Laminated vs. Engineered – Everything You Need to Know
Choosing the right flooring for your home can be an overwhelming process. This choice gets difficult when one has to browse through a plethora of options, understand the nuances of the kinds of flooring options available, and make a choice! This choice reflects your persona, your lifestyle, and your moods and shades. Among the many choices available in the market, the two most popular flooring options for your dream space are Laminate flooring and Engineered flooring. In a nutshell, Engineered flooring and Laminate flooring are both cost-effective, durable, and much-loved alternatives to solid hardwood flooring. Before these phrases confuse you further, we’re here to deep dive and make it simple for you, just how we make your flooring choices simple.
Laminate vs Engineered Flooring
Laminate vs Engineered Flooring can be differentiated amongst four to five broader categories: their construction, the appearance and texture of the flooring, durability and performance, installation techniques, and their costing. Understanding this category-wise distinction will help customers make the right choice for their flooring. We don’t stop here. Go on, show-off this knowledge to your folks; you’ve earned it!
Engineered flooring
First and foremost, the construction of both kinds of flooring makes the key difference. Engineered flooring, also termed as engineered hardwood flooring, is composed of layers of real wood, with a hardwood veneer layer (a thin decorative covering of fine wood applied to a coarser wood or other material) on top. Beneath the veneer are several layers of plywood, high-density fiberboard, or hardwood. This layered construction enhances the stability of the flooring while minimising the risk of warping or cupping (common issues associated with solid hardwood flooring). The thickness of the hardwood veneer layer can vary, with thicker veneers allowing for more sanding and refinishing over time.
Laminate flooring
On the other hand, Laminate flooring is, in simple words, an imitation of wood, and typically consists of multiple layers fused together through a lamination process. The core layer, usually made of high-density fiberboard (HDF) or medium-density fiberboard (MDF), provides stability and structural integrity. On top of the core layer is a high-resolution photographic applique layer, which replicates the look of hardwood, stone, or tile. This layer is then covered by a transparent wear layer, often made of aluminum oxide, which protects the floor from scratches, stains, and fading.
In terms of appearance and texture of the flooring, both add a unique look to the spaces. Engineered flooring looks alike wooden floors, and boasts of a more authentic and organic look, than Laminate flooring. However, similar to authentic woodwork, it may feel harder on the foot. On the other hand, Laminate flooring adds luster and shine to your flooring. It most definitely allows homeowners to achieve the desired aesthetic and look of their dreams, without the expense of natural materials.
Both Engineered wood flooring and Laminate flooring are known for their durability, but have distinct performance features. In the Engineered wood flooring vs Laminate flooring debate, Engineered flooring offers excellent durability, is ecological, and comes with the added benefit of real wood resilience. Our Engineered flooring is suitable for all weather conditions and comes with a lifetime warranty. However, in the absence of proper installation and maintenance, it may be susceptible to moisture damage. This is why we offer easy and guaranteed installation so you get a good night’s sleep. Laminate flooring on the other hand is highly durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and potential fading away of the shine. These floorings are better performers in the waterproofing department. They are also fire and
Engineered wood vs Laminate
The choice between Engineered wood vs Laminate is also dependent on their installation and overall costing. Both laminate and Engineered flooring are designed for easy installation, typically utilising a floating floor system that does not require nails or adhesive. Laminate flooring’s installation is quick and easy, because the laminate boards fold and lock into each other. The planks interlock seamlessly, thereby making your experience seamless. This is why, generally, Laminate flooring can generally be installed in a short span of time.
Engineered flooring also employs a similar click-lock or tongue-and-groove installation method, providing a secure and stable floor surface. However, due to its real wood components, Engineered flooring may require more precision during installation to ensure proper alignment and stability.
Finally, navigating the debate around Engineered wood flooring vs Laminate cost is perhaps the most important category of all. Laminate flooring is most definitely a budget-friendly option, owing to its synthetic construction, and efficient manufacturing process, still giving you stunning looks that would turn heads (up and down). In contrast, Engineered flooring, due to the use of wood, is a slightly expensive option. Don’t you worry though. While Engineered flooring may have a higher upfront cost, its long-term durability and aesthetic appeal can justify and testify the investment for many homeowners.
And now, with the requisite knowledge in your arsenal, we Floor Studio hope the customers are all set to make their choice. We cater to multiple locations across the country, including Delhi and Delhi NCR, as well as Nagpur, Jaipur, Bhiwandi, Lucknow, and Indore. Our breathtaking designs, solid materials, excellent and reliable service, and a wide variety of options to choose from offers our customers the trust they seek from us! Happy Flooring!
