What S The Difference Between Laminate And Engineered Flooring

Vinyl tiles and sheet goods cost 1 to 5 per square foot.

What s the difference between laminate and engineered flooring. Engineered hardwood flooring engineered hardwood flooring has a similar construction as laminate except the top decorative layer is a thick veneer of real wood protected by a coating of clear acrylic. It can be floated over existing hardwoods but not other flooring substrates. In standard sheet vinyl and vinyl tiles the base layer is usually fiberglass which is then coated in pvc vinyl and a plasticizer. Laminate is also becoming more resistant to moisture.

Hybrid flooring core i e. Laminate is essentially a rigid synthetic floor that s also known as composite pergo or floating wood tile. Vinyl flooring is a 100 percent synthetic material. Since engineered hardwoods have a real hardwood veneer they are more susceptible to surface scratches dents and expansion.

One major difference is the subfloor requirements. Laminate is also much thinner than engineered wood averaging around 12mm whereas engineered wood tends to be thicker like hardwoods. It provides the unmatched beauty of real wood without solid wood flooring s tendency to shrink or warp. However most of these floors come with a protective top layer that helps protect against the wear.

Professional installation adds 1 to 2 per square foot depending on the complexity of the project. Both are relatively inexpensive budget friendly options. An engineered hardwood needs a more stable and structurally sound subfloor such as an osb or concrete subfloor. Engineered hardwood has the natural characteristics of the selected wood species as opposed to a photographic layer which is what you get with laminate.

When it comes down to price there s not a lot of difference between laminate and vinyl flooring. Engineered hardwood will be found on the surface. In a flooring project thickness of new floor is important as it would be better to have it flush or at least less difference against the existing tile or carpet in the bathroom kitchen and beds and for apartments to not hit the entrance door which is a fire door and trimming it would not be the easiest thing to do. Meanwhile engineered hardwood is a bit more vulnerable to wear and tear since it has a real wood veneer.

Laminate s sturdy scratch resistant wear layer makes this floor strong in the durability category. The reason people tend to choose engineered hardwood over natural hardwood is garner greater moisture and heat resistance because of the core material. A laminate floor can be floated over almost all flooring except carpet.