Is Engineered Wood Safer Than Laminate

What is engineered hardwood flooring.

Is engineered wood safer than laminate.

For many folks that ends the laminate vs. Since engineered hardwoods have a real hardwood veneer they are more susceptible to surface scratches dents and expansion. Laminate runs 1 to 7 per square foot depending on the quality. Both laminate flooring and vinyl flooring are usually less expensive than natural hardwood engineered wood and many types of ceramic or porcelain tile.

It is true that engineered flooring can be more costly than laminate flooring but provides a better investment value over the long run. Laminate flooring and luxury vinyl flooring are roughly comparable in price although sheet vinyl does hold a slight edge. Laminates tend to be more scratch and impact resistant remember that engineered wood durability will depend on the hardness of the species of the wood wear layer so maple is more dent resistant than pine and the number of protective finishes. Still it is harder under the foot and can pose a fall hazard.

The major difference between laminates and engineered hardwood durability will be the surface durability. However most of these floors with come with a protective top layer to help protect against wear. Engineered wood contains a slice of natural wood on top while laminate uses a photographic layer that is coated with a protective layer. The natural top layer makes engineered wood just as durable as traditional hardwood and provides the same classic timeless look.

On the whole a good laminate floor will be more durable than its engineered wood counterpart. Cheaper versions have 1 4 inch cores and the photo reproductions may not be as realistic as more expensive versions. Engineered wood is thicker and will not flex like laminate may. The engineered wood floors can be periodically sanded to erase scratches and to recondition the wood grain.

Generally speaking engineered hardwood offers greater resale value to a home than does laminate flooring. Engineered wood flooring has the advantage over solid wood that its stable structure means that it is much more resistant to expansion and contraction than solid wood. Comparing to other wood flooring products the engineered flooring is a better choice. 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.

What this means is that it can safely be fitted in rooms where temperature and moisture fluctuations are significant like bathrooms and kitchens. Unlike inexpensive laminate engineered wood has not shown any negative health effects. Your professional installer will also apply a protective coat that makes it difficult for moisture to enter. Engineered wood flooring can also be installed over under floor heating.

Laminate flooring generally is less expensive than engineered hardwood. Engineered wood may even rival solid hardwood for prestige though knowledgeable home buyers will recognize that it does not have the longevity that solid hardwood does.