Engineered Timber vs Laminate Flooring

Engineered timber and laminate flooring comparison explained

Engineered timber and laminate flooring are two of the most popular flooring options on the market today. They both have their own unique benefits. Let's unpack a little bit about both flooring options for you.

Engineered timber flooring

Engineered timber flooring is a great option for anyone looking for an updated, stylish look in their home. Once you have made your decision on what type of flooring you are going to have installed, colour is the next big decision. With engineered timber offering a wide variety of colours you should have no problem finding one that will perfectly match your home and decor.

Engineered timber is the perfect choice for anyone wanting the look, feel and natural beauty of real hardwood flooring, but for half the price.

One of the biggest benefits of engineered timber flooring is that it can be installed in any room in your home, even if you have underfloor heating, as this will not affect your floor covering at all.

What is engineered timber flooring?

Engineered timber flooring is an alternative to solid hardwood floors. It’s made from 100% real wood but manufactured for optimum performance as a flooring material. This means engineered timber offers some performance benefits over solid hardwood, including sustainability and stability. An Engineered timber floor is a multi-layered floor composed of a timber veneer or laminate surface layer sitting on a cheaper substrate of ply, pine or rubber wood, therefore making it more stable and durable than laminate flooring.

Pros of engineered timber flooring

• Impressive stability - As engineered timber is manufactured, by using numerous layers, this in turn makes this flooring very stable.
• Aesthetically appealing - The timeless look of hardwood floors is transferred to engineered timber.
• Sustainable production - Timber products are renowned for being one of the most sustainable flooring options.
• Affordable - More affordable than solid timber, you may also save on the installation as it involves using the simple locking mechanism of floating floorboards. Making it more cost-effective.
• Authentic look and feel - It's very often mistaken for the more expensive and timeless option of solid hardwood.

Cons of engineered timber floors

• While engineered timber flooring is more cost-effective than solid timber floors, it is not cheaper than laminate or vinyl timber look alternatives.

Laminate flooring

Laminate flooring is a cost-effective flooring material in performance, appearance and reputation,  but nevertheless, it's still a popular option for many households. It doesn’t come close to the beauty and elegance of an engineered timber floor, however, it will still add style and character to any room in your home. It is available in a wide variety of classic colours to suit any decor.

Unlike engineered timber flooring laminate flooring cannot be installed in rooms with underfloor heating as it can cause damage to the product.

What is laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring is practical, hardwearing, and a great flooring option for any Australian home. It emerged on the residential flooring scene decades ago as an easy-to-install, attractive and durable alternative to solid hardwood flooring. It is made up of 4 layers consisting of three internal layers of fibre board then completed with a fourth layer of a transparent, water-resistant overlay. This makes the surface resistant to wear, most stains, scratches, burns, impact and most household chemicals.

Pros of laminate floors

• Affordable alternative to natural timber - imitates the look of timber due to the deep embossing that adds to the illusion of wood grain.
• Scratch resistant - Laminate has a tough wear layer that is resistant to scratches and scrapes. Be careful not to drag heavy furniture, as this could damage your flooring.
• Easy to install - professional installation is not very expensive for laminate.
• Low maintenance - Easy to clean, mop with a slightly damp mop, and wipe up spillages immediately.
• Functional - Great for busy households, hardwearing and practical

Cons of laminate flooring

• Susceptible to moisture damage
• Hard and often noisy underfoot

Your local Sunshine Coast flooring specialists

Wondering which is the most suitable flooring for your Sunshine Coast home? Speak to Impact flooring experts on 07 5443 1295.