Is Laminate Or Engineered Wood More Durable

Laminate flooring is great for a durable floor that looks almost exactly like hardwood.

Is laminate or engineered wood more durable.

Both laminate flooring and engineered hardwood floors can be floated with a diy click and lock installation. It won t add value but it will look great and last a long time. Homeadvisor s flooring guide explains the differences between laminate and engineered hardwood and reviews the pros and cons of each. Solid hardwood flooring is a highly attractive premium building material that has undeniable prestige.

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. It is also more likely to stand up to damage than hardwood will even if it is a bit more difficult to fix. Laminate flooring and luxury vinyl flooring are roughly comparable in price although sheet vinyl does hold a slight edge. 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. Explore which is better for kitchens basements based on cost resale value durability and more. Engineered wood is more durable than solid wood but not as much as laminate. 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.

Both laminate flooring and vinyl flooring are usually less expensive than natural hardwood engineered wood and many types of ceramic or porcelain tile. Even cheaper species of real hardwood red or white oak are usually more attractive than laminate s artificial premium species. One major difference is the subfloor requirements. 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.

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. 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. Engineered wood flooring is more durable with a lifespan that can easily run 30 years or sometimes much longer. Undoubtedly the biggest advantage of laminate flooring is the price.