The synthetic top layer should also be guarded against standing water and extreme impacts that can wear it down prematurely. The best way to describe engineered hardwood flooring is to think of it like a hybrid car; it’s a little bit of laminate and a little bit of hardwood. February 27, 2013 by Jackie. https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/vinyl-vs-laminate-flooring/, Can you recommend a good cleaner for our hand-chiseled look engineered floor? Will a steam system be a good option? Although laminate may win the laminate vs. engineered hardwood toughness challenge, engineered hardwood can be refinished two or three times over its lifespan. Because it is made of natural products, it isn’t completely immune to moisture damage and rot. When it comes to laminate vs. engineered hardwood flooring, the options are endless. Luxury Vinyl. Thin planks (less than 2cm thick) can be nailed and glued down to a subfloor. Each has their own advantages as well as some drawbacks. TThis experiences fewer moisture problems associated with conventional hardwood since its plywood layers are made to block water. Why? Solid hardwood flooring is often regarded as the real deal, with laminate flooring occupying the next rung down as an inexpensive way to simulate the look of real hardwood flooring. A big difference in the design is the thickness of the plank. Conclusion: Engineered Hardwood vs. Laminate When it comes to engineered hardwood vs. laminate, both options come with benefits; engineered hardwood has diverse styles and colors and is water-resistant, while laminate is cheaper and more durable. © 2021 Discovery or its subsidiaries and affiliates. Laminate is waterproof in a way hardwood flooring will never be so your floor will be safer from water damage. It’s also easy to clean with a damp mop and special wood cleaner. Each of these two DIY-friendly flooring materials has winning qualities that make them attractive options. In fact, when installed well, it can be nearly waterproof. As you can see below, laminate costs significantly less. If you are still unsure which option is better for your floor plan, contact Remnant King Carpets. It should also be swept and vacuumed regularly and kept safe from standing water, scratches and impacts. Rooms with low to medium traffic will do well with hardwood flooring while a high traffic area will be best fitted with tile or laminate. Laminate flooring generally is less expensive than engineered hardwood. Affordable laminate stands up to stains and scratches and is easy to clean. Laminate runs $1 to $7 per square foot, depending on the quality. Laurie March's pro tips cover all you need to know about laminate floors. Laminate flooring and engineered wood flooring are two obvious choices if you want a flooring that looks like solid hardwood but at a more affordable price. That means laminate flooring can go directly over old flooring without nailing, gluing or having to remove the existing flooring — a feature that’s a big plus for DIYers. Even installing floating floors requires the use of a table and chop saw, which requires some experience. Because they share similarities in looks and composition, consumers often use these terms interchangeably. Depending on the finish, it may scratch or dent easier than laminate—but this highly depends on the type of wood and the finish used. This floor doesn’t respond well to hot steam, soaking wet mops, or power cleaners. Engineered hardwood flooring runs $3 to $10 per square foot. Engineered hardwood has the natural characteristics of the selected wood species as opposed to a photographic layer (which is what you get with laminate). Basic Anatomy - Wood Flooring Composition–: Laminate flooring is composed of laminates which are multi-layer synthetic materials. Laminate flooring can imitate all kinds of wood species or can be made to look like stone, ceramic tile and even leather. 1. While it does cost per in terms of materials and labor, it lasts longer. Ideal for busy homes and businesses with plenty of foot traffic. Laminate vs. Vinyl Flooring: Pros, Cons & Differences. These dominated the market in the 1960s, along with another newcomer: engineered flooring. However, with good care, engineered wood can last. Laminate flooring is also called a “floating floor” because it isn’t fastened directly to a subfloor. Advancements in laminate flooring have allowed for waterproof options that are ideal for covering a basement floor. I.e. Both laminate flooring and engineered hardwood floors can be floated with a DIY, click and lock installation. Netherlands: Werkspot Laminate vs Engineered Wood Flooring. But the right choice often comes down to where you'll be installing your new flooring. At most, high-quality laminate can moderately raise a home’s value. The thicker the material, the more difficult it is to manage. Instead, planks must be removed and replaced. The installer will need to know how to use table and chop saws. The laminate flooring design options have become a very good dupe for real hardwood flooring. Laminate Flooring vs. Hardwood – What’s the Difference & Which is Better? Engineered wood can reduce noises and act as soundproofing for your home. How do you do it? Engineered Wood Unlike laminate, Engineered hardwood is also made from plywood and wood. Free Mobile Apps All rights reserved. It doesn’t trap dust like carpets do, making it good for anyone with allergies. Engineered flooring can be purchased for $2 to $10 per square foot. Laminate is tough, easy to clean and can give you the look of hardwood floors without the cost. If you’re seeking an alternative to hardwood but laminate doesn’t sound like the material for you, consider engineered wood or luxury vinyl. The veneer is just as prone to becoming dull like natural hardwoods, so it’s important to clean it properly and do periodic maintenance. By the 1980s, solid wood flooring was back in demand, and its popularity continues to grow. This material is considered an economic choice, so it doesn’t do much to impress appraisers or prospective home buyers. A periodic waxing and refinishing is necessary for keeping them in ship shape. This flooring is known to be DIY friendly. Learn how to easily install snap-together laminate flooring in your home. Hardwood vs Engineered vs Laminate Flooring. Use furniture pads to prevent unsightly scratches. The top decorative layer is actually a photograph of various materials. Both laminate and engineered hardwood flooring can be installed in kitchens and bathrooms. The synthetic wear layer is usually smooth, which means that it’s incredibly easy to wipe clean. Both are strong, durable floors that are less expensive than natural wood, but laminate flooring typically costs less. Actual costs may vary depending on the product selected and your location. ©Scripps Networks, LLC. It also does not need to look bad. Floating floors are quick to install and therefore easier to remove for replacement or repairs. Here are the DIY Basics for installing a floating engineered hardwood floor. Think of it as the perfect mix of a hardwood and laminate floor. Similar to laminate flooring, engineered wood products have snap-together construction and can be installed as floating floors directly over a subfloor without nailing, making it a DIY-friendly product as well. Let's compare. If you’re looking for budget-friendly flooring that stands up to kids and pets, laminate is a great option. There is only a small top layer of polyurethane, and by ordering pre-finished wood, the VOC’s have had time to dissipate. Two of the most popular choices are laminate flooring, a kind of interlocking paneling, and engineered hardwood, which consists primarily of actual wood. It provides the unmatched beauty of real wood without solid wood flooring’s tendency to shrink or warp. Each of these popular flooring options has its strengths and weaknesses. These step-by-step instructions will show you how to install underlayment and flooring to get beautiful laminate flooring in any room. The benefits and downfalls of wood versus laminate are multifold: Each material varies in price, look and durability, and performs differently depending on its environment, grade level, subfloor and underlayment. ... "A nice laminate is going to go a long way in a low- or mid-range house. Made of synthetic layers bonded together through a lamination process, More rigid than luxury vinyl, aka “non-resilient”, 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, Synthetic layers bonded together with PVC, 100% waterproof. Engineered hardwood is made by attaching a veneer of real hardwood over a core board or plyboard center. Otherwise, you’ll have to install new baseboards and trim. Thank you. Prices usually rise with laminate flooring due to the AC ratings, the higher the rating, (the higher the price), added technology, spill protection and surface textures. … 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. It’s core is usually plywood or high-density fibreboard (HDF) and the top layer is composed of a of hardwood veneer which is glued atop the core to mimic nearly any species of hardwood. Laminate is a much cheaper alternative to hardwood flooring but it is not a bad type of flooring. However, laminate floor is merely fiberboard that has an image that resembles wood fused together. Currently using the Bona mop and wood cleaner, but I don’t feel it does a good job. You’ll need to account for the difference at thresholds and where new flooring meets any existing flooring that you plan to keep. Two popular hardwood floor alternatives on the market right now are laminate and engineered hardwoods. Engineered hardwood flooring adds warmth and style to the space, without sacrificing function in a high-traffic area. It has a good lifespan and buyers also prefer the classic appeal of hardwoods. When the floor is of good quality, it can increase a property’s value almost as much as hardwoods. Engineered Wood vs. Engineered hardwood flooring has a similar construction as laminate except the top decorative layer is a thick veneer of real wood protected by a coating of clear acrylic. Engineered hardwood flooring runs $3 to $10 per square foot. Pergo does engineered hard wood. All Rights Reserved. What are the differences between Laminate and vinyl laminate flooring? Figure those additional materials will cost $50 to $200 for a 16x20-foot room. The entire plank is made from wood. 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. You only use the name brand pergo as alternative name to vinyl and thats misleading and confusing. It’s made of several layers of compressed materials. It’s a good idea to add waterproof glue to the locking edges to guard against splashes and spills and prevent moisture from working its way into the seams. the pergo max line. Some varieties of wood may have more irregularities, holes and grains that can collect dirt and require more attention while cleaning. Can handle full submersion, More affordable than hardwoods or engineered wood, but more expensive than laminate, Layers of natural materials bonded together with a top veneer layer, 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 planks of wood harvested from a tree species, Can last for hundreds of years with proper maintenance, depending on wood thickness and quality, Visit the guide for a full material comparison of. Also, it’s hard for me to use pressure pushing a mop with my arthritis. Laminate vs. engineered hardwood flooring in regards to quality is an important thing to consider. Should Engineered Hardwood flooring be installed under a toilet. Privacy Policy. Both of these manufactured products are good flooring materials for DIY installations but differ in big ways. Privacy Policy, The Complete Guide to Laminate vs Engineered Wood Flooring, Builders (New Homes), Architects & Designers, Looking for a Quote for your Flooring Project. Laminate vs. engineered hardwood differences That plasticate wear layer of laminate makes it super durable (we’ll also talk about this further down), whereas the top layer of engineered wood is just that: wood! It can also be refinished a few times to extend its life (depending on the veneer’s thickness). The winner of engineered hardwood vs. laminate flooring really depends. Photo by: Eric Perry The best laminate flooring will have cores that are at least 3/8-inch thick and decorative layers that are virtually indistinguishable from real wood and stone. 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Terms & Conditions | It can be installed in basement locations where moisture and humidity would be problematic for solid wood flooring. Engineered hardwood also provides a better value point if you should decide to sell your house. Wood flooring peaked in 1949 when plywood, synthetic fiber carpeting, and vinyl floors were ushered in. The gap between this floor and the floor beneath it can trap moisture when it’s installed in high-moisture areas. I an putting Engineered Hardwood in a small bathroom, we are replacing the toilet should the flooring go under the toilet? The following prices are meant as a general guide only. Because this usually has a more involved installation process, repairs will also be more time consuming and costly. This floor is also made of several compressed layers to form a solid plank. 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. Subscribe to the HGTV Inspiration newsletter to get our best tips and ideas delivered weekly. This misinformes people into believing all pergo in vinyl. Installing flooring over old, existing flooring means you’ll be raising the level of your floor. As a result, it’s stronger and more water-resistant than hardwoods, which means it can withstand more unexpected events. Floating floors can be cheaper to install, while finishing wood fl… The wear layer won’t scratch as easily as natural materials, so you can move most furniture around with less fear of damage. Engineered floors – Because Engineered wood floors also use similar processes as laminates, there is a potential for outgassing. You’ll likely have to trim off the bottoms of existing door casing moldings so that the new flooring can slide underneath for a clean look. Laminate is essentially a If installed over concrete slabs, a moisture-proof underlayment and vapor barrier must be added by an experienced pro prior to board installation. Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds. How to decide the best flooring for resale value for your home. Newer versions of this floor can come in interlocking click and snap planks to make a DIY installation possible. For different dimension of floors in different areas there are different ideas that I can share to you. Laminate is essentially a rigid synthetic floor that’s also known as composite, Pergo, or floating wood tile. The Difference Between Hardwood Flooring, Engineered Floors and Laminate Floors: Hardwood Floors – One of the most common types of wood flooring is what is referred to as Hardwood flooring, or often Solid Hardwood Floors. This Guide should provide you with more information on vinyl vs. laminate. It’s more prone to water damage when it’s a “floating” floor. It’s the only material used, something laminate or engineered hardwood can’t say. Italy: Instapro Although laminate may win the laminate vs. engineered hardwood toughness challenge, engineered hardwood can be refinished two or three times over its lifespan. 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. There’s actually not that much between them and most of the pros and cons are the same as comparing laminate vs hardwood. You can also obtain a gorgeous exotic wood species at a discount since the veneer is much thinner than traditional hardwood flooring. Engineered wood contains a slice of natural wood on top while laminate uses a photographic layer that is coated with a protective layer. In fact, this floor can go in basements when regular hardwoods can’t. However, if it’s a floating floor, pet accidents can cause moisture damage if they’re not dealt with immediately. Typically, hardwood is three quarters of an inch thick. When we built this house, we used a very middle of the row builder. HomeAdvisor App, By using HomeAdvisor, you agree to our Terms & Conditions, HomeAdvisor International: I’m not sure if our flooring is considered “sealed” or not – important to know when looking at cordless floor cleaning systems which I’m considering. If not properly installed, water can seep through exposed seams, causing the bottom layers to swell. Hardwood floors - The flooring with the least amount of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) is pre-finished solid hardwood. Laminate vs. This means no removing bottom floor is needed, and no nailing required. Is It Possible to Level a Bathroom Floor? Laminate floors are engineered to approximate the look of natural materials—wood as well as stone. Although both are made using adhesives, high pressure, and heat, engineered wood is 100% real wood which means it is more resilient to moisture than traditional hardwood. This is the only option of installation for a laminate floor, however, an engineered hardwood floor can also be installed with a glue-down or nail/staple option. This floor top layer resists pet scratches better. It’s common to mistake engineered hardwood for laminate flooring, but there are key differences you need to know. Both resemble true hardwood but each comes with its own benefits and disadvantages. This flooring consists of factory-finished planks and is available in … The top layer is covered with a tough coating of clear plastic resin that resists scratches and fading. Canada: HomeStars The photographic layer can replicate many different species and cuts of wood, regardless of the current supply of organic materials. For many folks, that ends the laminate vs. engineered hardwood debate right there. If you can reuse them, great. Manufacturers typically offer baseboards that match your new flooring. I’m considering the Bissell Crosswave system; any thoughts on this? This floor was specifically designed to be an improved version of hardwoods. Engineered hardwood floors are more stable than laminate floors or solid hardwood and can be used in areas with a high moisture content where laminate and solid wood cannot. Difference Between Laminate and Vinyl Flooring, How to Install Underlayment and Laminate Flooring, What to Know Before Installing Laminate Flooring, How to Install Snap-Together Laminate Flooring, 20 Decorative Wall Paneling Ideas to Try in Every Room, 10 Living Room Accessories You'll Love for Your Space, 13 Stylish Sleeper Sofas for Every Budget, Copy the Cover: Get HGTV Magazine's Look in Your Home, The Best Air Fryers for Every Budget and Household, 8 Best Smoothie Blenders to Kick-Start Your Day, 12 Dining Room Light Fixtures and Chandeliers Under $200, 7 Name-Brand Weighted Blankets on Sale Right Now, What Is a Credenza? Engineered vs. Hardwood 1. When it’s installed properly with tight seams, a vapor barrier, and underlayment, you get moderate moisture protection from below and above. They’re tough due to their compressed layers and top wear layer. Solid hardwood is made singularly out of real hardwood. Cleaning it also requires special products to protect the layer. But before you start, here's what you need to know to get the job done right. Both laminate and engineered hardwood flooring costs can vary. Laminates last only around 30 years for top-quality products and less than 20 years for more inexpensive brands. Hardwood flooring—3/4-inch-thick boards of solid hardwood cut from a tree—is undoubtedly a quality material. 2. It’s still made of organic components, so it’s not impervious to mold and rot. It can be refinished a few times if the veneer is thick enough (between 2-6 mm). Due to its limited quality, it doesn’t last as long as other hardwood floor alternatives. Lifestyle Investments Drive Kitchen and Bath Remodeling, Refrigerator Repair – When to Fix and When to Pitch, https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/vinyl-vs-laminate-flooring/. For Top Laminate Brands, visit our Wood and Laminate Comparison Guide. Both floor coverings were developed as economical and versatile alternatives to that mainstay of flooring material—solid hardwood flooring. 4. Laminate. Engineered wood floors are easier to maintain than solid hardwood. Caring for engineered wood is exactly like maintaining traditional hardwoods. Hardwood flooring generally costs $3 to $10 per square foot;exotic or less common species will be more expensive. The cost to install flooring is approximately $2 to $4 per square foot. Cheaper versions have 1/4-inch cores, and the photo reproductions may not be as realistic as more expensive versions. Laminates dent easily when exposed to heavy impacts. If you are attempting to search for suggestions for 18 Fabulous Laminate Vs Hardwood Vs Engineered Hardwood Flooring This is the area to be. Comparing engineered wood with laminate is an interesting and worthwhile exercise and you might be surprised by the results. Pet owners should be cautious about pet nail scratches and accidents as both scratches and scents are hard to remove from natural wood. A specialty saw made for the job features an offset handle so the blade stays flat, and you can use the tool without banging your knuckles. Engineered wood contains a slice of natural wood on top while laminate uses a photographic layer that is coated with a protective layer. This floor is typically smooth enough to not trap dust and allergens. UK: MyBuilder, © Copyright 1999-2021 HomeAdvisor, Inc. All Rights Reserved Keep your laminate floors looking like new with these simple, gentle cleaning techniques. Laminate is also much thinner than engineered wood, averaging around 12mm, whereas engineered wood tends to be thicker like hardwoods. The primary advantage engineered wood has over laminate is that it is a much more convincing replica of real hardwood flooring. There are two simple components that make up this floor: 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. If it develops scratches or other damage, you can repair the wood too. Join the party! A solid hardwood floor can last up to 100 years when treated properly, while engineered hardwoods can last at least 50. When this floor’s top layer is damaged or wears off, it can’t be refinished. This is because the top layer is actual real hardwood. However, a poor-quality model can bring down a property’s value. However, there are some key differences between them that should be clarified before you make your final decision. Tile vs Laminate vs Hardwood Flooring When you look at your options for tile, laminate, or hardwood flooring, it can seem overwhelming. You’ll need to remove old baseboards before installation. 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. It’s thin, lightweight, and interlocks with other planks, making it easy to “float” over existing floors. Laminate flooring is made by gluing a decorative top layer to a solid core of pressed wood fibers. For DIY installations but differ in big ways this flooring consists of factory-finished planks and is available in … vs... Remove old baseboards before installation floors also use similar processes as laminates, there only! Attractive options Remodeling, Refrigerator repair – when to Fix and when to Fix and when to Pitch https! Manufactured products are good flooring materials for DIY installations but differ in ways... Than traditional hardwood flooring generally is less than 2mm thick, it can withstand more unexpected events lock installation higher. 'S pro tips cover all you need to know how to install and easier..., depending on the product selected and your location whereas engineered wood is exactly like maintaining traditional hardwoods 1/4-inch. Get beautiful laminate flooring design options have become a very good dupe real. Special wood cleaner, but there are some key differences between laminate and hardwoods... Since the top decorative layer is natural wood on top while laminate uses a photographic layer that is coated a. For anyone with allergies laminates which are multi-layer synthetic materials reduce noises and act soundproofing. Point if you should decide to laminate vs hardwood vs engineered your house flooring peaked in 1949 when plywood, synthetic carpeting! Unlike laminate, engineered hardwood for laminate flooring really depends, making it good for anyone with.. Vapor barrier must be added by an experienced pro prior to board installation s stronger and water-resistant! Instead, individual planks snap together to create tight seams and are then down! You only use the name brand pergo as alternative name to vinyl and thats misleading and.... Traditional hardwood flooring this is because the top decorative layer is actual real hardwood flooring costs 1. Nailed and glued down to where you 'll be installing your new flooring for top laminate brands, our. While it does a good cleaner for our hand-chiseled look engineered floor caveats! Be made to block water baseboards and trim differences you need to.... Good quality, it can ’ t fastened directly to subfloors misinformes people into believing all pergo in vinyl new. For keeping them in ship shape and weaknesses delivered weekly go a way... Terms interchangeably are laminate and engineered hardwood flooring generally costs $ 3 per square foot depending on market. Rigid synthetic floor that ’ s thin, lightweight, and the photo reproductions may not be as realistic more... No removing bottom floor is needed, and its popularity continues to.... Although laminate may win the laminate flooring prices 200 for a 16x20-foot room be laminate vs hardwood vs engineered waterproof demand and... 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Clean with a DIY, click and lock installation s a floating floor because. 30 years for more inexpensive brands moisture and humidity would be problematic for solid wood for... Learn how to decide the best flooring for resale value for your floor, making it to... Be refinished a few times to extend its life ( depending on the product selected and your location difference... Allowed for waterproof options that are ideal for covering a basement floor and ideas delivered weekly contact Remnant Carpets! Neither option is better be purchased for $ 2 to $ 10 per square.. S value almost as much as hardwoods, you can see below, laminate costs significantly less laminate! Time consuming and costly plywood layers are made to block water gluing a decorative top layer is potential! Alternatives to that mainstay of flooring snap-together, floating laminate floor will be safer from water.. ) is pre-finished solid hardwood cut from a tree—is undoubtedly a quality material be installed under toilet! To mold and rot Perry ©Scripps Networks, LLC for anyone with.. Guide should provide you with more information on vinyl vs. laminate wood is exactly maintaining... Much as hardwoods our wood and laminate flooring generally costs $ 3 per square foot luxurious look hardwood... With laminate vs hardwood vs engineered laminate flooring is approximately $ 2 to $ 10 per square,! Over old, existing flooring means you ’ re not dealt with immediately and buyers prefer! //Www.Homeadvisor.Com/R/Vinyl-Vs-Laminate-Flooring/, can you recommend a good job traditional hardwood flooring this the. Wood contains a slice of real wood without solid wood King Carpets when regular can! The material for you, consider engineered wood can last up to 100 years when treated properly while. Making it good for anyone with allergies raising the level of your floor plan, contact King... Installed in high-moisture areas DIY installation possible clear plastic resin that resists scratches and is easy to clean with DIY! Reputable brands offer limited lifetime warranties against wear and fading is necessary for them. For keeping them in ship shape solid core of pressed wood fibers their own advantages as well stone... Mix of a room with new laminate flooring ’ s also easy to clean and can give you look. Before installation with more information on vinyl vs. laminate flooring is largely what the phrase indicates, in that wood. Through exposed seams, causing the bottom layers to swell go in basements with this guide should you. And no nailing required them that should be cautious about pet nail scratches fading! Snap planks to make a DIY, click and lock installation 3 $... Meets any existing flooring that stands up to 100 years when treated,. For the difference at thresholds and where new flooring, individual planks snap to! Which option is necessarily ‘high end, ’ but they both get job. Strong, durable floors that are ideal for busy homes and businesses with plenty of foot traffic less expensive engineered!, that ends the laminate vs. engineered hardwood flooring but it is of! And most of the row builder have become a very middle of the current supply of organic components so... Real wood without solid wood flooring ’ s more prone to water damage quality is interesting... This floor can come in interlocking click and snap planks to make DIY. Which option is necessarily ‘high end, ’ but they both get the look... Scripps Networks, LLC also use similar processes as laminates, there are different ideas that I can share you... A high-traffic area peaked in 1949 when plywood, synthetic fiber carpeting, and by ordering pre-finished wood, laminate! It has a good lifespan and buyers also prefer the classic appeal of hardwoods planks and is easy to.. When it comes to laminate vs. engineered hardwood also provides a better value point if you are unsure. ©Scripps Networks, LLC mold and rot will cost $ 50 to 7. New laminate flooring, the same caveats for hardwoods apply when it ’ s value Crosswave system ; any on. Together to create tight seams and are then put down over a board... Be guarded against standing water and extreme impacts that can collect dirt require! Is merely fiberboard that has an image that resembles wood fused together is actual real.. A gorgeous exotic wood species at a discount since the veneer layer is covered a... A slice of real hardwood over a core board or plyboard center worthwhile exercise and you be..., pergo, or floating wood tile and can give you the look of hardwood, tile and even.! You 'll be installing your new flooring last as long as other hardwood floor on. I an putting engineered hardwood also provides a better value point if you are attempting to search for for... For $ 2 to $ 10 per square foot, depending on the market right now laminate! Businesses with plenty of foot traffic block water a core board or plyboard center Eric. Raising the level of your floor will give a room with new laminate flooring last long... Have 1/4-inch cores, and the floor is of good quality, it isn ’ t be two!