Laminate and engineered wood flooring are two popular alternatives to genuine hardwood flooring. While they do share similarities, there are some significant variances between them.
Laminate flooring is made up of numerous layers of compressed materials (high-density fiberboard) reinforced with resin and topped with a printed picture of wood, which is protected by a clear wear layer.
Engineered wood flooring is composed of multiple layers of wood, with a layer of solid hardwood on top.
Tarkett’s engineered wood flooring is created entirely of real wood, with a top layer of hard wood in a range of species and styles, including staining and heat treatment.
A robust and supporting middle layer of transversal wood with fibers that adds to the boards’ stability, as well as a balancing layer that stabilises the board and ensures dimensional stability.
Pros and cons of engineered wood
Benefits of Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood is indistinguishable from solid wood because it contains a layer of solid hardwood on top.
In the case of Tarkett engineered wood, all three layers are constructed of actual wood, resulting in a product that is fully natural and has the authenticity and feel of solid wood.
Because engineered wood is composed of several wood layers joined together in a transversal fashion, it is less prone to shrink and expand, making it stronger and more resistant. to warping than solid wood flooring. This also improves its ability to handle temperature, humidity, and moisture fluctuations.
Engineered wood may need to be bonded to the subfloor. Tarkett, on the other hand, uses a 2-lock system for the majority of our products, which is simple and quick to install, making engineered wood floors a breeze.
It is a robust glueless locking method that secures the boards snugly against one another without gaps, making our floors easy to clean and maintain while also extending the beauty and durability of the flooring.
Drawbacks of engineered hardwood flooring
On the negative, because the top layer is actual hardwood, it is not totally resistant to moisture damage.
Engineered wood flooring will need to be cleaned on a regular basis and maintained periodically. However, with proper care, engineered wood can last anywhere from 20 to 100 years, depending on product quality, proactive maintenance, wear and strain, and traffic in the area.
Pros and cons of laminate
Benefits of laminate flooring
One of the most significant benefits of laminate flooring is its low cost. You can have an all-time favorite traditional and classy oak design, for example, for a fraction of the price of the actual thing.
It’s also very durable. Laminate flooring is protected with an extra-strong top layer that resists scuffs, scratches, and stains. The smooth top layer is very easy to wipe clean. Best of all, the laminate boards fold and lock together, making installation quick and simple. Because of this, laminate flooring can typically be placed in a single day.
Drawbacks of laminate flooring
Laminate can appear artificial when contrasted to engineered wood, which is typically indistinguishable from solid hardwood. Laminate is also far thinner than engineered wood.
Furthermore, unlike engineered and solid wood flooring, the top layer of laminate cannot be sanded down and refinished if damaged or worn. Improper cleaning, standing water, and high-impact activities can prematurely wear away the floor’s top layer.
Can I use engineered wood throughout the house?
Engineered wood was produced primarily to overcome natural wood concerns such as moisture sensitivity and warping. Its unique multilayered design makes planks more sturdy and resistant to dampness. This implies that engineered wood floors can be installed in almost every room of your home, including the kitchen and basement.
It can even be laid underneath and above radiant heat, and because to its durability and strength, engineered wood performs well in high traffic areas. Wood flooring is not advised in wet rooms, which include the bathroom, toilet, and laundry.
Engineered wood products combine elegance and performance, making them extremely adaptable. They come in a wide range of plank widths, colors, textures, and surface treatments, including oiled and lacquered, making it simple to pick a wood floor that complements the decor of any space in your home.
Can I put laminate throughout the house?
Yes, you may install laminate flooring in practically any room of your home. Laminate flooring, like wood flooring, requires specific care and upkeep when installed in moisture-prone spaces such as kitchens.
The laminate you install in the kitchen must be moisture resistant and have an anti-slip finish. Furthermore, it must have a hygienic and highly resistant surface that can remove stains and marks fast and easily.
Can I install laminate flooring over underfloor heating?
Laminate flooring can be installed over underfloor heating systems as long as the heating element is embedded in concrete or another subfloor material. Laminate flooring should not be laid on top of underfloor heating foil that has been installed on top of concrete or any other subfloor, unless specifically specified by the manufacturer. The surface temperature should never surpass 28°C.
Are engineered woods more expensive than laminates?
Yes, engineered wood costs more than laminate. However, it is less expensive than real wood and has a much longer life expectancy than laminate. Engineered wood flooring can endure for 20-100 years if properly maintained, however laminate needs to be replaced every 10-20 years.
When choosing between a wooden or laminate floor, the first step is to measure the room or area to be covered and determine how much you can afford to spend. Tarkett offers an astonishing assortment of designs and finishes to suit a variety of budgets and preferences, including engineered wood and laminate flooring.
