Laminate and engineered wood floors are two of the most popular flooring options for homes today. Both offer the look of real hardwood, but at a more affordable price point. However, there are some key differences between laminate and engineered wood flooring that are important to understand before choosing which is best for your home. This guide provides an in-depth comparison of laminate vs. engineered wood flooring to help you make the right decision.
Durability and Scratch Resistance
When it comes to durability, engineered hardwood floors are generally superior to laminate. The top layer of engineered wood flooring is made from real hardwood, usually oak, maple, or hickory. This solid wood top layer is more resistant to scratches, dents, and wear than laminate flooring. Laminate flooring is made using a photographic paper layer under a clear protective coating. This protective coating can wear down over time, making laminate floors more prone to scratches and damage.
Engineered wood flooring scores higher on the Janka hardness scale, which measures a material’s resistance to indentations. The dense wood used on the surface of engineered flooring ranges from 8,000 to 15,000 on the scale, compared to 2,000 to 5,000 for laminate flooring. The higher the Janka rating, the more durable and scratch resistant the floor.
While laminate floors can also be quite durable with their protective coating, engineered hardwood ultimately holds up better under heavy foot traffic and is less likely to show scratches from pet claws or furniture. For high traffic areas, engineered wood is the superior choice in terms of durability and longevity.
Ease of Repair and Refinishing
One advantage engineered wood floors have over laminate is that they can be refinished and repaired multiple times. If the surface becomes worn or damaged, engineered wood floors can be lightly sanded and refinished to look like new again.
Laminate flooring cannot be refinished since sanding would remove the decorative photographic layer. At most, very minor surface damage can be repaired with putty fillers. However, any significant damage, moisture warping, or excessive wear will require replacing laminate flooring planks.
With engineered wood, it’s easy to replace individual planks as needed over time. And periodic refinishing can renew the entire floor. This makes engineered wood the better choice if you want to maintain and extend the lifetime of your floors.
Moisture Resistance
Laminate flooring wins when it comes to moisture and water resistance. The dense fiberboard core of laminate planks makes them highly resistant to water damage and warping. Laminate can withstand spills, pet accidents, and high humidity.
Engineered wood floors are not waterproof. Their layered construction and solid wood surface can be damaged by excessive moisture. The planks may cup or warp if exposed to too much water. This makes laminate a better option than engineered wood for basements, laundry rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Installing engineered wood in wet areas requires solid subfloor prep and moisture barriers to prevent issues. Overall, laminate floors are the safer choice where moisture is a concern.
Installation and Replacement
Installing laminate flooring is easier for DIYers than engineered wood. Laminate flooring uses a floating installation method that doesn’t require any nailing, stapling, or gluing to the subfloor. The tongue and groove edges of laminate planks click together easily.
Engineered wood requires being nailed or glued during installation. This involves more specialized tools and techniques. Hiring an experienced flooring installer is recommended for engineered floors. Improper installation can lead to gaps or buckling in the floor over time.
Replacing damaged planks is also simpler with laminate flooring. Individual planks can be unclicked and swapped out as needed without affecting surrounding boards. With engineered wood, removing and replacing a plank is more challenging and risks damaging neighboring boards during the process.
Realism of Wood Look
One of the biggest draws of engineered hardwood is its extremely realistic wood pattern and texture. Made with a top layer of real hardwood, engineered floors beautifully mimic solid wood with realistic grains, knots, and color variations.
Laminate flooring can look fake in comparison. The printed photographic layer doesn’t always capture the depth and natural variations of real wood. However, laminate producers have gotten better at creating convincing wood-like textures, beveling planks, and using high-definition imaging for more realism.
Still, engineered wood wins for the most natural-looking wood floor short of solid planks. For the true look and feel of real hardwood, engineered floors are the better choice.
Variety of Styles
Laminate floors come in a huge range of plank sizes, thicknesses, colors, textures, and patterns beyond just wood looks. There are options like stone, tile, and concrete that look quite realistic. Unique options like black, white, and gray washed laminate are available.
Engineered wood flooring focuses more on classic wood looks in oak, hickory, maple, cherry, and exotic woods. There are fewer stylish options like wide planks or unique colors. But the wood species diversity of engineered is much greater than laminate.
If you want a basic oak or walnut look, engineered wood has you covered. But laminate opens up more possibilities for bold, trendy visuals you won’t find with engineered floors.
Cost Differences
One of the main advantages of both laminate and engineered floors compared to solid wood is their lower cost. But engineered wood floors are generally more expensive than laminate.
Pricing for laminate flooring ranges from $0.50 to $6 per square foot installed. Engineered wood starts at $3 per square foot and can go up to $12 installed. So there is some overlap, but you’re likely to pay more for an engineered wood floor on average.
Laminate is more budget-friendly, while engineered wood becomes an investment. But the higher upfront cost of engineered flooring can pay off long-term when you consider the durable wood surface and refinishing capabilities.
Which is Better for Your Home?
So which wins the battle between laminate vs. engineered wood floors? Here are some key factors to help you choose the right flooring:
- If budget is a top concern, laminate provides the best value.
- For realistic wood look and feel, engineered floors look more authentic.
- Laminate works better in wet areas like basements and bathrooms.
- Engineered wood is more durable and long-lasting with refinishing options.
- Laminate is easier for DIY installation and plank replacement
- Engineered wood offers more wood species diversity.
- Laminate comes in more unique colors, textures and tile looks.
The needs of your household and project space should determine whether laminate or engineered hardwood is the better choice. Evaluate which features are most important like cost, appearance, installation, and performance. This will guide you to the ideal flooring to suit your home and lifestyle.
With the right prep work for your subfloor and installation by a professional, both laminate and engineered wood floors can provide lasting beauty. Weigh the pros and cons and plan to invest in quality materials with warranties. Understanding the comparison of laminate vs. engineered wood can make you a more informed flooring shopper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some common questions about laminate and engineered wood flooring.
Is engineered wood flooring waterproof?
No, engineered wood flooring is not waterproof. The solid wood layer makes engineered floors vulnerable to moisture damage and warping. Water can seep into the seams and cause the planks to swell or cup. Laminate flooring is a better choice for wet areas.
Can you refinish laminate floors?
No, laminate flooring cannot be refinished since sanding would remove the top decorative layer. At most, minor scratches or damage on laminate can be repaired with putty filler. Refinishing is one of the advantages engineered hardwood floors have over laminate.
Is engineered wood flooring durable?
Yes, engineered wood flooring is very durable and more scratch resistant than laminate. The thick top layer of hardwood makes it stand up well to heavy traffic and abrasions better than laminate. Periodic refinishing can keep an engineered wood floor looking new for longer.
Does laminate flooring add value to a home?
Quality laminate flooring can moderately increase a home’s resale value. It’s seen as an affordable, low-maintenance flooring that looks nice. But laminate is not valued as highly as real hardwood floors. Engineered wood may add slightly more value for its authentic wood look.
Can you install engineered wood flooring over concrete?
Yes, engineered wood can be installed over concrete. However, proper moisture testing and sealing of the concrete is required to prevent moisture related issues. A vapor barrier, padding, and floating installation method are recommended. Laminate is easier to install over concrete.
How long does laminate flooring last compared to engineered wood?
Quality engineered wood floors can last 50 years or longer with refinishing. Laminate floors typically last 15-25 years before needing replacement. Heavy traffic and improper installation can shorten the lifespan of both. Overall, engineered wood has a longer lifespan with the right care.
Is laminate or engineered wood cheaper?
Laminate flooring is generally cheaper than engineered wood. Prices for laminate can range from $0.50 to $6 per square foot installed. Engineered wood starts around $3 per square foot and goes up to $12 installed. So laminate provides a less expensive wood flooring option.
Can you install laminate flooring in a bathroom?
Laminate can be installed in bathrooms but requires a waterproof subfloor and careful sealing around the edges to prevent moisture damage. Engineered wood is not recommended for bathrooms due to sensitivity to moisture. Porcelain tile is often a better choice for bathrooms than laminate or engineered wood.
What’s better: solid hardwood or engineered wood flooring?
Solid hardwood is considered higher end than engineered wood, but engineered wood floors have benefits like dimensional stability and adequacy for below grade installation. Engineered wood costs less than solid wood while providing a real wood surface. Both have pros and cons to weigh for your particular home.
Does Lowe’s install engineered hardwood flooring?
Many Lowe’s locations offer professional engineered hardwood flooring installation. The fee is an additional $1.29 per square foot for labor on top of the flooring cost. Scheduling installation through Lowe’s simplifies the process.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing between laminate and engineered wood flooring, there are tradeoffs to consider in terms of budget, performance, and style. First determine whether the realism and durability of engineered wood are worth the higher costs compared to laminate. Also consider whether your space has any moisture issues that make laminate the better option. Taking the time to understand the pros and cons of each flooring can lead you to the right choice to meet your needs and give you many years of satisfaction. With proper installation and care, both laminate and engineered wood floors can be excellent options for residential spaces.