Is laminate more durable than engineered hardwood?
steph2000
10 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (10)
annkh_nd
10 years agogilmoregal
10 years agoRelated Discussions
Laminate vs Engineered Hardwood
Comments (10)What a tough decision. I don't think there is a right answer. All I can do is give you my experience. I've had both - high end laminate "wood" planks, and I now have engineered hardwood. The laminate wins in terms of durability - the only things that scratched/dented that stuff were things that you figure should do so. (Someone dragged a ladder across the floor with a nail under it, I dropped a glass bowl that shattered and it dented the floor in that spot, etc.). However, in terms of looking better, yes, I think the engineered hardwood just looks more like real hardwood. And for some reason, at least some people seem to think engineered hardwood is more desirable than laminate too - even though cost wise, good laminate can cost more than cheap engineered (or cheap "real" hardwoods too, for that matter!). Now that I've lived with both, I would pick a good laminate again in a heartbeat. Actually, my favorite flooring right now is luxury vinyl planks that look like wood, but that isn't one of your choices. Will they give you samples to test? If I were you, with a toddler and a dog, I'd try to scratch both of them and see which one holds up better....See MoreThoughts on Earthwerks engineered hardwood or Bella Cera laminate?
Comments (0)Hello everyone, we are looking into purchasing about 1500 sq ft of engineered wood by Earthwerk's Frontier Collection and 1500 sq ft of Bella Cera Palermo Collection laminate flooring. We love the look and the quality seems to be good on both of them, but based on research, looks of the samples provided is not nearly enough to go on to determine the products' quality and durability. I'm a little concerned that I cannot find any useful information on either of these two products that will give me any sense of confidence to move forward. Does anyone have any experience or thoughts on these two flooring products? Any help would be appreciated!...See MoreLaminate or Engineered Hardwood? - Resale, Look/Feel, ROI
Comments (19)SJ McCarthy's analysis is correct. If you plan to move in a relatively short period of time, then find out what kind of flooring is typically expected for your comps. Based on the thread title, you are not designing based on your own aesthetics but interested in ROI. Obviously as a personal design decision, there is nothing like wood floors but it's expensive. Mine are costing about $18 per square foot installed - but part of that is because of all the subfloor preparation required included self leveling layer as well as soundproofing. The moderately good engineered floor were about $8.00 per square foot without installation and were not any kind of exotic wood or finish :-) I wouldn't install tile because it really is taste specific and is expensive to install and remove. As an aside, when I used to watch HGTV House Hunters there would be at least one idiotic buyers each week who would insist they wanted granite and wood floors and then would have to ask whether the flooring was wood (it was often laminate in the starter home category) and whether it was granite (sometimes it was granite looking formica). They also didn't differentiate between granite tiles (inexpensive) and slab solid surfaces nor did they ever differentiate between cheap stainless steel appliances and higher quality appliances whatever their color....See MoreTooth in hardwood or engineered hardwood
Comments (9)Thanks for the tips. I'll get the sample and compare! We like the look of the shaw empire oak vanderbilt but don't know how to assess quality. My research on this has been all over the place. My takeaway is that engineered flooring innovation has exploded through the recent years and that the quality of the some engineered flooring is the same or better than hardwood. But if I don't get the right one, I'm in for splinters, cracking, black water spots and more. Any brands/qualities that I should require as we make the final selection?...See Moreannkh_nd
10 years agosteph2000
10 years agoUser
10 years agoweedyacres
10 years agogilmoregal
10 years agocblanco75
10 years agowestsider40
9 years ago
Related Stories
FLOORSHow to Get a Tile Floor Installed
Inventive options and durability make tile a good choice for floors. Here’s what to expect
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESLaminate Floors: Get the Look of Wood (and More) for Less
See what goes into laminate flooring and why you just might want to choose it
Full StoryFEEL-GOOD HOMEEmbrace a Few Beautifully Weathered Surfaces for a Happy, Durable Home
You don’t need to worry so much about scuff marks and dings when you accept the character and beauty of wear
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNKitchen Counters: Durable, Easy-Clean Soapstone
Give bacteria the boot and say sayonara to stains with this long-lasting material that's a great choice for kitchen and bath countertops
Full StoryKITCHEN COUNTERTOPSKitchen Counters: Tile, the Choice for Affordable Durability
DIYers and budget-minded remodelers often look to this countertop material, which can last for decades with the right maintenance
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESWhen to Use Engineered Wood Floors
See why an engineered wood floor could be your best choice (and no one will know but you)
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNKitchen Counters: Stunning, Easy-Care Engineered Quartz
There's a lot to like about this durable blend of quartz and resin for kitchen countertops, and the downsides are minimal
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNKitchen Sinks: Granite Composite Offers Superior Durability
It beats out quartz composite for strength and scratch resistance. Could this kitchen sink material be right for you?
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNKitchen Sinks: Soapstone for Germ-Free Beauty and Durability
Stains and bacteria? Not on soapstone's watch. But this sink material's benefits don't come cheap.
Full StoryRUSTIC STYLEBrick Floors: Could This Durable Material Work for Your House?
You love the old-world look, but will you like the feel of it underfoot? Learn the pros and cons of interior brick flooring
Full Story
gilmoregal