Engineered Wood Flooring VS Laminate Flooring
Engineered Wood Flooring vs. Laminate Flooring – What’s the Difference?
Choosing the right flooring can transform your home, but with so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. At Wood4Floors in Forest Hill, London, customers often ask, “Is engineered wood the same as laminate flooring?” The short answer is no—they’re very different. In this guide, we break down the key differences to help you decide which suits your home best.
1. Construction: Natural vs Synthetic
Laminate flooring features a fiberboard or plywood core, with a high-resolution photographic layer miming real wood. A protective plastic coating adds durability.
In contrast, engineered wood flooring has a real hardwood surface, usually oak, layered over a stable plywood base. This structure combines the beauty of real wood with added strength and flexibility.
🔗 Browse our engineered wood flooring options
2. Thickness: Built for Durability
Laminate floors range between 6mm and 12mm thick, depending on quality.
Engineered flooring typically comes in 14mm or 20mm thicknesses. At Wood4Floors, we supply premium 20mm engineered oak boards, featuring a 6mm solid oak wear layer bonded to 14mm of high-grade Siberian birch plywood.
3. Moisture Resistance: Which Holds Up Better?
Moisture resistance varies greatly with laminate quality. Budget laminates often swell or warp in humid areas like kitchens and conservatories.
Engineered wood flooring performs far better in moisture-prone environments. Its layered structure resists warping, making it a top choice for kitchens, conservatories, and basements—where traditional solid wood may fail.
4. Refinishing: Can It Be Restored?
Laminate cannot be refinished. If the surface gets scratched or stained, you’ll need to replace the damaged planks.
Engineered wood flooring can be sanded and refinished multiple times. Whether you’re restoring a worn-out surface or changing the stain colour, this option adds years to your floor’s life.
5. Installation: Flexibility Matters
Laminate flooring often uses a click-lock system, making it a go-to for DIY installers.
Engineered wood flooring allows more flexible installation. Installers can:
- Float it over underlay,
- Glue it to concrete,
- Nail or screw it onto joists.
This adaptability makes it suitable for most property types.
6. Aesthetics & Value: Real Wood or Imitation?
Laminate offers a budget-friendly, low-maintenance solution. It’s perfect for short-term updates or rental properties.
Engineered wood flooring provides a genuine wood finish, enhancing both the look and value of your home. It suits long-term homeowners, design-conscious renovators, and those looking for natural beauty with modern performance.
Need Help Choosing? Visit Wood4Floors in London
At Wood4Floors, our team of specialists is ready to guide you. Whether you’re upgrading your family home or fitting out a rental, we’ll help you find the perfect flooring solution.
📍 Visit our showroom in Forest Hill, London
📞 Call us on 020 8699 7527
🌐 Or explore our range online at www.wood4floors.co.uk
