Is Engineered Hardwood The Same As Laminate

The best way to describe engineered hardwood flooring is to think of it like a hybrid car.

Is engineered hardwood the same as laminate.

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. It might help if you can get a side by side comparison of the pros and cons of both. If you have your heart set on having a wood or faux wood floor you have four choices. Hardwood floors one of the most common types of wood flooring is what is referred to as hardwood flooring or often solid hardwood floors solid hardwood flooring is largely what the phrase indicates in that the wood flooring is composed of solid wood.

Laminate engineered wood solid hardwood and vinyl. It s core is usually plywood or high density fibreboard hdf and the top layer is composed of a of hardwood veneer which is glued atop the core to mimic nearly any species of hardwood. Most likely once the floor is worn or damaged you will have to replace it. The difference between hardwood flooring engineered floors and laminate floors.

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 and engineered versus hardwood or vinyl. Laminate and engineered wood floors are both very popular alternatives to hardwood floor but they are not created equal. 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.

Engineered hardwood is easy to clean but the material also has more holes and grains that can collect dirt while laminate is smooth and easy to wipe clean. Laminate is far easier to maintain than engineered wood flooring. Laminate hardwood is easy to install and some homeowners say their laminate is easier to clean than solid or engineered hardwood. Both floor coverings were developed as economical and versatile alternatives to that mainstay of flooring material solid hardwood flooring.

How do you choose between laminate and engineered hardwood flooring though. The natural top layer makes engineered wood just as durable as traditional hardwood and provides the same classic timeless look. Made of synthetic layers bonded together through a lamination process. It s a little bit of laminate and a little bit of hardwood.

You may be able to replace damaged pieces but finding laminate with the same patterns is difficult. 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.