Is Laminate Or Engineered Wood More Durable

Homeadvisor s flooring guide explains the differences between laminate and engineered hardwood and reviews the pros and cons of each.

Is laminate or engineered wood more durable.

Explore which is better for kitchens basements based on cost resale value durability and more. This is the only option of installation for a laminate floor however an engineered hardwood floor can also be installed with a glue down or nail staple option. A piece of wood veneer is more likely to capture the essence of real wood a bit more than laminate can because it s topped with a thin sheet of real wood whereas laminate is not. Engineered wood flooring is more durable with a lifespan that can easily run 30 years or sometimes much longer.

Both laminate flooring and vinyl flooring are usually less expensive than natural hardwood engineered wood and many types of ceramic or porcelain tile. It won t add value but it will look great and last a long time. Engineered wood is more durable than solid wood but not as much as laminate. On average the installation cost of laminate floors is 50 less than solid hardwood.

Engineered wood with a lifespan of 30 years or more and the ability to be sanded down and refinished engineered wood flooring holds a decided advantage over laminate flooring when it comes to lifespan. All flooring options are susceptible to signs of wear and tear over the years such as fine scratches or dents left from heeled shoes or heavy furniture. Undoubtedly the biggest advantage of laminate flooring is the price. Laminate flooring and luxury vinyl flooring are roughly comparable in price although sheet vinyl does hold a slight edge.

One major difference is the subfloor requirements. It is also more likely to stand up to damage than hardwood will even if it is a bit more difficult to fix. Even cheaper species of real hardwood red or white oak are usually more attractive than laminate s artificial premium species. Some people get laminate and engineered wood mixed up or think it is the same.

Laminate flooring is great for a durable floor that looks almost exactly like hardwood. My husband is a woodworker and kind of an expert when it comes to woods and definitely somewhat of a wood snob so it kills him that we have engineered wood flooring not to be confused with laminate see below. While engineered wood or laminate can capture it s essence pretty well nothing can really replicate the alluring beauty of a real piece of solid wood furniture. Even though all hardwoods are pretty durable since laminate is pressed wood it s even more durable and resistant to scratches and dents.