Is a pre-finished engineered floor the same as laminate?
No. Please dont be confused between the two. Pre-finished, pre-engineered flooring is a hardwood floor that has a top wear layer, usually 1/8 thick, on the better quality products, and has 3 or more layers, also called plies. The top wear layer is generally made out of oak, maple, cherry, etc. Pre-finished flooring, in most applications, are going to be more durable, stable, cost less, and have a life expectancy greater than a solid floor. Your better quality engineered flooring can also be refinished like a solid wood floor. Always follow manufacturers specs when installing engineered flooring. Pre-finished flooring can usually be installed by adhesive, nail down (cleats or staples), and in some cases free floated. In my opinion, you cannot beat a quality pre-finished engineered floor. They are so many varieties of woods and colors for you to choose from, which you cant find when installing a solid wood floor.
