Engineered Wood Flooring vs Laminate Flooring
Homeowners that are building or remodeling their home face hundreds of questions from what is the best product to where to buy it from to what is the most bang for their buck! When it comes to choosing between engineered wood flooring or laminate flooring, the answer is clear. Quality engineered flooring will give a home the warmth and beauty of real wood and the long lasting durability that laminate just cannot provide.
The Difference is Definite
The difference between laminate and engineered flooring starts with their definitions.
Laminate flooring is a synthetic product made of multiple layers fused together. It looks like wood or stone because it has a photographic layer covered by a clear protective layer.
Engineered flooring has a real hardwood top layer and a core made from several layers of plywood glued together, making it strong and durable. In some cases, it may also use high-density fiberboard (HDF).
Moral of the story is laminate flooring has nothing to do with actual wood. Once it is installed, there is nothing that can be done to update it with out removing the old and spending the money putting down new laminate. This isn’t to say any engineered flooring is the answer. Like with any product, there are quality levels. For a product that lasts through the years, an engineered floor with a 4 mil real wood wear surface is the best bet. You also want to make sure it has quality milling to ensure it installs easily and the finished product looks gorgeous. This allows a homeowner to refinish it at least once in the lifetime of the product. The wear surface gives the product versatility to grow and change with trends or a homeowner’s preferences.
Maintenance Issues Uncovered
Here is where an issue lies that most box stores will not tell you. Excessive water usage when cleaning is really not good for any flooring. However, laminate flooring cannot be wet… at all! Maintenance has to be with vacuuming and dust mopping only. If you have pets or children, this is not a great way to clean since there is always dust, dirty, spills, etc. Homeowners must clean up spills of water immediately. The result of water on a laminate floor is warping and buckling. Engineered wood flooring has the option to be cleaned with vacuuming, dust mopping, wet mopping, etc. Engineered wood flooring is thicker than laminate so offers better stability and durability helping to prevent warping and buckling.
Long-Term Savings: Why Engineered Wood Flooring is a Smart Investment
When deciding between engineered wood and laminate flooring, cost is often a factor. Many turn to laminate for its affordability at stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s. But for homeowners looking to increase property value or planning to stay long-term, investing in engineered wood flooring is a better choice. Engineered wood has lasting style, versatility, and durability, making it easier to update over time. Unlike laminate, which may need replacing in 3-5 years, engineered wood flooring can be refinished, adding significant resale value.
How to Choose Quality Engineered Flooring
Choosing engineered wood? Here’s what to look for in a quality product:
Reputable Company: Go with a company that’s been around for years, like Albany Woodworks. This ensures product consistency and availability if you want to add more flooring later.
Product Samples: A reliable company provides samples, giving you a preview of quality. At Albany Woodworks, samples accurately reflect our flooring options.
Product Quality: Look for a 4 mil or thicker wear layer, low-VOC adhesive, solid tongue-and-groove milling, and sturdy plywood backing for lasting durability.
Pre-finished vs. Unfinished: Pre-finished flooring offers convenience, while unfinished can be customized to match your desired color and sheen for a one-of-a-kind look.
Experienced Installer: While engineered flooring can be a DIY project, hiring an experienced installer ensures precision, especially with unfinished flooring. Look for references and examples of previous work.
How Much Flooring to Order?
For remodels, measure the room dimensions, then calculate the square footage (length x width). For non-square spaces or open floor plans, break the room into sections to ensure accurate measurements. In new builds, blueprints and a scale ruler can simplify the process.
Tip: Add 10% to your total square footage to account for waste—this will give you enough flooring to cover any unexpected needs.
Engineered wood flooring is a lasting investment in beauty and quality, adding value and a timeless look to your home.
Go Green with Reclaimed Engineered Flooring from Albany Woodworks
Choosing reclaimed engineered flooring from Albany Woodworks is a smart, eco-friendly choice for your home that’s gentle on your wallet and healthy for your family.
100% Recycled: Our reclaimed wood comes from historic sites, giving a second life to these antique woods. Each plank has unique character and rich history, while reducing demand for new lumber.
Non-Toxic and Safe: We use low-VOC adhesives, ensuring better indoor air quality for your family. Our sustainable plywood backing is formaldehyde-free, unlike many new woods imported from overseas, keeping harmful chemicals out of your home.
Top Quality and Long-Lasting: Our flooring is designed with one of the industry's best wear layers, reducing the need for replacements and maintenance. This means savings over time and a lower environmental impact.
Going green with Albany Woodworks gives you beautiful, high-quality flooring while supporting sustainability, safety, and style!