Trying to understand the difference between laminate, engineered, solid wood or luxury vinyl tile flooring? Here's a quick summary!
Laminate
Laminate flooring is a man-made product, made up of various layers which are fused together using a lamination process, and finished with a transparent overlay to protect against wear and tear. The wood grain is not real but simply an image. This simple flooring can be used in all kinds of spaces, either with or without underfloor heating, and is great for those on a tight budget.
Engineered
Engineered flooring is chosen for its strength, flexibility of installation and overall stability. It perfectly mimics a solid wood floor, but is actually made of various bonded layers topped off with a layer of genuine hardwood. Because it is more resistant to expansion and contraction than solid wood, it can be used in most areas of the home including conservatories and in conjunction with underfloor heating. Engineered flooring can usually be sanded down a certain number of times but please check with us first if you are unsure.
Solid Wood
As the name suggests, a completely natural material made from solid timber - the grains and colours of which create an ambience with real character and warmth. The top layer is finished with lacquer or oil to enhance hardness and durability. This type of flooring cannot be used in conjunction with underfloor heating.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
LVT flooring gives the natural look and feel of wood but is waterproof, flexible, scratch resistant, easy to clean and ideal for underfloor heating. Our LVT flooring from the Quick‑Step "Livyn" collection consists of five different layers, including a protective surface which is waterproof, sound-reducing and warm underfoot. It's finished off with a layer of moisture-resistant backing for a perfectly balanced floor which prevents cupping or warping. Pricewise it comes in between Laminate and Engineered flooring.
Any questions?
If you have questions about any type of wood flooring, let our experts at our Wood Flooring Centre at Haslemere help you choose the floor that's right for you. They'll be pleased to advise on all aspects of wood flooring, show you plenty of samples, and if required can even suggest local accredited flooring installers. Book an appointment for advice and to discuss your project, or browse our Wood Flooring Centre at Haslemere at your leisure!
Trying to understand the difference between laminate, engineered, solid wood or luxury vinyl tile flooring? Here's a quick summary!
Laminate
Laminate flooring is a man-made product, made up of various layers which are fused together using a lamination process, and finished with a transparent overlay to protect against wear and tear. The wood grain is not real but simply an image. This simple flooring can be used in all kinds of spaces, either with or without underfloor heating, and is great for those on a tight budget.
Engineered
Engineered flooring is chosen for its strength, flexibility of installation and overall stability. It perfectly mimics a solid wood floor, but is actually made of various bonded layers topped off with a layer of genuine hardwood. Because it is more resistant to expansion and contraction than solid wood, it can be used in most areas of the home including conservatories and in conjunction with underfloor heating. Engineered flooring can usually be sanded down a certain number of times but please check with us first if you are unsure.
Solid Wood
As the name suggests, a completely natural material made from solid timber - the grains and colours of which create an ambience with real character and warmth. The top layer is finished with lacquer or oil to enhance hardness and durability. This type of flooring cannot be used in conjunction with underfloor heating.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
LVT flooring gives the natural look and feel of wood but is waterproof, flexible, scratch resistant, easy to clean and ideal for underfloor heating. Our LVT flooring from the Quick‑Step "Livyn" collection consists of five different layers, including a protective surface which is waterproof, sound-reducing and warm underfoot. It's finished off with a layer of moisture-resistant backing for a perfectly balanced floor which prevents cupping or warping. Pricewise it comes in between Laminate and Engineered flooring.
Any questions?
If you have questions about any type of wood flooring, let our experts at our Wood Flooring Centre at Haslemere help you choose the floor that's right for you. They'll be pleased to advise on all aspects of wood flooring, show you plenty of samples, and if required can even suggest local accredited flooring installers. Book an appointment for advice and to discuss your project, or browse our Wood Flooring Centre at Haslemere at your leisure!
