What is the difference? A common question since they are confused easily but differ in aesthetics, performance and construction. Both can be glued or “clicked” together for easy installation, and can be installed at or below grade, but the similarities end there.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring comes in prefinished and unfinished hardwood in several domestic and exotic species, Laminate is not real wood and is made of HDF (high density fiberboard).
Engineered Hardwood has a hardwood face that can range from .6 mm to 7mm thick that is glued onto a plywood core and/or solid finger core that can have several layers depending on the thickness of each individual layer. Total thickness can vary from 3/8" to 1/2". There are several widths available in hardwood from 2" to 7" and all can be nailed onto plywood, glued or floated onto concrete, above, at or below grade.
One of the advantages of Engineered Hardwood Flooring is its versatility by being sanded down and recoated several times where laminate cannot be sanded at all. Engineered Hardwood has great stability with the plywood core and is affected less by humidity changes and can be installed over radiant heat. As hardwood ages, it gains character. Scratches, fading, denting all add to the character of the floor.
Some consumers are looking for hardwood floors that have been artificially aged. Laminate on the other hand, does not age well; instead it becomes worn and loses its lustre after a period of time and is known for needing to be replaced after only a few years.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring will add much greater value to a home over laminate since many potential buyers may not respond as well to laminate floors as they would to a hardwood floor. When shopping for flooring, look for a product that offers the look, quality, durability and price that works best for you.
This article was provided by Vintage Hardwood Flooring. Visit them online at www.vintageflooring.com.
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