What is an Engineered Floor?

Engineered flooring is a type of flooring that combines a real wood veneer on top with multiple layers of plywood or high-density fibreboard (HDF) beneath. This construction method makes engineered floors more stable and less prone to warping compared to traditional solid wood flooring. The top layer of real wood provides the aesthetic appeal of hardwood, while the layers underneath offer strength and resilience.

What is the Difference Between Laminate and Engineered Flooring?

Laminate Flooring:

• Material: Made primarily from high-density fibreboard (HDF) with a photographic layer that simulates the appearance of wood, stone, or tile.
• Durability: More resistant to scratches, dents, and moisture compared to engineered wood.
• Cost: Generally more affordable.
• Installation: Often uses a click-lock system, making it easy for DIY installation.
• Appearance: Less authentic in look and feel compared to real wood.

Engineered Flooring:

• Material: Consists of a real wood veneer on top of plywood or HDF layers.
• Durability: More stable than solid wood but can still be vulnerable to scratches and dents.
• Cost: Typically more expensive than laminate but cheaper than solid hardwood.
• Installation: Can be floated, glued, or nailed down, offering more versatility.
• Appearance: Offers a more genuine wood look and feel due to the top layer of real wood.

What is the Difference Between Engineered Flooring and Solid Flooring?

Engineered Flooring:

• Construction: Composed of multiple layers with a real wood veneer on top.
• Stability: More stable and less likely to warp or swell due to changes in humidity and temperature.
• Thickness: Typically thinner than solid wood flooring.
• Refinishing: Can be refinished a limited number of times, depending on the thickness of the wood veneer.

Solid Flooring:

• Construction: Made from a single piece of solid wood.
• Stability: More susceptible to expansion and contraction due to humidity and temperature changes.
• Thickness: Generally thicker than engineered wood, allowing for more refinishing over its lifetime.
• Refinishing: Can be sanded and refinished multiple times, making it a longer-lasting option.

Should You Float or Glue Your Engineered Wood Flooring?

The choice between floating and gluing your engineered wood flooring depends on several factors:

Floating Installation:

• Pros: Easier and quicker to install, less mess, can be installed over various subfloors, and allows the floor to expand and contract freely.
• Cons: Can sometimes feel less solid underfoot and may produce more noise.

Glue Installation:

• Pros: Provides a more solid feel, reduces noise, and is generally more stable.
• Cons: More labour-intensive, can be messy, and harder to replace individual planks if needed.

What are the Negatives of Engineered Wood Flooring?

• Durability: Although more stable than solid wood, engineered wood can still be prone to scratches, dents, and moisture damage.
• Refinishing Limitations: Limited refinishing opportunities compared to solid wood due to the thinner top veneer.
• Cost: More expensive than laminate and some other flooring options.
• Installation Challenges: Depending on the method chosen, installation can be labour-intensive and require professional help.

Which is Better: Laminate or Engineered?

Choosing between laminate and engineered flooring depends on your specific needs:

Laminate:

• Better for: High-traffic areas, budget-conscious projects, and those looking for easy installation.
• Pros: More durable, affordable, and easy to install.
• Cons: Less authentic appearance and feel.

Engineered:

• Better for: Spaces where a real wood appearance is desired, and stability against humidity changes is important.
• Pros: More authentic wood look, can be refinished, and is more stable than solid wood.
• Cons: More expensive and less durable than laminate.

What is Better: Hardwood or Engineered?

Hardwood:

• Better for: Long-term investment, areas where refinishing is desired, and those seeking a high-end appearance.
• Pros: Authentic look and feel, can be refinished multiple times, and adds significant value to a home.
• Cons: Susceptible to warping, more expensive, and requires professional installation.

Engineered:

• Better for: Areas with fluctuating humidity, those seeking a balance between cost and appearance, and quicker installation.
• Pros: More stable, easier to install, and offers a real wood appearance.
• Cons: Limited refinishing opportunities and can still be expensive.

What is best for me?

The best choice between laminate, engineered, and solid hardwood flooring depends on your specific needs, budget, and the environment where the flooring will be installed. Each type offers its own set of advantages and drawbacks, so it's essential to consider these factors carefully before making a decision.