Laminate vs Engineered Hardwood: What’s the Difference?

Engineered hardwood and laminate are often compared, but they offer two very different experiences. Maison Plank, delivers real wood flooring that works for today’s design and construction demands—floors that float, stay within project budgets, and still meet high expectations for style and durability.

Here’s how laminate and engineered hardwood stack up, and where Maison Plank fits in.

What’s the Difference Between Laminate and Engineered Hardwood?

Laminate is a synthetic flooring material. It’s made from high-density fiberboard (HDF) with a printed image of wood on top and a wear layer over that. It looks like wood, but it isn’t.

Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, is real wood. It features a natural wood veneer on top of a stabilized core. Maison Plank's core is high-density fiberboard (HDF) engineered for strength, moisture resistance, and long-term performance.

Why the Construction Matters

The way a floor is built determines how it performs. Laminate can be strong, but it has no natural wood surface, so it can’t be refinished. It also tends to sound hollow underfoot.

Engineered hardwood is built to last. Maison Plank’s floors are constructed with:

• A genuine European oak top layer

• A high-density fiberboard (HDF) core for added strength

• A bulletproof Titanium Ultra finish for exceptional scratch and moisture resistance

This construction results in a nearly indestructible floor that combines the beauty of natural wood with 24-hour water resistance, high-traffic durability, and easy installation.

Maison Plank Engineered Hardwood's Superior Construction

Performance, Durability & Appearance Compared

Feature	Laminate	Engineered Hardwood (Maison Plank)
Surface Material	Printed image	Real European oak
Durability	High wear layer	Titanium Ultra™ coating
Refinishable	No	No (but touch-up kits available)
Water Resistance	Moderate (depends on brand)	Water-resistant up to 24 hours
Sound & Feel	Hollow, artificial	Solid, warm, real wood
Look	Repeat patterns	Unique woodgrain
Surface Material	Printed image	Real European oak
Durability	High wear layer	Titanium Ultra™ coating
Refinishable	No	No (but touch-up kits available)
Water Resistance	Moderate (depends on brand)	Water-resistant up to 24 hours
Sound & Feel	Hollow, artificial	Solid, warm, real wood
Look	Repeat patterns	Unique woodgrain
Installation Type	Floating click-lock	Floating click-lock (radiant heat compatible)

How to Choose What’s Right for Your Project

Go with laminate if:

• You’re doing a quick flip

• You need the absolute lowest cost option

• A synthetic look and feel isn’t a concern

Choose engineered hardwood if:

• You want real wood and long-term performance

• You’re designing for rentals, commercial, or high-end residential spaces

• Sound, texture, and authentic look matter to you

Maison Plank was built for these in-between moments—when you want the look and performance of solid wood, but at a more efficient cost.

Where Maison Plank Fits In

We don’t make laminate. We make real wood flooring with performance specs that compete with the best of both worlds.

Maison Plank features include:

• Real European oak with a 0.6mm wear layer

• High-strength HDF core

• Scratch-resistant HP Titanium Ultra™ finish (super matte)

• 9 1/8" wide x 80 3/4" long x 3/8" thick boards

• Versatile Natural AB grade with 9 standard colors

• Click-lock installation, compatible with radiant heat

• Herringbone pattern available

• 24-hour water damage resistance

  
  

Custom orders available for 10,000+ sq. ft. Get in touch to learn more.

Maison Plank is a brand of Haute Plank, Inc. and can be purchased online.

Maison Plank engineered hardwood flooring is available for sale beginning in May 2025. Pre-order now!

Written by Jennifer Alvarez, Founder of Haute Plank

Bringing over two decades of experience in luxury flooring and product development.