Is Engineered Wood Same As Laminate

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

Is engineered wood same as laminate.

This is because the top layer is actual real hardwood. It s really common for people to mistakenly assume that they are one and the same thing. 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. The primary advantage engineered wood has over laminate is that it is a much more convincing replica of real hardwood flooring.

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. Both floor coverings were developed as economical and versatile alternatives to that mainstay of flooring material solid hardwood flooring. Engineered wood contains a slice of natural wood on top while laminate uses a photographic layer that is coated with a protective layer. Laminate flooring and engineered wood flooring are two obvious choices if you want a flooring that looks like solid hardwood but at a more affordable price.

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. While both of these flooring options have their pros and cons confusing one with the other is like confusing apples with. Laminate is also much thinner than engineered wood averaging around 12mm whereas engineered wood tends to be thicker like hardwoods. There s real confusion between engineered wood flooring and laminate flooring.

Since the top veneer is real hardwood it is completely unique to each plank with real knots and unique grain with no pattern repeats like some laminates. Both resemble true hardwood but each comes with its own benefits and disadvantages. Laminate and engineered wood floors are both very popular alternatives to hardwood floor but they are not created equal. The natural top layer makes engineered wood just as durable as traditional hardwood and provides the same classic timeless look.

In fact this couldn t be further from the truth. Since engineered wood looks feels and walks like a solid hardwood it has a premium price compared to a laminate floor. Engineered hardwood is more of an investment. It s a little bit of laminate and a little bit of hardwood.

If you re seeking an alternative to hardwood but laminate doesn t sound like the material for you consider engineered wood or luxury vinyl.