Compare two material from the point of view of environmental friendliness, stability, ease of installation, care and durability.
The choice of flooring is very complicated. Especially if the materials liked at first glance are similar. The difference is only in the "Naturalness" of origin. Find out what is better: engineering board or laminate. To do this, we'll figure it out in their features and compare the main characteristics of the in-demand floor coverings.
Compare flooring
What is an engineering boardAbout Laminate
Parameters for comparison
- Ecology
- Operating conditions
- care
- Durability
- Method of installation
Output
What is an engineering board
The word "engineering" in the title of the material indicates that the bar is made of several elements. This is a multilayer coating consisting of glued wooden plates. The basis becomes plywood or lamellas from inexpensive conifers. There are several such plates several, two to seven. The strength of the finished finish depends on their type and quantity. The upper layer is made of decorative. This is a veneer of valuable breeds: ash, oak, nut, etc.
The fibers of the base layers are perpendicular, which makes the glued plate durable and very stable. It makes it easier to transfers the differences of moisture, it does not lead it and does not twist. Therefore, an error would think that the multi-layered base is used to reduce the cost of material. The price of "engineering", a veneered wenge or other exotic tree, may be higher than that of an ash array or oak. In any case, it belongs to finishing the premium class and is expensive.
Features of Laminate
This is also a multi-layer floor facing, but it is made otherwise. The base is wood stove. It can be MDF, HDF or PVC. Despite similar production technology, the plates differ significantly in density and strength. Consequently, the characteristics of laminated panels manufactured based on them will also be different.
A decorative layer of paper is laid on the basis. The drawing on it can be any. Therefore, the laminate is considered a good imitation of wood, tiles, stone, etc. The plastic is superimposed on top of paper and lamination is carried out. It turns out a durable protective film. It can be smooth or embossed. The embossed surface is better suited for imitation of natural materials. The bottom of the base is superimposed by another layer, which prevents moisture in the thickness of the wood plate. There are models with a glued substrate. It simplifies their laying. The price of the coating depends on the quality and raw materials from which it is manufactured. Therefore, it is wrong to consider it a "cheap imitation" of expensive materials. The variation of prices and characteristics is significant.
Comparison of laminate and engineering board
The main similarity of the "engineering" and the laminate panel lies in multi-layered. Both facing are a kind of "puff pastry". But, given that the layers in this cake are completely different, the similarity and ends. Compare materials on different parameters to understand what the difference between the engineering board and laminate.1. Ecology
Laminated panels are considered potentially toxic. And this is not always the case. It all depends on the glue. Cheap lamellas are more often glued with mixtures with formaldehydes, which is very dangerous. Dear models can be completely safe.
For engineering boards, natural raw materials are used, so it may seem that there should be no doubt about its ecology. But safety again depends on glue, which is used when gluing wooden plates. Combating manufacturers apply only safe compositions. In other cases, toxic means can be used.
The certificate of conformity when buying any finish is best to check carefully.
2. Operating conditions
The humidity "is not shown" to both coatings, but with different restrictions.
Laminated panels on top are securely protected from moisture with a durable film of plastic. But if the water falls into the joints, the wood cooker will swell and deform. Therefore, the coating is conditionally resistant to moisture. If you immediately wipe the spilled fluid, the deformation will not appear. The prolonged impact of moisture will result in damage. Temperature differences for laminate are possible. Some of his varieties put on the heating floors.
The top layer "Engineering" is a natural tree, without any serious protection. Therefore, the humidity of over 55% will ruin. Unwanted and temperature drops. Laying the material over the warm floors is not recommended.
3. Care coated
The plastic top layer of the laminate panel does not need special care. Quite regular wiping with a damp cloth. With severe pollution, it is possible to add soft soaps. If one or more slats are spoiled, they can be replaced. The complexity of the event consists only in the need to disassemble the laid floor to the spoiled fragment, then collect anew.
Careful for the engineering board is more difficult. It must be regularly handled by special wood for wood. Spoiled fragments can be replaced if there is no styling on glue. But the "engineer" can be grinding, removing the top layer who came into disrepair. After that, it is covered with varnish or wax, which returns her initial appearance.
4. Durability
Laminate service life is relatively small. Much depends on its quality. In any case, over time, the plastic protective layer is wears. Squares appear on the edges of the lamellae, wood stove is exposed. These defects are not repaired. The replacement of the coating has to do an average after 15-25 years.
In contrast, the durability of the "engineering" is measured by decades. Considering that grinding to update the appearance is allowed to be made four times in its entirety, the material may serve at least 50 years.
5. Method of installation
For laminate laying, only the connection of the lock type is used. As a result, a floating floor is obtained, which is not deformed at a temperature expansion. "Engineering" is placed on glue, can be attached to the basis of self-stakes or the combined method is used: glue-fasteners. Available boards with castle connections by type of groove spike. They are stacked as a floating floor.
Short output
Let's bring a brief summary. "Engineering" and laminate panels are completely different outdoor coverage. Laminate is cheaper, mounted quickly and inexpensively, is distinguished by an attractive view, maintaining and will serve for quite a long time. But on the touch he is colder, louder "sounds" and is more noticeable.
The board is more expensive, it is harder to install it, but it is more beautiful, warmer and more pleasant to the touch. It is possible to update it, which is significantly extended service life.