water seeping through the many gaps between boards in the laminate can harm the fiberboard core layer of the flooring material. But if moisture is quickly removed, the plastic surface layer is impervious to water damage.
Installation
Hardwood Floors
Most hardwood floors get fastened to the subfloor with nails. Tongue-and-groove planks are a popular alternative for joining boards during installation. Plywood is used as the substrate to which hardwood flooring must be installed. After that, boards are nailed to the subfloor via the tongue to conceal the nails once the floor is completed.
Engineered Wood Floors
Most engineered wood floors are secured using a click-and-lock mechanism, while others get nailed to the subfloor. Eko Flooring installation services elevate your home with our durable, stunning hardwood floors – a true investment in comfort and beauty. With this installation method, tongue-and-groove boards that fit together create a neat seam. On top of the foam, cork, or flooring, the system floats.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is much easier to install than engineered hardwood floors. Laminate flooring is a floating floor; it never attaches to the subfloor or underlayment; it only attaches side to side. Once the flooring gets laid, it cannot slide due to its weight and friction. Laminated boards are easy to cut with a utility knife or a hand saw.
Conclusion
In most homes, hardwood and engineered wood floors may be utilised interchangeably. The choice between the two flooring alternatives is subjective because there are more similarities than differences. The interchangeability of hardwood and engineered wood is subject to the exception of water damage.
Solid hardwood flooring is not recommended for high-moisture areas like basements, kitchens, or bathrooms. Instead, choose engineered wood flooring. For installations across the entire house, flooring options provide the best value for stylistic choice. Ultimately, it comes down to your choices for design and budget (hardwood flooring is more expensive).
In houses that are mid-range or lower-class, laminate flooring is an excellent choice if cost, ease of maintenance, and DIY installation are crucial factors. Select hardwood flooring if long-term durability, attractiveness, and resale value are the most vital considerations.
