When you’ve had it with your old floors and are ready to install something new, you might be stuck deciding which flooring type is better: engineered hardwood or laminate flooring. 

In this article, we will compare the two options to help you make the right choice for your home.

What is engineered hardwood?

Engineered hardwood provides the look of solid wood floors but is composed of a top layer of real wood laminate over a combination of wood fibres, scrap wood, and adhesives.

This creates far sturdier, more durable flooring than solid wood, and it is also more affordable. The real wood top makes it feel more authentic than laminate flooring. With proper care, engineered hardwood can last for 30 years or more.

What are the pros of engineered hardwood?

Engineered hardwood has many benefits, including the following:

  • Durability: As mentioned, engineered hardwood can last 30 years or more. Compared to solid wood floors, they are more stable and can be used in just about any room in the house where moisture is not an issue.

    This type of flooring can also expand and contract without worry of damage, which is one of the reasons it often outshines other flooring choices like laminate and solid wood.

  • Looks like wood: Engineered hardwood looks like real wood because the top layer is real wood. As a result, it has more warmth and feels more luxurious when compared to laminate flooring.
  • Cost-effective: When you want the look of solid hardwood floors, but can’t afford the price tag, engineered wood is the most cost-effective choice.
  • Easier installation: The tongue and groove system makes engineered hardwood relatively easy to install compared to hardwood, but probably harder to install than laminate flooring.
  • Longer lifespan: Engineered hardwood is built to last. It can be sanded down once or twice to prolong its life if you want to remove damage like scuff marks, dents, and scratches. This is something you can’t do with laminate flooring. 
  • Wide assortment: Engineered hardwood comes in a wide selection of options, allowing you to get the look you love. 

What are the cons of engineered hardwood?

There are some cons of engineered hardwood, such as the following:

  • Not water-resistant: Although some manufacturers are introducing water-resistant engineered hardwood, it really isn’t recommended for use where moisture is an issue, including foyers, mudrooms, laundry rooms, and bathrooms. 
  • Not compatible with floor heating: If you dream of heated flooring in your home, most engineered hardwood is not compatible with underfloor heating systems. 
  • Higher maintenance: Because of the hardwood top layer, engineered hardwood is pretty much as high maintenance as hardwood.
  • Not as affordable as laminate: Although engineered hardwood is more affordable than solid wood floors, it is not as affordable as most laminate floors. 

When to Choose Engineered Hardwood Floors

You should go with engineered hardwood floors if you:

  • Want the look of solid wood floors.
  • Have a higher budget to invest more in flooring that will last longer.
  • Find an engineered hardwood flooring you love.
  • Aren’t installing it in an area with moisture issues.
  • Want a durable floor with the look of solid wood.

What is laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring is made of synthetic materials with an image of wood applied to the upper layer. It has a thin particle board base and is available in a wide range of wood looks, finishes, textures, and sizes to provide a modern aesthetic at a fraction of the cost of engineered and solid wood floors.

Although laminate flooring is more affordable, it only lasts about 15 years, although higher quality laminate can last up to 25 to 30 years with the proper care. 

What are the pros of laminate flooring?

There are several pros of laminate flooring, including the following:

  • Easy maintenance: Laminate floors today are very low maintenance, requiring a quick vacuum or sweep and then an occasional swipe with a microfiber spray mop when they’re looking a little dirty.
  • Durability for higher AC ratings: Laminate floors have an AC rating, which tells you how well they’ll wear. Choosing flooring with AC3 and above will ensure they last longer. These floors have a dependable scratch-resistant wear layer that will protect against heavy foot traffic.
  • Long lasting: Although it won’t last as long as engineered hardwood, when you go with AC3 and above, laminate flooring can last almost as long.
  • Affordability: Laminate is still the most affordable flooring option when you want a wood look.
  • Installation: Laminate is the ruling DIY flooring choice with a click-and-go installation that takes little time compared to engineered flooring.
  • Stylish: Although not quite as authentic or warm as engineered hardwood flooring, laminate has come a long way in its design. Available in what seems like endless sizes, wood looks, stain colours, and the option to also choose from tile or stone styles, laminate flooring is a very versatile choice.
  • Heating: Laminate flooring can be used with underfloor heating, unlike engineered hardwood.

What are the cons of laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring also comes with a few cons, such as the following:

  • It can’t be sanded: Because laminate is synthetic, it can’t be sanded to remove scuffs and scrapes like engineered hardwood.
  • Can be nosier underfoot: Although you can choose an underlay to reduce noise, the synthetic materials are not quite as sound absorbing as engineered hardwood flooring.
  • Slippery: Some laminate floors are very slippery, which can make them a little riskier if you have small children running around the house.
  • Water resistance: As with engineered hardwood, the average laminate flooring is not water-resistant and will bulge even with a spilled glass of water if you don’t act fast. That said, there are new waterproof laminates appearing on the market, although they tend to be more expensive. 

When to Choose Laminate Flooring

You should go with laminate flooring when:

  • Your budget makes it the logical choice.
  • You’re looking for a DIY flooring option.
  • You want low-maintenance flooring.
  • Water and moisture are not a factor.
  • You find a laminate flooring you love.

Contact the Flooring Professionals

Both engineered hardwood and laminate flooring offer their own distinct benefits. As a result, it often boils down to your budget and personal style preference. The team at Cosmaroma can help you decide which one is right for your home.

Ready to start shopping for engineered hardwood or laminate flooring? Visit one of Cosmaroma’s locations or click here to browse our flooring options. You can also call us at (855) 457-1039 or contact us online.