What is Engineered Flooring?
Engineered flooring has several thin plies of wood bonded together. On top is a layer of premium wood, such as oak or maple. The other layers are less costly than the top layer; poplar and pine are used. Also, due to cross-ply construction, an engineered wood floor will give you a much more stable floor than a solid floor. It does not shrink or expand with climate changes, as seen with solid wood flooring.
The thickest of the wood layers is usually between 1/8 and 1/2 inches, but sometimes, it can be even thicker. You can get the engineered wood refinished once or twice. After that, you will have to change the flooring entirely. However, the wear and tear vary depending on the veneer's thickness on the wood's top surface. An engineered floor is, therefore, expected to last three to four decades or even more if well maintained.
Engineered wood can better withstand moisture. That is why it is used to construct basements, bathrooms and other places with relatively high humidity.
What is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring has a photographic image of wood on a paper base attached to a thicker substrate. Their materials usually include fiberboard, a byproduct of the timber industry. Laminate flooring has a plastic or glass-clear layered top at the surface. The look of laminate is natural but cannot be refinished when the surface wears out.
It comes in various designs that imitate wood without natural wood's costly square footage charges. It is even more economical than engineered and natural wood floor products. Laminate floors cannot be sanded or refinished, which you can do with solid or engineered hardwood floors. When the top layer has peeled off, new planks must be installed.
Difference Between Laminate and Engineered Wood
Now that we know what engineered and laminate flooring are made of, let’s see the key difference between laminate and engineered wood:
1. Composition
Laminate wood has no solid wooden content and is usually made of fiberboard. As a result, the top photographic paper layer of the flooring is very stiff and can lead to unevenness.
Engineered wood has an expensive top layer and multiple layers of natural wood below. Hence, the floor can bend to adjust to the subfloor below.
2. Durability
Laminates are durable and normally last 15 – 25 years. Once worn out, they can not be refinished and need to be replaced.
When installed correctly, the engineered hardwoods can last up to 100 years. However, they need to be refinished occasionally to retain their glow.
3. Water Resistance
Laminates are hygroscopic and tend to swell if they come into contact with water or other liquid.
Engineered wood is susceptible to water damage but, if appropriately treated, can resist swelling.
4. Looks
On closer scrutiny, laminates give an artificial look. The printed photographic layer, in particular, can wear out and cannot be refinished to retain its look.
Engineered wood has the look, feel and even texture of natural wood. It can be refinished and look new for decades.
5. Installation
Most laminates are known as floating floors. This means the planks fasten together without direct contact with the subfloor.
Engineered wood can be nailed, stapled or glued to the subfloor and comes in multiple ranges of species, grades and sizes to match the needs.
6. Price
Laminate flooring can range from $1-$6 a square foot, covering the installation cost.
Engineered wood flooring costs $4.00 – $12.00 per square foot, including installation.
Engineered Flooring Vs Laminate Flooring: Considerations Between The Two
The decision whether to use laminate flooring or engineered hardwood flooring is influenced by aspects such as how much you are willing to spend, how you plan to use the flooring, whether you are likely to expose the floor to moisture and which type of look you prefer. Here are some of the considerations to make while choosing:
1. Durability:
You should consider durability first. Laminate flooring is quite sturdy, but an image layer placed on top of it can also be scratched. It is more susceptible to scratching and has more chances of developing dents than engineered wood because the latter has a thick top layer of real wood.
2. Moisture:
Another consideration is the material's moisture resistance. Laminate is a poor material when in contact with water, while engineered wood is quite good when sealed correctly and can, therefore, be used in areas like the basement or the bathroom.
3. Texture:
The texture and appearance of the surface should also be considered. This engineered flooring is closer to actual solid flooring since its surface layer is made of wood. Laminate is an artificial material and has an artificial look. As for the designs, laminate offers more choices in wood grain looks, while engineered wood has more realistic grain and depth.
4. Cost:
Finally, engineered wood has an initial cost implication but comes with added value in the case of home resale. Laminate, on the other hand, is budget-friendly. Make sure to factor in your budget before settling for one.
FAQs
1. Is engineered flooring better than laminate flooring?
Engineered flooring has a natural wood surface. This gives the floor an authentic wooden look. It is also more durable than laminate flooring.
2. Is engineered flooring suitable for the kitchen?
Yes, engineered flooring is suitable for the kitchen. You can further enhance its water-resistant properties by applying a sealant on the floor surface.
3. Is a steam mop safe for engineered wood floors?
No, a steam mop is not recommended to clean wooden floors. The moisture and heat can damage the wood layers.
4. Where should you not use laminate flooring?
Avoid using laminate flooring in high-moisture areas like bathrooms and laundry rooms. Laminate floors can swell when exposed to water.