Engineered Wood vs Laminate Flooring in Ireland: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between engineered wood and laminate flooring is one of the most common decisions homeowners in Ireland face before buying a new floor. Both options look good, both are widely available, and both suit Irish homes — but they behave very differently once installed.
This guide explains the real differences, including cost, durability, installation, and which option makes sense depending on how you live.
The quick answer (for people in a hurry)
- Choose laminate flooring if you want a lower upfront cost, quicker installation, and a floor that handles day-to-day wear well.
- Choose engineered wood flooring if you want a more natural feel, better long-term value, and a floor that can be refinished.
If you’re unsure, the sections below break it down properly.
What is laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring is a floating floor system made up of layers, with a printed decorative surface and a protective wear layer on top.
Key features of laminate flooring
- Installed as a floating floor over underlay
- Generally quicker to install
- Lower material cost
- Good resistance to everyday wear and scratches
- Cannot be sanded or refinished
→ View our laminate flooring options
What is engineered wood flooring?
Engineered wood flooring is made from real timber, with a hardwood top layer bonded to multiple backing layers for stability.
Key features of engineered wood flooring
- Installed as either glue-down or floating
- Made with a real wood surface
- More stable than solid wood
- Can often be lightly sanded and refinished
- Higher material and installation cost than laminate
→ View our engineered wood flooring options
Cost comparison: engineered vs laminate flooring in Ireland
Laminate flooring costs
- Lower material cost
- Underlay required
- Typically faster installation
- Overall fitted price is usually more affordable
Engineered wood flooring costs
- Higher material cost
- Adhesives often required for glue-down installs
- Subfloor preparation is more critical
- Higher labour costs
If you’re comparing patterned floors like herringbone, engineered wood usually costs more to install due to glue-down installation and extra preparation.
→ See a full breakdown in our herringbone floor cost guide
Durability and lifespan
Laminate flooring
- Very durable for everyday use
- Scratch-resistant surface
- If damaged, boards usually need to be replaced
- Lifespan depends heavily on quality and traffic levels
Engineered wood flooring
- Real wood surface ages naturally
- Can often be refinished (depending on wear layer thickness)
- Feels more solid underfoot
- Can last significantly longer if maintained properly
Installation differences (this matters)
Laminate installation
- Floating system
- More forgiving on subfloor imperfections
- Faster installation time
- Less disruptive in many homes
Engineered wood installation
- Often glue-down
- Subfloor must be:
- flat
- dry
- structurally sound
- Moisture testing is essential
- Preparation costs can increase depending on site condition
Which flooring is better for Irish homes?
There’s no single “best” option — it depends on how the space is used.
Laminate is often better if:
- You’re working to a tighter budget
- You want faster installation
- The area has heavy foot traffic
- You prefer a low-maintenance floor
Engineered wood is often better if:
- You want a natural wood finish
- Long-term value matters more than upfront cost
- You’re fitting a living room or open-plan space
- You want the option of refinishing in the future
What about herringbone patterns?
Both laminate and engineered flooring are available in herringbone designs, but there are important differences:
- Laminate herringbone is usually floated and quicker to install
-
Engineered herringbone is typically glue-down and more labour-intensive
- Engineered herringbone generally costs more due to:
- adhesive
- preparation
- installation time
Frequently asked questions
Is engineered wood better than laminate?
Not always. Engineered wood offers a real timber surface and longer lifespan potential, while laminate offers better value and durability for busy homes.
Can laminate flooring be installed in kitchens?
Some laminates are suitable, but moisture resistance varies. Engineered wood may be a better option depending on conditions.
Does engineered wood add more value to a home?
It can add perceived value due to its natural finish, especially in living spaces.
Need help choosing the right option?
The right flooring choice depends on:
- the room
- the subfloor
- budget
- how the space is used
If you’re unsure, a site visit makes the decision much clearer.
We offer site surveys for €50, deductible from the final flooring cost if you proceed with us.