Name brand Engineered Wood Flooring vs Off brand??

3 years ago

I've been looking at different wide plank engineered wood flooring that I plan on purchasing for a new build I'm doing. I was wondering if anyone could tell me if there is a big difference between a high end brand like Preverco/Mirage/Lauzon vs Engineered Wood brands you'd find at your local home depot/lowes or floor and decor store? The price difference is double for some of these and I wanted to see if anyone could give me information about if it's worth spending the extra money or if there really isn't any difference.

Featured Answer

SJ McCarthy

3 years ago

I like to point out a simple fact. FLOORING is the MOST ABUSED 'finish' inside the home. The only thing that takes MORE abuse is the ROOF.

If you have a $50K roof line, then feel free to spend roughly the same amount on the flooring. Roofs should last 25 years. That's why we pay so much for them. A floor (or finish on a wood floor) *should last the SAME AMOUNT of time. That's why we pay so much for them.

Think of ALL the floors that do NOT make it 25+ years. They are all cheap. Carpets that are 25 years old are considered DISGUSTING. They are considered 'builder favourites' because they are CHEAP and EASY to install. That's why builders love them.

Laminate floors (entry level to mid-grade = $0.79/sf - $1.99/sf) are 'disposable' floors and will offer 10 years before they look really bad. They are in the same category as carpet. Disposable floors that are cheap and cheerful...for a small amount of time. A low-end engineered hardwood ($4.99/sf at LL) is much the same as an entry level laminate. Your expectations should be 10-15 years....just like laminate.

If you want a floor that will offer 25 years of service (wood floors can go MUCH longer but they need refinishing to do this = HIGHER GRADE = MORE MONEY) you need to work in a HIGHER price bracket.

I like to ask people: How do you feel about redoing/refinishing your wood floors in 15 years time? For today's investment of $7/sf (not including labour) do you EXPECT more than 10 - 15 years? You shouldn't. That's entry level stuff.

How about 'upping' the price to $12/sf? Would you expect 25 - 60 years worth of life? You should...because the $12/sf price SHOULD get you a wood floor that has the ability to be refinished AT LEAST once (20 years + 20 years = 40 years). If you purchase carefully, you can get 2 refinishes out of it = 60 years.

A sand/refinish = $5/sf. Compare that to a 'rip out ($2/sf) and replace ($7/sf)' cost of $9/sf (not including installation). Now you really see the difference.

How much did you pay for your roof? Going cheap on a roof NEVER works out. Now compare how much you are willing to spend on your floor. Going cheap on flooring is the same thing as going cheap on a roof.

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Comments (7)

ramram T
3 years ago
Also interested in this...
Design Girl
3 years ago
Have you looked at the specifications for the different types of flooring? Thickness, etc, Many times the less expensive flooring is a thinner material which will effect it's lifetime use. FWIW, I find many substandard products at the big box stores. For instance, they sell marble that is low quality and stains easily. I'd look into it more fully before deciding. Flooring is an expensive and difficult item to replace and I'd want it right.
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millworkman
3 years ago
Where layer thickness, total number of plys, what the substrate/plys actually are, what type of glue is holding it all together, flooring in and of itself is truly a you get what you pay for product. Get out of the box stores, LL, etc if you want a quality flooring product.
Trish Walter
3 years ago
advice i've received

at least 3mm wear layer

better to have aluminum oxide or uv laquer vs oil

less maintenance and staining

best of luck.
daisiesandbutterflies
3 years ago
Compare thickness, warranties, country of origin, and usage of toxic chemicals/off gassing.
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Uptown Floors
3 years ago
Yes, a considerable difference unless you're a first time home buyer on a budget and don't plan on staying in the home long.

Judging by some comments it does appear many are looking deeper into where hardwood flooring is made nowadays. It's often hard to pin down. Many, many re-selllers, or those that typically set-up home base near major west coast marine ports are simply that. Re-seller or middleman of products that originate in the far east.

Uptown Floors - USA Made 3/4" Engineered

Name brand Engineered Wood Flooring vs Off brand??

SJ McCarthy

Comments (7)

ramram T

Design Girl

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