Laminate Flooring Vs. Engineered Oak Flooring

Each and every consumer is different. Which means we have to advise different aspects to the different consumers to meet their specifications. One typical recommendation is to choose an engineered oak floor, when we find customers intending to lay oak flooring in a specific area or in a certain way. This is often welcomed with the response “What is Engineered Oak Flooring? Like Laminate Flooring?” This common misunderstanding could not be further from the truth. With this in thoughts we have made this post describing the key differences between the two.

Construction

Laminate flooring is a artificial flooring product composed of a ply or fibreboard backing with a printed plastic top. The printed image top layer has been made to “look” like a real wood floor.

Engineered oak flooring on the other hand is composed of solid oak top layer which has been attached to a strong and steady plyboard base. Once set, an engineered oak board is no difference from a solid oak floor.

Thickness

For both Laminate flooring and Engineered Oak boards there are a variety of different thicknesses available. Generally laminate ranges between 6mm and 12mm. Engineered oak flooring is generally much thicker, with all of our boards here at Peak Oak being 20mm. Thinner boards, such as 14mm, are also available on the current market. The 20mm engineered oak boards are made up of 6mm of solid oak and 14mm of Siberian birch ply.

Resistance To Moisture

Dependant on the quality of laminate selected, relies on how resistant it is to humidity. As the moisture is absorbed in adjustable areas, laminate flooring can enlarge.

The major selling point of engineered oak flooring is its capability to be used in areas where a solid oak board would just not be suitable. It is the building of these boards which make them much more steady in areas of adjustable humidity – such as kitchens, bathrooms and conservatories.

Refinishing

As the top coating of laminate has been printed while in production, laminate cannot be refinished at all. A stained laminate part would need to be replaced.

Engineered oak flooring can usually be refinished several times. Depending on the finish, this can either be done by easily spot repairing a small area, or refinishing the whole of the floor.

Installation

In terms of installation Laminate is a very easy option. These boards are usually designed to easily fit together using a click system.

Tongue and grooved engineered oak flooring can be installed in a number of methods. Like conventional solid oak flooring, these boards can be screwed or nailed to the subfloor or joists. Due to their increased steadiness, engineered boards can also glued directly to a concrete subfloor or fitted as a floated floor.

Quality

When comparing Laminate and Engineered oak flooring there truly is no comparison as the two very much provide different purposes. As earlier mentioned, laminate has been created specifically to easily provide the look of wood. Engineered oak flooring on the other hand is a construction of oak and plyboard – its construction making it capable to be laid in just about any environment.

If you would like to discuss more about engineered oak flooring Or laminate flooring,

please give us a call on 020 8699 7527.