Is Laminate Flooring The Same As Engineered Wood

Cheaper versions have 1 4 inch cores and the photo reproductions may not be as realistic as more expensive versions.

Is laminate flooring the same as engineered wood.

Engineered hardwood is a type of hardwood flooring that has been designed to look like a hardwood floor but with more durability. If you have your heart set on having a wood or faux wood floor you have four choices. Engineered hardwood debate right there. The main difference between the two floors is that engineered hardwood floors have an actual hardwood surface but structurally they are very similar to a laminate.

Quality laminate flooring and vinyl flooring lend a comparable amount of value to a home. 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. Laminate flooring generally is less expensive than engineered hardwood. The natural top layer makes engineered wood just as durable as traditional hardwood and provides the same classic timeless look.

Both floor coverings were developed as economical and versatile alternatives to that mainstay of flooring material solid hardwood flooring. Laminate flooring and engineered hardwood floors are very similar and often get confused but there are some key differences to take into consideration when comparing the two floors. To make engineered wood flooring a plywood core board is created by stacking wood plies in opposite directions while gluing each piece together. Neither brings the high value prestige of solid hardwood engineered hardwood or designer ceramic tile or natural stone floors.

Laminate and engineered versus hardwood or vinyl. For that reason floating hardwood flooring functions nearly the same as a flooring option that s fastened down to the subfloor surface you just don t have to deal with all those pesky fasteners. Laminate engineered wood solid hardwood and vinyl. When it comes to pricing both laminate and engineered hardwood are quite affordable when compared to other flooring types.

Laminate runs 1 to 7 per square foot depending on the quality. Engineered hardwoods on average cost between 4 and 7 per square foot while it is more expensive than laminate it is still a very affordable alternative to hardwood flooring. The end result is a floor that s simpler to install and a floor that s easier to remove when the day comes to switch it out for a different. 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.

For some only solid hardwood will do but for many the pros of an engineered wood floor often tip the scales. However laminate is significantly less expensive than engineered hardwoods. At the same time quality laminate or vinyl flooring usually will not put off prospective home buyers. Made of synthetic layers bonded together through a lamination process.