Wooden Flooring: Engineered Hardwood vs Laminate Flooring

When you want the look of natural hardwood flooring in your home, you can choose between engineered hardwood and remarkably realistic-looking wood laminate. Both engineered hardwood and laminate make long-lasting and beautiful floors, with laminate looking exactly like the wood species from which it takes inspiration. Both hold up well in active households, including those with kids and pets. Both are easy to clean with just regular sweeping and damp mopping.

Likewise, there are a few differences. Laminate can go anywhere in the house while engineered hardwood is not recommended for frequently damp areas like bathrooms and basements. In cost considerations, engineered hardwood boards do cost more than laminate, yet that distinction deserves a closer look.

Here are the facts concerning the cost of engineered hardwood vs. laminate that may make your buying decision a little easier.

Is hardwood more expensive than laminate?

This question can be answered by looking at three factors: cost, floor life and resale value.

COST
The cost of quality engineered hardwood ranges from Rs.350 – Rs.650 per sq. ft., uninstalled. Installation costs depend on local rates of engineered hardwood flooring installers. For rough estimating, however, figure the cost to be Rs.15 per sq. ft., slightly less than the cost of the laminate.

The quality Laminate flooring costs range from Rs.100 – Rs.235 per sq. ft., uninstalled, with the higher cost reflecting better quality, more realistic-looking designs. The cost to install laminate depends on local area labor rates, is typically Rs.10 per sq. ft.

*These estimates are generalizations for the sake of comparison and don’t include associated costs such as the removal of an existing floor, product delivery, skirting and moldings.

FLOOR LIFE
How long a floor will last depends on wear, tear and maintenance. Under ideal conditions, laminate floors typically last 20 – 30 years while engineered hardwood floors can easily last a lifetime. The significant difference in life cycles is explained by the fact that laminate floors cannot be refinished when they get damaged or show signs of wear. Engineered hardwood floors, on the other hand, can be rejuvenated with sanding and refinishing, not only once but 2 – 4 times during the floor’s life.

RESALE VALUE
An engineered hardwood floor is considered an investment because it often dictates higher resale value when it comes time to sell your home. Prospective buyers will recognize the level of quality you chose. Laminate, on the other hand, may look like genuine hardwood, but it doesn’t have the same market appeal.

VERDICT
So, what’s the best choice when comparing the cost of engineered hardwood vs. laminate? After considering the total cost, floor life and resale value factors, engineered hardwood flooring is an excellent value.



Leaders Floors [About Us]

At Leaders Floors, we deliver top quality and customized solutions for Interior and Exterior Flooring Concepts. We have a wide range of products and designs to choose from, manufactured using best technology in the world. We have developed unique abilities with vast product knowledge and trade experience of offering right service and value for money to our clients.

Customer Care: 98710.71222
Email: info@leadersgroup.co.in
Website: woodenflooring.leadersgroup.co.in