Engineered Wood Flooring Vs Hardwood Laminate Costs Singapore

Engineered Wood Flooring Vs Hardwood Laminate Costs in Singapore

Choosing flooring for your home in Singapore is a significant decision, impacting both the aesthetics and the functionality of your living space. Two popular options often considered are engineered wood flooring and hardwood laminate. Both offer a range of benefits, but they differ in their construction, durability, maintenance requirements, and, most importantly, cost. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide for understanding the cost differences between engineered wood flooring and hardwood laminate in Singapore, helping you make an informed decision for your home.

Engineered Wood Flooring: Construction and Cost

Engineered wood flooring is composed of layers of wood, typically with a top layer of real hardwood veneer. This top layer is responsible for the flooring's visual appeal and durability. Below the veneer, multiple layers of plywood or other wood products are bonded together in a cross-grain pattern, providing stability and reducing warping. This construction makes engineered wood flooring less susceptible to moisture changes compared to solid hardwood.

The cost of engineered wood flooring varies significantly depending on the type of wood used, the thickness of the veneer layer, and the quality of the finish. In Singapore, engineered wood flooring prices generally range from SGD 10 to SGD 35 per square foot, depending on the factors mentioned above.

Hardwood Laminate Flooring: Construction and Cost

Hardwood laminate flooring, often referred to as "laminate flooring," is not made of real wood. Instead, it consists of multiple layers, including a high-density fiberboard core, a decorative layer with a photographic image of wood, and a wear layer that provides durability and protection. The decorative layer is covered with a clear protective layer, usually melamine or acrylic, for added resilience.

Hardwood laminate flooring is generally more affordable than engineered wood flooring. Prices in Singapore typically range from SGD 5 to SGD 15 per square foot, depending on factors such as the manufacturer, design, and thickness.

Key Cost Factors to Consider

Several factors influence the overall cost of flooring beyond the initial price per square foot. Understanding these factors will help you make more informed decisions about your budget:

1. Installation Costs:

Both engineered wood flooring and hardwood laminate flooring require professional installation, which adds to the overall cost. Installation fees are usually calculated based on the flooring area and the complexity of the project, with prices ranging from SGD 6 to SGD 15 per square foot.

2. Underlayment:

Underlayment is a crucial component of flooring installation, providing cushioning, sound insulation, and moisture protection. For both engineered wood and hardwood laminate flooring, underlayment costs can range from SGD 2 to SGD 5 per square foot.

3. Additional Costs:

Additional costs may include:

Skirting boards: For a seamless finish, skirting boards need to be installed around the perimeter of the room.
Transition strips: Transitions between different flooring types, such as carpet or tile.
Door trim: Adjusting door trim or replacing them to accommodate the new flooring.

Conclusion

Both engineered wood flooring and hardwood laminate flooring offer unique advantages and drawbacks. Choosing the right flooring type requires careful consideration of factors such as budget, lifestyle, and desired aesthetics. It's essential to factor in installation costs, underlayment, and other secondary expenses when budgeting for your flooring project in Singapore.