Engineered Hardwood vs Laminate
For any homeowner wanting a natural hardwood look without the shifting, moisture sensitivity, and expense of genuine solid hardwood, there are many synthetic and semi-synthetic options to choose from. Both engineered hardwood and laminate flooring give the appearance of hardwood and offer additional benefits, like greater stability and easier installation.
But with two high quality options like engineered hardwood and laminate flooring, it can be difficult to determine which is the best for your particular project. In this article, we will lay out the differences of engineered hardwood and laminate flooring to give you a clearer picture of the benefits and considerations of each material so you can make an informed decision.
What is Engineered Hardwood?
Engineered hardwood is a type of flooring made from multiple layers of wood, including a top layer made of a very thin (typically 1 to 5 millimeters) strip of hardwood. This construction makes it more stable and resistant to moisture and temperature changes than solid hardwood while maintaining solid hardwood's signature look.
Engineered hardwood typically has three layers:
Top Layer
The surface of engineered hardwood is a thin veneer of real hardwood. This can be made from any type of hardwood, and the harder the wood, the more resistant this layer will be to scratching. The top layer of hardwood means nearly all engineered hardwood flooring can be refinished, just like solid hardwood. In fact, planks with thicker top layers (4 millimeters or thicker) can be refinished two or three times.
Core Layer
The core is made from either high-density fiberboard (HDF) or high-quality plywood. This gives engineered hardwood greater stability compared to solid hardwood, preventing it from warping, cupping, or otherwise being negatively impacted by the effects of temperature changes and humidity.
Backing Layer
The bottom layer, or backing layer, provides additional support, stability, and moisture resistance. This layer is also made of wood, but it is typically treated with a waterproof sealant to improve water resistance. Still, these boards are not fully waterproof, so it is important to clean up spills quickly to prevent damage.
What is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is a synthetic, multi-layered flooring option designed to mimic the look of natural materials while being more affordable and durable. Laminate flooring's construction makes it especially wear-resistant and able to withstand moderate exposure to moisture.
Laminate flooring is made up of four distinct layers:
Top Layer
The surface of laminate flooring is covered in a transparent, protective coating made of aluminum oxide or melamine resin. This wear layer acts as a shield that protects the flooring against scratches, stains, fading and wear while allowing the layer below it to be seen clearly.
Design Layer
Laminate flooring's natural appearance comes from a high-resolution printed image of a natural material—usually wood, but sometimes stone. The sharpness of this layer can provide an appearance that is virtually indistinguishable from the natural material it is mimicking.
Core Layer
The bulk of laminate flooring is made up of a layer made of high-density fiberboard (HDF). This layer is created by breaking down the HDF, combining it with wax or another resin, and forming it into planks using high heat and pressure. The resulting material is durable and has high dimensional stability.
Backing Layer
The bottom of laminate flooring is covered in a moisture-resistant coating. This helps enhance its durability by preventing warping if the flooring is exposed to moisture through humidity or spills.
Durability & Lifespan
A floor's durability and lifespan usually go hand in hand. However, when assessing the difference between engineered hardwood and laminate flooring, these two factors should be considered separately.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood is more durable than solid hardwood due to its multi-layer construction, which resists expansion and contraction from temperature and humidity changes. But when it comes to dent and scratch resistance, the top layer of natural wood means it is just as susceptible to wear as solid hardwood.
The flip side of this is that higher quality engineered hardwood with a top layer of 4 millimeters or more can be refinished, often multiple times. This can extend a 30-year lifespan to 60 or even 90 years (or more).
Laminate
Laminate flooring is constructed with a thin, transparent wear layer with a durability rating called an AC rating, going from AC1, for light traffic, to AC5, which is designed to stand up to heavy traffic. AC5-rated flooring is most resistant to scratches and dents compared to engineered hardwood. Laminate flooring's core layer is also made of HDF, meaning it can withstand changes in temperature and humidity just as well as engineered hardwood, if not better.
As for lifespan, laminate flooring typically lasts 15 to 20 years. If the flooring experiences significant damage before its life cycle is complete, it cannot be refinished; the damaged section will have to be fully replaced.
Water Resistance
Neither engineered hardwood nor laminate flooring is waterproof, but both provide a bit of water resistance. Still, neither should be used in high-humidity or high-moisture areas like bathrooms or laundry rooms.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood has a core of plywood or HDF that is highly structurally stable when faced with seasonal changes in humidity, especially when compared to solid hardwood flooring. That said, if water or other liquids are left standing on engineered hardwood, there is just as much chance of discoloration or even some warping, since the top layer is natural wood.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is made with an HDF core, which also makes it structurally stable and allows for moisture resistance that is generally comparable to engineered hardwood. Where laminate outshines engineered hardwood is in resistance to discoloration: spills that are not cleaned up promptly may still cause damage if they seep between the boards, but the surface will not become discolored or stained, thanks to the protective wear layer
Installation Methods
Comparing installation methods between engineered hardwood and laminate flooring is not as simple as asking which one is easier to install. Each can be installed over any type of subfloor, but your preferences for installation method, how firmly the boards are secured to the subfloor, and whether or not you want to hire a professional can impact which option is best for your project.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood flooring can be installed in a variety of ways, which allows for greater customization to the type and condition of your subfloor. There are typically three methods by which engineered hardwood flooring can be installed.
Floating
A floating floor installation involves snapping each plank together with the next until the entire floor is covered. This is the easiest installation method and can be done over any subfloor or even existing flooring.
Glue-down
Installing engineered hardwood planks by gluing them down is a process very similar to floating installation, with the extra step of applying the glue and pressing the boards down to get a good bond. This method requires a clean, dry subfloor as well as knowledge of how to work with flooring glue quickly enough that it doesn't dry before application.
Nail-down
The planks are secured to a wood subfloor using flooring nails or staples. Nails are driven at an angle through the tongue of the plank to keep them hidden in a process known as blind nailing. This method is time intensive and requires close attention to detail, but it does provide a very stable installation that prevents the boards from moving. This is the only method of installation that cannot be done on a concrete subfloor.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is almost always installed as a floating floor (without glueing it down). This can be done over existing flooring or over any type of subfloor. It is generally recommended that you first lay down an underlayment. This is especially important for subfloors that are uneven, where using a foam underlayment can help smooth the surface. The snap-together method of installation is an easy DIY project for any level of experience and can generally be accomplished in an afternoon (depending on the size of the area).
Cleaning & Maintenance
As with all flooring, regular cleaning is the key to keeping both engineered hardwood and laminate flooring looking their best. For each type, it is vital to clean up any spills as quickly as possible. But each flooring type also faces unique issues if not well cared for and they require different cleaning approaches.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood can be kept clean by sweeping or vacuuming once a week. If dirt and other debris are left to build up, they can scratch the surface over time, leaving behind marks that can only be removed by refinishing the floor.
For deeper cleaning, use a damp (but not sopping wet) mop and dry floors right away. Standing moisture, even small droplets, can eventually seep in between the boards and potentially cause warping.
To avoid deep gouges from shifting heavy furniture, place felt pads or rugs under sofa, table and chair legs. This will protect your engineered hardwood floors and help keep them looking new longer.
Laminate
Laminate flooring requires very little upkeep to keep it looking neat. Weekly sweeping with a soft-bristled broom or dust mop is all you will need for regular cleaning. Dirt and debris create less of a risk for scratching compared to engineered wood, but if they are left to build up, they could still eventually scratch away the wear layer, so it is best to keep the floors clean.
For deeper cleaning, use a damp (never fully wet) mop with soapy water or specialized laminate floor cleaner. Be sure to dry the floor immediately after mopping to avoid moisture seeping between the planks and causing potential warping.
The wear layer that coats laminate flooring is remarkably resistant to scratching, which makes it a great choice for homes with pets or children. However, if the wear layer does become scratched, it cannot be repaired and will have to be replaced. You can protect the most heavily trafficked areas of your floors with an area rug.
Cost
Multiple factors go into the overall cost for both engineered hardwood and laminate flooring. These factors can impact both project affordability and the longevity of your flooring, so striking the right balance for your needs is important.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood costs usually fall between $3 and $7 per square foot, although some retailers will have options above and below those price points. Installation costs for engineered hardwood flooring will typically be higher compared to laminate due to the additional skill and time needed for glue-down or nail-down installation methods.
Laminate
Laminate flooring typically costs between $2 and $6 per square foot, with options that fall outside either side of that range as well. Installation will be less expensive for laminate flooring, and you can save even more by opting to install the flooring yourself. If you do opt for a DIY approach, be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and closely follow a professionally written installation guide.
Which Flooring is Right for You?
Every project has a myriad of unique considerations that make recommending one material over another nearly impossible. (After all, no one knows your project's needs better than you!) The following considerations for each material can help guide you in the right direction for your project.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood is best if you prioritize authenticity, longevity, and the ability to refinish your flooring. Its real wood veneer provides the same look and feel of solid hardwood, making it a premium option for homeowners who want a classic, high-end aesthetic. Engineered hardwood can also last for decades, especially if it has a thick wear layer that allows for sanding and refinishing, extending its lifespan and keeping it looking fresh over time. For more information on engineered hardwood, make sure to check out our Engineered Hardwood Buying Guide.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is the better choice if you are looking for an affordable, highly durable, and easy-to-install flooring solution. With its tough wear layer, laminate is highly resistant to scratches, dents, and general wear, making it ideal for high-traffic areas, rental properties, and households with pets or children. Additionally, its click-lock installation system allows for quick and hassle-free DIY installation, often without the need for hiring a professional installer. For more information on laminate, make sure to check out our Laminate Flooring Buying Guide.