Major Differences Between Engineered and Laminate Flooring

A decision concerning the choice of a proper flooring solution for you is an important one. You need to take various factors into account and one of them is the cost. However, bear in mind that if you choose a cheap solution, you may end up replacing your floors after some time, which entails additional costs.

Therefore, the final cost of your flooring project may turn out to be much higher than initially expected.

Moreover, bear in mind that laminate floors frequently require an additional layer of underlay which ensures the stability of the floor and makes it look good. Those are additional expenses increasing the final costs of the floor, which at the very beginning may seem low.

Easy fitting

Laminate and engineered flooring options are both easy to install. The fitting methods which can be used for both are: floating or gluing down.

They are very similar and you don’t need to be an expert to choose one rather than the other or to do it yourself.  However, one thing that you need to bear in mind is that if you fit them inappropriately both laminate and engineered floor will look awful.

Therefore, taking that into account, you may want to get a professional who will take care of the installation and get it right for you.

Proper maintenance

These flooring solutions are easy to maintain. You should remember to vacuum each of them regularly.

Moreover, engineered wood flooring also requires light, moist mopping from time to time. In the case of laminate flooring, you can use some more water in the cleaning process.

But that is probably the only difference between those flooring options as far as maintenance is concerned. However, long-term maintenance is where some significant differences occur.

Engineered wood flooring can be re-sanded and re-finished several times, depending on the thickness of lamella, which is the top layer.

But obviously, with most high-quality engineered wood floors, you can do it three or four times during the lifetime of the floor to make it look fresh again. Laminate flooring doesn’t offer such a possibility.

Durability and final visual effect

Durability is one of the crucial aspects in which the two flooring options differ from one another.

Generally speaking, when you choose laminate flooring, you can expect it to last up to about 20 years, while the life expectancy of an engineered wood floor of good quality is 75 years.

You simply need to take this factor into account when choosing the floor for your house or flat.

The final visual effect depends on what look you’re trying to get.  Generally, if you want your floor to look like real wood, there’s no contest between engineered and laminate flooring.

Making a choice

Currently, both of those floors are available in a great variety of different options. Be assured that you’ll be spoilt for choice.

We have presented the major differences between laminate and engineered wood flooring.

You have to choose for yourself which of them will be best for you, depending on the cost, the expected life expectancy and whether you need a flooring option that looks like real wood or not.

Still not sure which flooring option will best suit your flooring project? Contact us. We will be more than happy to answer all your questions.

If you have a further questions regarding purchasing a new floor or you are looking for an advice about the best wood flooring for your home feel free to contact the ESB sales team. Contact us now to request your no hassle no obligation free samples or come down to our North London showroom for a closer look.