Advances in production techniques and material sciences have resulted in an explosion of flooring materials. Wood used to be the ultimate in style and comfort but engineered hardwood replaced it because of low costs and availability of a number of designs and colors. Laminate flooring added another option that became a great hit almost as soon as it was introduced. The range of colors and patterns is simply mind boggling. There are some differences between engineered hardwood and laminate flooring that are given below.
The major difference is the way they are prepared. Laminate flooring is made of several layers of High Density Fiber (HDF). The top layer is colored and stamped with the pattern. Although the construction method is similar, the top most layer of an engineered hardwood tile is a piece of actual hardwood. This offers the same feel as a real hardwood floor.
The next thing that differentiates the two is the life span of the installations. In the case of engineered hardwood, the floor can last almost indefinitely. The floor requires proper maintenance and occasional sanding. Even with proper care, laminated flooring develops cracks.
The number of patterns and colors available is one of the factors that distinguish engineered hardwood and laminate flooring. Laminate flooring is available in all patterns from wood grain to marble. This wide variety is the major reason of its popularity. Engineering hardwood is available in wood patterns only. This limitation has not stopped the popularity of engineered wood.
Installation is another factor that offers a chance to differentiate between engineered hardwood and laminate flooring. Many experts are of the opinion that laminate flooring is easier to install. In fact the installation can be attempted as a DIY project. The tongue and groove joints are very easy to handle and make the installation process a breeze. To further facilitate the process, snap lock and click-in varieties are being offered by some manufacturers. Installation of engineered hardwood is another matter. It requires the services of an experienced contractor to properly install an engineered hardwood floor. The subfloor has to be prepared with care. The process involves messy resins and glues that only an experienced professional can efficiently use.
The final and the most important item is the cost. Laminate flooring costs less to begin with. Being synthetic, the manufacturing costs are low and the installation does not cost that much. However, because of the longevity of engineered hardwood, the overall costs balance themselves out.
The choice between engineered hardwood and laminate flooring is a tough one. Both offer considerable advantages both in terms of costs of operation and installations. Many people go for the seemingly less costly option of laminate flooring. This is a great option. Engineered hardwood however is considered to be a better solution, if you wish to imitate the look of a wood floor.
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