This is a very general comparison between engineered hardwood flooring and laminate flooing to help you to better understand these floor groups. Please note, hardwood flooring comes in some many different species, finishes and construction types and that it is very difficult to place them all in one general category, so pre-finished engineered hardwood flooring is used for this comparison. See your local flooring store for additional advice and recommendations.
Special Note: This is a very general comparison and characteristics will vary depending on the manufacturer and consumer usage. Always read the manufacturer's written brochures for specific product details, recommendations and warranties.
| Prefinished Engineered Hardwood Floor |
Laminate Floor | |
| Visual Appearance | excellent | good |
| Scratch Resistance | good4 | very good |
| Stain Resistance | fair1 | excellent |
| Fade Resistance | fair2 | excellent |
| Impact Resistance | good | excellent |
| Ease of Maintenance | good | very good |
| Moisture Resistance | fair | good |
| Ease of Repair | good | poor |
| Can floor be refinished? | yes (not acrylic impregnated) | no |
| Install over concrete slab | if glue or float | yes, floating |
| Manufacturer's Warranty | good | good |
| Installation Methods | glue, staple, float | some pre-glued glueless, floating |
| Easy To Install (DIY) | glueless floating - yes staple-down - maybe glue-down - messy |
Yes |
| Life expectancy of floor (in years) | 25+3 | < 20 |