Engineered Hardwood vs Laminate Flooring
**Engineered hardwood** has a real wood veneer—better resale and refinish options. **Laminate** uses a photographic wear layer—lower cost, good for rentals and high-traffic rooms, but cannot be sanded like wood.
Step by step
1. Measure waste factor
Add 10% for cuts; diagonal layouts need more.
2. Check moisture room
Basements favor vinyl or tile; laminate swells with standing water.
3. Price underlayment
Sound and moisture pads add $0.50–1.50/sq ft installed.
Engineered vs laminate
Total cost = material + underlayment + install + transitions.
- Engineered hardwood: Higher home value; can refinish once depending on veneer.
- Laminate: Budget-friendly; scratch-resistant; limited moisture tolerance.
Use our calculators
Common mistakes
- Skipping acclimation time
- Wrong transition height at doors
FAQ
Is laminate the same as LVP?
No—luxury vinyl plank is plastic, often more waterproof than laminate.