Hardwood vs Engineered vs Laminate
Replacing your current floor is an investment and just like any other investment, you want to compare your options and make sure you are picking the right type of flooring for your home. When looking at hardwood flooring, you will have the option of natural hardwood, laminate and engineered wood. Understanding the difference between these three will help you make an informed choice. By comparing installation difficulty, repairs, longevity, care, and overall look, the decision becomes a little easier.
Robar Flooring offers professional hardwood flooring installation for hardwood, engineered and laminate flooring. Our experts can help you find the right type of flooring based on your lifestyle and preferences. We will then professionally install the flooring so you can maximize the benefits your investment.
Comparing Hardwood Flooring With Engineered Wood And Laminate:
- Installation: All three types of flooring have somewhat similar installation procedures. They are glued down and either nailed in place or left floating. Hardwood floors must be nailed in addition to being glued, while engineered and laminated floors can be left floating.
- Repairs: Hardwood floors and engineered floors can be repaired. Unfortunately laminate flooring cannot. Instead, the damaged board must be replaced. Both engineered and hardwood flooring can be restained and have spot repairs performed, while laminate flooring cannot.
- Longevity: Solid hardwood floors can technically last a lifetime, as long as they are properly maintained. Engineered floors can also last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. Laminate floors, on the other hand, typically last up to 20 years before they must be replaced.
- Care: For hardwood and engineered floors to remain lustrous and beautiful, they may need refinishing from time to time. They also require delicate cleaning. Laminate flooring does not require the same level of delicate care, because it is often scratch-resistant.
- Look and Feel: Hardwood flooring and engineered wood flooring both are made from real wood. Engineered floors are made up of layers of real wood, while hardwood floors are solid panels of real wood. They both have a unique grain pattern and look. Laminate floors look like real wood but they are made from melamine resin and fiber board with a top layer that is imprinted to look like wood.
The differences between the three materials are often more apparent when you compare each aspect of these types of hardwood flooring. For instance, if you are looking for something that has the look of real wood, but without the maintenance, laminate flooring could be a better option. If you are looking for a long-term investment that is easy to repair, you may want engineered or real hardwood flooring. As always, how your flooring is installed will also determine the longevity and value of your floor. Robar Flooring offers professional hardwood flooring installation to ensure whatever type of floor you use is installed the right way for maximum return on your investment.
Robar Flooring provides exceptional flooring services to clients in Toronto and all over the GTA. Call us today!