WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Engineered wood contains a slice of natural wood on top while laminate uses a photographic layer that is
coated with a protective layer. Laminate is also much thinner than engineered wood, averaging around
12mm, whereas engineered wood tends to be thicker like hardwoods.

Laminate is essentially a rigid synthetic floor that’s also known as composite, Pergo, or floating wood tile.
It’s made of several layers of compressed materials.

1. The backing: The bottom layer that serves as the “foundation” and resists moisture.
2. The inner core: Usually made of high-density fiberboard strengthened with resin.
3. The design/photographic applique layer: A visible, high-quality image that’s sometimes
textured.
4. The wear/protective layer: This clear top layer is laminated to the photographic layer, protecting
it from damage.

Engineered hardwood, also referred to as manufactured or man-made wood, was created to address

the pain points of natural wood like weakness to moisture and warping. This floor is also made of several
compressed layers to form a solid plank. There are two simple components that make up this floor:

1. The bottom & core layers: 3-12 layers of compressed plywood, fiberboard, or unfinished
hardwood.
2. The veneer: A thin slice of natural wood on top.

LET A PRO HELP YOU CHOOSEFIND PROS

WHICH ALTERNATIVE/FAKE WOOD IS BETTER?

Laminate is Best for… Engineered Wood is Best For…

Cost Appearance

DIY Installation Resale Value

Dog & Cat Owners The Environment

 Laminate is Best for… Engineered Wood is Best For…

Durability Repairs

Maintenance Moisture Resistance

Radiant Heating Radiant Heating

Appearance

Though both options present attractive results, property owners will have to decide if they want a more
authentic wood look or a synthetic floor to save on costs.

Laminate

PROS

 The photographic layer can replicate many different species and cuts of wood, regardless of the
current supply of organic materials.

CONS

 This floor has a more artificial look with its high gloss appearance, but advancements in
manufacturing are allowing this material to have more texture and grooves like natural wood.

Engineered Wood

PROS
 Looks nearly indistinguishable from hardwoods since the veneer layer is a thin slice of real
hardwood.
 You can also obtain a gorgeous exotic wood species at a discount since the veneer is much
thinner than traditional hardwood flooring.

CONS

 The veneer is just as prone to becoming dull like natural hardwoods, so it’s important to clean it
properly and do periodic maintenance.

THE BEST LOOKING OPTION:  ENGINEERED WOOD

Cost

As you can see below, laminate costs significantly less. For more information, you can also consult our in-
depth guides on engineered wood costs and laminate flooring prices.

Cost Difference Between Flooring Materials per Square Foot

Flooring Low Mid

Laminate $1 $2.50-$4

Engineered Wood $3-$5 $5-$10

THE MOST ECONOMICAL CHOICE: LAMINATE

Care & Maintain

 Laminate

PROS

 The synthetic wear layer is usually smooth, which means that it’s incredibly easy to wipe clean.
 It doesn’t trap dust like carpets do, making it good for anyone with allergies.
 The wear layer won’t scratch as easily as natural materials, so you can move most furniture
around with less fear of damage.

CONS

 This floor doesn’t respond well to hot steam, soaking wet mops, or power cleaners.
 Cleaning it also requires special products to protect the layer.
 The synthetic top layer should also be guarded against standing water and extreme impacts that
can wear it down prematurely.
 Improper cleaning can shorten the life of the floor’s wear layer, so it’s important to stick to using
manufacturer-approved cleaning products and care methods.

Engineered Wood
 PROS

 This floor is typically smooth enough to not trap dust and allergens.
 It’s also easy to clean with a damp mop and special wood cleaner.

CONS

 Caring for engineered wood is exactly like maintaining traditional hardwoods. Keeping wood
floors clean requires special cleaners.
 It should also be swept and vacuumed regularly and kept safe from standing water, scratches
and impacts.
 A periodic waxing and refinishing is necessary for keeping them in ship shape.
 Use furniture pads to prevent unsightly scratches.
 Some varieties of wood may have more irregularities, holes and grains that can collect dirt and
require more attention while cleaning.

THE EASIER TO MAINTAIN:  LUXURY VINYL

Durability

Laminate

PROS

 They’re tough due to their compressed layers and top wear layer.
 Ideal for busy homes and businesses with plenty of foot traffic.

CONS

 Due to its limited quality, it doesn’t last as long as other hardwood floor alternatives.
 Laminate lasts 10-20 years at most because once the wear layer is gone, it can’t be refinished.

Engineered Wood

PROS

 This floor was specifically designed to be an improved version of hardwoods. As a result, it’s
stronger and more water-resistant than hardwoods, which means it can withstand more unexpected
events.
 It can also be refinished a few times to extend its life (depending on the veneer’s thickness).

CONS

 Because it is made of natural products, it isn’t completely immune to moisture damage and rot.
 However, with good care, engineered wood can last 20-100 years, depending on the quality of
the product.

THE WINNER IN TOUGHNESS:  LAMINATE

Installation & DIY

Laminate

PROS

 This flooring is known to be DIY friendly.

 It’s thin, lightweight, and interlocks with other planks, making it easy to “float” over existing floors.
This means no removing bottom floor is needed, and no nailing required.
 It can be installed in a day.

CONS

 Even installing floating floors requires the use of a table and chop saw, which requires some
experience.
 If installed over concrete slabs, a moisture-proof underlayment and vapor barrier must be added
by an experienced pro prior to board installation.
 Check your product: many laminate floors come with an underlayment already attached.

Engineered Wood

PROS

 Newer versions of this floor can come in interlocking click and snap planks to make a DIY
installation possible.
 Thin planks (less than 2cm thick) can be nailed and glued down to a subfloor.
 It’s possible for a person relatively familiar with DIY projects to either install a floating floor or nail
thin planks to a subfloor with the right equipment.
 CONS

 If this floor is installed like traditional hardwoods over concrete slabs, it requires nailing, gluing,
and precision cutting, which is not very DIY friendly for the novice homeowner.
 If this floor is over 3/4” inches thick, it can also be nailed over a wooden subfloor, though this
again can present complication to someone with little installation experience.
 The thicker the material, the more difficult it is to manage.
 The installer will need to know how to use table and chop saws.

DIY FRIENDLY: LAMINATE

Moisture Resistance

Laminate

PROS

 When it’s installed properly with tight seams, a vapor barrier, and underlayment, you get
moderate moisture protection from below and above.
 In fact, when installed well, it can be nearly waterproof.

CONS

 It’s more prone to water damage when it’s a “floating” floor.

 The gap between this floor and the floor beneath it can trap moisture when it’s installed in high-
moisture areas.
 If not properly installed, water can seep through exposed seams, causing the bottom layers to
swell.

Engineered Wood

PROS

 TThis experiences fewer moisture problems associated with conventional hardwood since its
plywood layers are made to block water.
 In fact, this floor can go in basements when regular hardwoods can’t.

CONS
 It’s still made of organic components, so it’s not impervious to mold and rot.

BEST FOR BASEMENTS AND BATHROOMS:  ENGINEERED WOOD

Repairs

LAMINATE

 Floating floors are quick to install and therefore easier to remove for replacement or repairs.
 When this floor’s top layer is damaged or wears off, it can’t be refinished. Instead, planks must be
removed and replaced.

ENGINEERED

 It can be refinished a few times if the veneer is thick enough (between 2-6 mm).
 When the veneer is less than 2mm thick, it can’t be refinished.
 Because this usually has a more involved installation process, repairs will also be more time
consuming and costly.

THE MOST REPLAY VALUE:  ENGINEERED

LOOKING FOR A QUOTE FOR YOUR FLOORING PROJECTGET A QUOTE

Environmentally Friendly
 Laminate has made great progress in sustainability over the years. You can find many versions
of this floor using recyclable materials. In addition, 85% of these floors are recyclable. it’s also made of
synthetic materials and can emit VOCs, or volatile organic compounds. To reduce the likelihood of
encountering VOCs, check the product’s Floorscore.
 Engineered Wood is made of scrap woods and organic materials. Instead of being entirely
harvested from one tree species, engineered wood uses plywood and fiberboard for most of the
floor and only uses a thin layer of finished wood on top. This helps reuse wood scraps while also
using less of a tree to cover a select area.

THE GREENEST OPTION: ENGINEERED WOOD

Dogs & Cats

LAMINATE

 This floor top layer resists pet scratches better. However, if it’s a floating floor, pet accidents can
cause moisture damage if they’re not dealt with immediately.

ENGINEERED

 Since the top layer is natural wood, the same caveats for hardwoods apply. Pet owners should be
cautious about pet nail scratches and accidents as both scratches and scents are hard to remove
from natural wood.
 LEAST PRONE TO PET DAMAGE: LAMINATE

Radiant Heating

 Laminate can also work well with radiant heating, especially when it’s floating over the subfloor.
As always, check with the product’s manufacturer to confirm its compatibility with radiant heating
before buying.
 Engineered wood is excellent for radiant heating when you choose a product that has a stable
wood as the veneer layer. Buyers should always check with the manufacturer to see if the
product they’re choosing is right for radiant heating. It’s also preferred that the engineered wood
be floating so it’s not attached to the subfloor.

IDEAL FOR RADIANT HEATING: IT'S A TIE

Resale Value

LAMINATE
  This material is considered an economic choice, so it doesn’t do much to impress appraisers or
prospective home buyers.
 At most, high-quality laminate can moderately raise a home’s value.
 However, a poor-quality model can bring down a property’s value.

ENGINEERED

 When the floor is of good quality, it can increase a property’s value almost as much as
hardwoods. Why? It has a good lifespan and buyers also prefer the classic appeal of hardwoods.

THE BEST PRODUCT FOR YOUR HOME’S VALUE:  ENGINEERED WOOD

LOOKING FOR A FLOORING INSTALLER?FIND PROS

LAMINATE AND ENGINEERED VERSUS HARDWOOD OR VINYL

If you have your heart set on having a wood or faux-wood floor, you have four choices: laminate,
engineered wood, solid hardwood, and vinyl.

LAMINATE

 Made of synthetic layers bonded together through a lamination process

 More rigid than luxury vinyl, aka “non-resilient”
 Average lifespan of 10 to 20 years
 Moderately moisture-resistant, depending on how it’s installed
 Has durable wear layer that’s tough against scratches
 The most affordable wood alternative on the market

LUXURY VINYL

 Synthetic layers bonded together with PVC

 Has a bit of give, aka “resilient”
 Average lifespan of 20 years
 100% waterproof. Can handle full submersion
 Has durable wear layer that’s tough against scratches
 More affordable than hardwoods or engineered wood, but more expensive than laminate
 Visit the Laminate vs. Vinyl Guide for a full material comparison

ENGINEERED

 Layers of natural materials bonded together with a top veneer layer

 Has a bit of give- aka “resilient”
 Average lifespan of 20-100 years, depending on veneer’s thickness
 Moisture-resistant, but not as much as luxury vinyl
 More prone to scratches and surface damage than synthetic floors
 More affordable than hardwoods but more expensive than synthetic floors

SOLID HARDWOOD
  Solid planks of wood harvested from a tree species
 Is rigid, aka “non-resilient”
 Average lifespan of 75-100+ years
 Can last for hundreds of years with proper maintenance, depending on wood thickness and
quality
 More prone to scratches and surface damage than synthetic floors
 The most expensive option
 Visit the guide for a full material comparison of Laminate vs. Hardwood

SPEAK WITH A FLOORING PRO TODAYFIND PROS

TOP ENGINEERED WOOD BRANDS

 Armstrong
 Anderson
 Bruce
 Columbia
 Mohawk
 Somerset

For Top Laminate Brands, visit our Wood and Laminate Comparison Guide.

^TOP

Related Resources:

1. Laminate Flooring vs. Hardwood – What’s the Difference & Which is Better?
2. Laminate vs. Vinyl Flooring: Pros, Cons & Differences
3. Corner Bathroom and Kitchen Sinks
4. Guide to Repairing a Bathroom Floor
5. Is It Possible to Level a Bathroom Floor?
6. Lifestyle Investments Drive Kitchen and Bath Remodeling
7. Best Bathroom Flooring
8. 7 Most Popular Types of Kitchen Flooring
9. Best Shower Flooring Options
10. Carpet and Flooring Glossary