It looks natural. It feels natural. A wooden finish on your floor is easy on the eye and on your feet. From the lighter tones of pine to the richer hues of oak, wooden floors create a sense of intimacy and immediately make you feel at home.
Wondering how you can bring that warm and cozy feeling into your space, while ensuring that you don’t attract bugs, mold or splinters? Would you love a wooden floor but are not sure whether it will be environmentally sustainable or economically viable?
At Square Foot, we’ve already thought it through for you. Laminate flooring and engineered wood flooring are two of our preferred solutions that optimize your day-to-day living experience. Let’s scratch beneath the surface to discover how we can make them work best for you.
High humidity. Heavy monsoons. Extreme heat and cold. Dust and dirt.
These are just a few of the climatic challenges that we all grapple with every day. However, a beautifully laid floor is more than simply aesthetic. Both laminate flooring and engineered wood flooring not only look gorgeous but also allow you to maintain a high level of comfort, hygiene, and safety, while being low maintenance in terms of care, as well as an excellent value proposition. So, let’s explore the pros and cons of engineered wood vs. laminate.
What Is Laminate Flooring?
A synthetic material, laminate flooring is made up of multiple layers. Laminate flooring contains no actual timber, but mimics the look and feel of real wood.
Laminate flooring is a synthetic material that portrays the look and feel of wood. A mixture of real wood and artificial substance makes up the core. A photographic layer that depicts the grain of the wood comes next, and the final layer is toughened to resist wear and tear. This top coating is specifically designed to prevent scratches, scuffs, and stains.
What Is Engineered Wood Flooring?
At its core, Engineered wood flooring consists of pine or spruce or high-quality floor-grade plywood. The outer layer is a thin veneer of hardwood, which gives it an authentic finish.
There are several benefits of engineered wood flooring. The cross-grain integration of the layers with one another makes engineered wood a very stable, sturdy surface, making it warp-resistant even in high humidity conditions.
Hardwood takes 50 years or more to grow in nature. Only the outermost layer is made of original wood veneer, which can last 20-30 years, making Engineered Wood a more environmentally sustainable solution.
Since the outer layer is made of actual hard wood, engineered wood flooring looks stunning and has a finish that is virtually indistinguishable from an actual solid wood floor! The unique grain, knots, and texture of wood are beautifully highlighted in engineered wood planks, creating an authentic and natural look.
What Is The Difference Between Laminate And Engineered Wood?
Laminate wood flooring cannot mimic the precise finish of solid wood, but being 80% wood and 20% synthetic material, it is extremely durable. The tough outer “wear” layer is ideal for areas that see a lot of footfall, such as a department store or a school. Laminate wood flooring is extremely resistant to scratches and stains, making it a terrific choice for people who have pets and little kids.
All one must do is sweep or vacuum it regularly, with a light mop every few days, and the floor stays smooth and sparkling. You only must ensure that water does not pool or collect on it, e.g. from a leaky pipe, because once the plank is damaged, it must be replaced.
While engineered wood flooring is extremely sturdy, it requires more care. Its durability and longevity depend on the thickness of its top layer. Engineered wood flooring lasts longer in areas prone to humidity and heavy rain.
Pros And Cons Of Laminate Wood Flooring Vs. Engineered Wood Flooring:
| LAMINATE WOOD FLOORING | PROS | CONS |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-effective | Maximum lifespan is around 20 years | |
| Easily available and a wide range of designs. | Cannot be refinished or repurposed to extend its lifespan | |
| Low-maintenance, easy to clean and does not cause any allergies. | Laminate is not water-resistant unless it has been specially treated. | |
| Since it is scratch and scuff-resistant, laminate is a smart choice for high-traffic zones or areas that need to be child and/or pet-friendly. | Even water-resistant laminates tend to warp in very wet or humid areas. | |
| Installation is a simple process. | It is not as aesthetic as solid wood or engineered wood | |
| ENGINEERED WOOD FLOORING | PROS | CONS |
| A sturdy and stable surface. | Tends to scratch and scuff more easily. | |
| Easy to clean and maintain | Initial investment may be high depending on its quality. | |
| Can be refinished and sanded to extend its lifespan | Colour may dull over time | |
| Less prone to warping than solid hardwood or laminate | Before installing engineered wood on your floor, you must let it adapt to the weather and moisture in your home. It is advisable to let the material rest for some time in your location before installing it. |
Durability and LifeSpan:
High-quality engineered wood flooring is a wise investment that can last for years. If the top veneer is thick enough, it can be sanded and refinished multiple times so that it looks like new, extending its lifespan for generations.
Laminate wood flooring is a smartly priced, cost-efficient flooring solution, and lasts for around 20 years. However, premium-grade engineered wood flooring is an excellent long-term choice that can last for almost 30 years with the right care.
Square Foot Safety & Service:
Square Foot’s flooring and installation materials are non-toxic, free of any harmful chemical emissions, making them ideal child and pet-friendly floors. Our VOC emissions are lower than the prescribed European standard.
We not only supply you with the flooring material, but our knowledgeable and experienced team of in-house personnel is always on hand to help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of different types of flooring, such as the difference between laminate and engineered wood. Not only are we able to guide you correctly, we are also at hand to assist in installing and maintaining your floor, ensuring that it endures for years to come.
Square Foot’s Range of Products:
A multi-generational, family-owned business with three decades of experience as a flooring specialist in India, wood is ingrained in Square Foot’s DNA.
More than just a surface, your floor is your foundation. More than just a provider, Square Foot is your partner to cater to your flooring needs from end to end. Laminate to engineered wood, solid wood to outer wood, Square Foot brings you a variety of world-class flooring solutions, custom-crafted to suit your specifications and requirements.
With our own network of warehouses, pan-India service and a 48-hour turn-around on all inquiries, Square Foot is your first point of call for all your flooring needs. Our vast array of products, hues and textures have infinite aesthetic appeal, designed for every palette.
All you have to do is walk into one of our showrooms today or give us a call on 02240476211 to explore your options. Step no further. From start to finish, we guarantee that the Square Foot experience will leave you floored! Visit squarefoot.co.in to discover our world!
FAQs:
1. What is the main difference between laminate and engineered wood flooring?
Laminate flooring is a combination of 80% wood and 20% synthetic material, while engineered wood is a blend of hardwood veneer and fibre or ply.
2. Which is better laminate or engineered wood flooring?
If you’re looking for a cost-effective solution in a high foot fall zone, laminate is the better option. However, if you are looking for a beautiful aesthetic and a sturdy surface, engineered wood is an excellent long-term choice.
3. Which flooring is more durable laminate or engineered wood?
Both flooring types are extremely durable. Laminates are more resistant to scuffs and scratches, but high-quality engineered wood can be sanded and resurfaced to last a lifetime.
4. Is engineered wood flooring more expensive than laminate?
At the outset, engineered wood is more expensive, but it lasts longer than laminate.
