Newer and typically more expensive laminates have embossed and textured surfaces to replicate the look and underfoot feel of solid hardwood.  Over the years, laminate has improved its appearance and is able to mimic wood better than ever. The more you spend, the thicker the laminate tiles will be. Premium laminates, often called luxury vinyl, are the best laminates on the market. They often have a cork underlay that retains heat, absorbs sound, and gives a better overall feel when walked on. Regardless, all laminates are man-made, synthetic products. At the end of the day, most homeowners and guests will know that it is not the real deal.

The primary advantage engineered wood has over laminate is that it is a much more convincing replica of real hardwood flooring.  This is because the top layer is actual real hardwood. You can obtain beautiful exotic wood species at a much lower price, when compared to solid hardwood, because engineered wood only uses a thin veneer layer. This opens up a wide range of options to homeowners who would have not been able to afford these exotic woods for solid hardwood. Ultimately, engineered wood will always look better than laminate, particularly when looked at closely.

Laminate is slightly easier to clean and take care of when compared to engineered flooring. The surface layer is a type of plastic, therefore it can be easily wiped down with general cleaning supplies. Typically, laminates contain an Aluminum Oxide surface layer that protects against fading, spills, stains and scratching. While laminate might be easier to maintain day-to-day, the overall strength, durability, and longevity of the product falls short of engineered wood.  The average lifespan of laminate is about 10 years.

Engineered hardwood flooring has a real hardwood veneer, which ultimately makes it more prone to surface scratches and dents. However, damaged engineered wood has the capability to be repaired. Typically, most engineered woods can be refinished at least once but sometimes two or three times if your veneer is thick enough. This allows you to change up the color scheme as well!  Cleaning is relatively straightforward, but you will need to periodically apply a new protective layer or refinish it as your flooring accumulates scratches/dents and dulls over time. This material is thicker and stronger, extending the lifespan to 20-30 years.

Laminate is the clear winner in terms of cost. The relatively inexpensive flooring material can be purchased for as little as $1 to $3 per square foot from big-box stores. Inexpensive material will deteriorate faster and have less design variety to choose from. Although, buyer beware. There are some growing health concerns about cheap laminates and noxious fumes which you can read about further down. Luxury Vinyl, and other premium laminates can cost up to $12 per square foot. Because of the lower lifespan and lack of real wood, the resale value of laminate is usually lower than engineered wood.

Engineered Wood is more expensive, but usually more highly regarded by potential buyers and real estate professionals. So, it is important to consider resale value. The starting price for engineered wood is around $4.50 per square foot, however, this is for entry-level.  A more average price is between $7-$8 per square foot. Engineered wood is more difficult to properly install, thus it has a pricier installation and overall higher total cost.