Laminate Flooring vs Engineered Hardwood Which Is Better
Laminate and engineered hardwood look similar but are very different products. One is a wood product. The other is a printed image. Here is how they compare.
Appearance
Engineered hardwood has a real wood veneer on top. Every plank has natural wood grain patterns. No two planks are exactly the same. Laminate uses a photographic image printed on paper. The pattern repeats every few planks. Up close, you can tell laminate from real wood. From a distance, good quality laminate looks very similar to real wood.
Winner: Engineered hardwood for authenticity. Laminate for consistency.
Durability
Laminate is more scratch resistant than engineered hardwood. The aluminum oxide wear layer is harder than the polyurethane finish on most engineered wood. Laminate is more resistant to fading from sunlight. The printed layer is UV stable. Real wood changes color with sunlight exposure. Laminate cannot be refinished. Once the wear layer is damaged, the plank must be replaced. Engineered hardwood can be sanded and refinished once or twice depending on the veneer thickness.
Winner: Laminate for scratch resistance. Engineered hardwood for repairability.
Water Resistance
Neither is waterproof. Laminate swells when wet and cannot be repaired. Engineered hardwood can handle some moisture better than laminate but still warps with prolonged exposure. Both are best for dry areas. Neither should be installed in bathrooms.
Winner: Neither. Both need dry installation conditions.
Cost
Laminate is significantly more affordable than engineered hardwood. For a typical living room, choosing laminate can save a substantial amount while still providing a wood look.
Installation
Both use click lock systems. Laminate is lighter and easier to cut. Engineered hardwood is heavier and requires better cutting tools. Both need underlayment. Both require acclimation before installation.
Which One to Choose
Choose laminate if budget is the main concern. You get the look of wood at a lower price point. Choose engineered hardwood if you want real wood that can be refinished. You pay more but the floor is more authentic and repairable.
About PROLEADER
PROLEADER offers laminate flooring in multiple thicknesses and AC ratings. Contact us for samples and product information.
