Is Engineered Wood Safer Than Laminate

The major difference between laminates and engineered hardwood durability will be the surface durability.

Is engineered wood safer than laminate.

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. 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. Engineered wood contains a slice of natural wood on top while laminate uses a photographic layer that is coated with a protective layer. What this means is that it can safely be fitted in rooms where temperature and moisture fluctuations are significant like bathrooms and kitchens.

Laminate flooring generally is less expensive than engineered hardwood. Engineered hardwood debate right there. Laminate flooring and luxury vinyl flooring are roughly comparable in price although sheet vinyl does hold a slight edge. However most of these floors with come with a protective top layer to help protect against wear.

Laminate runs 1 to 7 per square foot depending on the quality. Best for resale value. 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.

The natural top layer makes engineered wood just as durable as traditional hardwood and provides the same classic timeless look. Laminate is also much thinner than engineered wood averaging around 12mm whereas engineered wood tends to be thicker like hardwoods. Comparing to other wood flooring products the engineered flooring is a better choice. For many folks that ends the laminate vs.

Engineered wood is thicker and will not flex like laminate may. Since engineered hardwoods have a real hardwood veneer they are more susceptible to surface scratches dents and expansion. Engineered wood flooring can also be installed over under floor heating. 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. What is engineered hardwood flooring. On the whole a good laminate floor will be more durable than its engineered wood counterpart. Generally speaking engineered hardwood offers greater resale value to a home than does laminate flooring.

The engineered wood floors can be periodically sanded to erase scratches and to recondition the wood grain. Still it is harder under the foot and can pose a fall hazard.