We're asked many questions on a daily basis here at Luxury Flooring HQ, including “what should I choose: laminate or engineered wood flooring?" and  "what’s the difference between laminate and engineered flooring?” Well, there are plenty of differences actually! So how about we start right at the beginning, which always seems a pretty reasonable place to start.

When we said the beginning, we meant the beginning, it’s time to strip these materials bare and find out ‘what they’re really made of’.

Starting with laminate, which is made using synthetic materials that make up layers and are then laminated together – hence the name. Each plank of laminate flooring has 4 layers, these layers help to form the solid flooring that has been in our homes for many years. The bottom layer is known as ‘backing’; this layer enables the plank to become moisture resistant and works as a barrier in case of any excess moisture. The next layer is called the ‘inner core’, this layer is made of wood and is the thickest layer of them all, it’s the one that keeps your floor so stable. Moving up from the inner core is the ‘design layer, this is the layer that gives laminate flooring the appearance of real wood.A printer is used to create high-definition, realistic images that then sit on top of the inner core and all of the layers are then pressed firmly together. Once this process has been completed the final layer is added, this is known as the ‘wear layer’. The wear layer is a transparent overcoat that helps to protect the floor from scratches, stains, scuffs and also helps to protect the printed design layer underneath it. So that’s laminate covered, now let’s move on to the other one!

Engineered flooring…Well, it’s an ‘engineered’ product that is actually made from natural materials. This type of flooring is made up of anything between 3-12 layers, with the inner core layers usually built up using hardwood or a soft plywood. The thick top layer (also known as the wear layer), is also made from hardwood, is then glued and pressed on top of the core layer, this layer is what gives an engineered wood floor the look and feel of a traditional solid wooden floor.

So, that’s the manufacturing and materials covered. So what are the differences when these floors are placed around the house?

Cleaning/Maintenance


When it comes to cleaning, both materials are pretty similar, they only need to be swept with a soft indoor brush and mopped with a warm, damp cloth as often as you see fit. Pretty easy if you ask us! But what’s the difference in durability? Quite a big one actually, you see although Laminate flooring can be hardwearing, it does show scratches and wear and tear over time, this can be from things like furniture, pet claws or just general usage. The problem with Laminate flooring being damaged is that it can be quite the problem to repair, unless the chip or scratches are pretty minor, there are some brands of filler available in this instance. However, if the damage is beyond minor then it looks like you may have to either replace the entire plank, which can sometimes be relatively simple to do, the other alternative is to replace the entire floor – not so simple. On the other hand, most engineered floors can be sanded and refinished multiple times due to the fact that they have a real hardwood top layer, this also applies to the finish of the floor – which can be maintained if it is treated with a treatment such as hard wax oil, this can help to maintain the longevity of the finish.

Life-expectancy


Most manufacturers advise that a good-quality laminate floor can last up to 25 years, which is pretty great, however an engineered floor can last even longer due to the fact that it can be refinished numerous times, in some cases engineered floors can outlive a house! Either way, both floors last an incredibly long time but if you’re looking for ultimate longevity then engineered wood wins this round.

In order for you to make an informed decision, let’s compare the pros and cons of each material:

Laminate

Pros Cons
Affordable Unable to sand and refinish
Easy to install Louder than most floors
Low maintenance Can be seen as ‘cheap’
Resistant to some moisture Will not add value upon resale of home
Available in a variety of designs

Engineered

Pros Cons
Cheaper than solid wood but maintains the same look Can be more expensive than other flooring alternatives
Easy to install Cannot withstand heavy moisture exposure
Less likely to warp or contract than solid wood
Can be sanded and refinished

With these in mind the choice is completely up to you, we think both materials make for great flooring in any home and they’re both available from us at Luxury Flooring and Furnishings!

Have Your Say

Which do you have in your home? Leave a comment down below!

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