Is laminate more durable than engineered hardwood?
11 years ago
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- 11 years ago
- 11 years ago
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Thoughts 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 MoreHardwood floor vs. engineered hardwood?
Comments (27)Choosing the right flooring type isn't enough for your living condition. You will have to consider the types of cut: flat sawn, rift and quarter sawn, quarter sawn or live sawn. Quarter sawn and rift & quarter sawn will be best choices, because expansion and contraction is along the thickness of the wood. You will need climate control all year round. 70 degrees at 40 % relative humidity is where you want to be throughout the year. The use of a humidifier/dehumidifier will be needed year round. Although, engineered flooring is more stable than solid. Using the wrong wood specie in your living condition can run the risk of de-laminating with engineered wood. If, the top veneer is more or less stable than it's core and backing. You will experience de-laminating in extreme humidity swings. Take in account of what the engineered flooring is constructed of: mdf or plywood. The width of the flooring will account for how much expansion and contracting also. 2 1/4" strips are the most stable. As you go wider, expect to see more wider seasonal gaps. Proper acclimating is critical, should be performed with a moisture meter. For 2 1/4" strip flooring , sub-floor and flooring moisture should be within 4%. For all other widths 2% moisture differentiation is allowed or should not be exceeded. Don't forget proper expansion gaps, which is the thickness of your flooring, example: 3/4" thick = 3/4" gap. Sub-floor type and condition will affect the performance of wood floors. All this needs to be considered for the proper and successful performance of your wood floors....See MoreMalibu Wide Plank engineered hardwood vs high-end laminate or LVP
Comments (6)What are the specifications for the wood flooring you are considering. I just finished a remodel using engineered wood flooring (in So Cal if that makes a difference) and there is a huge range of quality in terms of the specifications for engineered wood which will impact durability. Also your choice of finish and color will also impact durability - or at least how wear shows up. You need to consider the depth of the wear layer as well as the type of finish used. Good engineered flooring can be refinished although not as many times as solid hardwood. For most people that is not going to be particularly relevant as refinishing once or twice would be adequate. I personally would not purchase flooring from Home Depot but would take the time to go to several stores to look at all the varieties of flooring available. I would also do some research into how to differential low, middle and high quality engineered wood so that one can differentiate intelligently between choices. In terms of subjective advice, laminate is never going to be as attractive as wood - engineered wood is wood after all and in some circumstances it has to be used because solid wood would not be a feasible option. It is always going to be perceived as a higher end more aesthetic choice than even the highest quality laminate....See MoreShaw solid hardwood - quality issues like their engineered hardwood?
Comments (1)My home has had floating laminate plank flooring for nearly a decade. The finish is still flawless, and I love it. It is very easy for the care routine, just vacuum and spot clean with water....See MoreRelated Professionals
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