Wood Laminate Vs Engineered Wood

Hardwood is more durable in many ways but tile stands up to scratches from the paws of furry friends better than wood.

Wood laminate vs engineered wood.

There s actually not that much between them and most of the pros and cons are the same as comparing laminate vs hardwood. Major differences solid hardwood flooring as the name suggests is comprised of flooring boards that are solid hardwood material through and through. Engineered hardwood debate right there. Engineered wood features a thin veneer top layer of solid wood.

Photo by johnson mcleod design consultants cons of wood look tile. Engineered wood contains a slice of natural wood on top while laminate uses a photographic layer that is coated with a protective layer. Appearance of laminate flooring vs engineered hardwood engineered hardwood floors give the look of a hardwood floor and come in a range of looks textures styles and colors. The boards usually 3 4 inch thick are generally milled with a smooth top surface and tongue and groove edges that interlock to hold the boards together.

Then there s the core of the plank typically made from layers of plywood or high density fiberboard hdf. The natural top layer makes engineered wood just as durable as traditional hardwood and provides the same classic timeless look. Engineered wood flooring. Comparing engineered wood with laminate is an interesting and worthwhile exercise and you might be surprised by the results.

Laminate vs engineered wood flooring. Cheaper versions have 1 4 inch cores and the photo reproductions may not be as realistic as more expensive versions. Both resemble true hardwood but each comes with its own benefits and disadvantages. On the whole a good laminate floor will be more durable.

Laminate flooring generally is less expensive than engineered hardwood. If you re seeking an alternative to hardwood but laminate doesn t sound like the material for you consider engineered wood or luxury vinyl. Then a transparent wear layer is applied to protect the surface. Laminate runs 1 to 7 per square foot depending on the quality.

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. The base is fiberboard with a photographic image layer bonded over the top. Below are cr s top scoring options for engineered wood laminate linoleum prefinished solid wood porcelain tile and vinyl flooring plus a runner up in each category.