Is Engineered Wood Better Than Laminate

Engineered hardwood debate right there.

Is engineered wood better than laminate. Laminate and engineered wood floors are both very popular alternatives to hardwood floor but they are not created equal. Ultimately engineered wood will always look better than laminate particularly when looked at closely. It is true that engineered flooring can be more costly than laminate flooring but provides a better investment value over the long run. Neither laminate or engineered wood is a great choice for humid damp locations although both are better than solid hardwood in these situations.

Engineered wood floors can be used even in those areas whit light moisture such as basements kitchens and bathrooms. Laminate runs 1 to 7 per square foot depending on the quality. For some only solid hardwood will do but for many the pros of an engineered wood floor often tip the scales. Comparing to other wood flooring products the engineered flooring is a better choice.

Although they are made from similar materials they have key differences that make one option better than the other depending on where the flooring is going in your home. Engineered floors will have a higher price depending on the top wood veneer thickness style species and brand. For many folks that ends the laminate vs. Though engineered wood is not made out of 100 solid wood you can think of it as smart hardwood a real hardwood floor that is more versatile than a solid wood plank.

Laminate is also much thinner than engineered wood averaging around 12mm whereas engineered wood tends to be thicker like hardwoods. Care laminate durability maintenance laminate is slightly easier to clean and take care of when compared to engineered flooring. Even if the surface is kept well sealed cracks between engineered wood or laminate boards can allow moisture to penetrate to the organic substrate plywood or fiberboard causing it to swell or. Cheaper versions have 1 4 inch cores and the photo reproductions may not be as realistic as more expensive versions.

Engineered wood contains a slice of natural wood on top while laminate uses a photographic layer that is coated with a protective layer. Engineered wood flooring has a similar construction as laminate except the top decorative layer is a thick veneer of real wood protected by a coating of a clear acrylic. The natural top layer makes engineered wood just as durable as traditional hardwood and provides the same classic timeless look.