For those exploring wood-effect flooring options other than traditional solid wood, the choices generally fall between engineered wood, laminate, and vinyl. While the terms ‘engineered’ and ‘flooring’ are usually synonymous with wood (as in engineered wood flooring), there is a growing interest in engineered laminate flooring. So what exactly is engineered laminate flooring?
Construction of Engineered Laminate Flooring
Engineered laminate flooring consists of floorboards fabricated from a man-made core, topped with a photorealistic printed layer designed to mimic natural wood. This construction shares similarities with engineered wood flooring, where the top layer is made from real wood with a thickness ranging from 2mm to 5mm. In the case of engineered laminate flooring, however, the top layer is crafted using a print film, commonly referred to as the decorative layer. Once installed, distinguishing between the two can be quite challenging.
Delving further into the composition of an engineered laminate floorboard, one discovers multiple layers that contribute to its functionality and aesthetic appeal. There’s an overlay layer that shields the floor from scratches and stains. Underneath, you’ll find a core layer made of MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard) or HDF (High-Density Fibreboard). Lastly, there’s a backing layer composed of moisture-resistant film. Given that both MDF and HDF are wood derivatives, it’s important to note that engineered laminate flooring is water-resistant but not waterproof. Typically, the overall thickness of these multi-layered floorboards ranges from 7mm to 12mm.
Engineered Laminate Flooring vs Traditional Laminate Flooring
The question then arises: how does engineered laminate flooring differ from ‘traditional’ laminate flooring? In truth, the two are rather similar. Traditional laminate flooring is available in wood, stone, or marble effects. When we discuss engineered laminate flooring, we are specifically referring to the wood-effect variant of laminate flooring.
Engineered Laminate Flooring vs Engineered Vinyl Flooring
A comparable alternative to engineered laminate flooring is engineered vinyl plank flooring (EVP). Although they share many features, such as a man-made core and a realistic design layer, their cores are fundamentally different. Engineered vinyl flooring is made with either WPC (Wood-Plastic Composite) or SPC (Stone-Polymer Composite). Unlike MDF and HDF cores, these materials are waterproof, making engineered vinyl flooring more suitable for a wider range of areas within the home or workplace. However, this increased versatility comes at a higher cost.
Conclusion
Engineered laminate flooring offers a sophisticated blend of durability, aesthetics, and affordability. Its multi-layer construction provides a realistic wood-effect finish, while the core materials offer reasonable water resistance. Although similar to both engineered wood and traditional laminate flooring, it holds its own when it comes to balancing price and quality, offering an appealing choice for those seeking an alternative to traditional wood flooring.
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FAQ
What is Engineered Laminate Flooring?
Engineered laminate flooring is a specific type of flooring that mimics the look of natural wood. It is composed of a man-made core and features a top layer printed with a realistic wood design. It’s different from engineered wood flooring, where the top layer is actually made of real wood.
How is Engineered Laminate Flooring Constructed?
The construction of engineered laminate flooring involves multiple layers. These include a top decorative layer printed to resemble wood, an overlay layer for protection against stains and scratches, a core layer usually made from MDF or HDF, and a backing layer that is moisture-resistant.
Is Engineered Laminate Flooring Water-Resistant?
Yes, engineered laminate flooring is water-resistant due to its MDF or HDF core. However, it is important to note that it is not fully waterproof.
How Does Engineered Laminate Flooring Differ from Traditional Laminate Flooring?
Both engineered and traditional laminate flooring are quite similar. However, when talking about engineered laminate flooring, we are referring specifically to laminate flooring that has a wood-effect printed top layer. Traditional laminate flooring can also mimic other materials like stone or marble.
What Makes Engineered Laminate Flooring Different from Engineered Vinyl Flooring?
Engineered vinyl flooring and engineered laminate flooring share some similarities, like their man-made cores and realistic top layers. However, engineered vinyl flooring is made with waterproof core materials such as WPC or SPC, making it more versatile but also generally more expensive.