Is Engineered Hardwood Better Than Laminate

If you re set on having a real hardwood look an engineered hardwood is an easier installation and more affordable price point than a solid hardwood.

Is engineered hardwood better than laminate.

Completely natural looking reclaimed collections and highly textured laminates are now available. Because hardwood floors can last for generations they raise your home s value more than laminate floors. Engineered hardwood can increase the resale value of your home. 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 develop mold.

Engineered hardwood is the clear winner when it comes to longevity although laminate planks do not lag far behind. Also while engineered is cheaper than solid hardwood it s not cheaper than laminate or carpet. Home buyers like it because it looks good and it s more durable than laminate. Neither laminate or engineered wood is a great choice for humid damp locations although both are better than solid hardwood in these situations.

Neither laminate nor solid hardwood flooring is ideal flooring materials for truly wet locations but laminate is somewhat better for humid locations such as installation against concrete slabs. With innovative technologies being used the laminate industry has become more sophisticated with floor looks and closely mimic hardwood floors. Laminate is also much thinner than engineered wood averaging around 12mm whereas engineered wood tends to be thicker like hardwoods. While the flooring market has an abundance of both types of materials in most cases solid or engineered hardwood flooring is a wiser healthier and more environmentally conscious choice than laminate.

The comparative chart below provides a quick overview of features of solid engineered and laminate flooring. Laminate is essentially a rigid synthetic floor that s also known as composite pergo or floating wood tile. Laminate flooring also has come advantage when it comes to heat resistance. Cons of engineered hardwood it s more expensive than laminate.