Introduction

Laminate Basics

A laminated structure or material, especially one made of layers fixed together to form a hard, flat, or flexible material. Laminate flooring usually is made from a core board (usually made from recycled particles) with a photographic image designed to look like wood. Like engineered and solid hardwood floors, the top surface is coated with chemicals forming a transparent layer, giving the laminate floor its durability.

The differences

Laminate vs. Engineered

Two important points you should know. The first point being the material under the protective clear layer in engineered wood is real wood. In contrast, the material under the protective clear layer in laminate flooring is a photographic image that looks like wood.

The second point is about the core board. The engineered wood core is made of plywood, whereas the laminate core board is made of high-density fiber boards.
Unlike engineered wood being moisture resistant, laminate floors are not resistant to moisture and should not be installed in areas with moisture.