Engineered floors, developed in the 1960s, should not be confused with laminate flooring. Laminate flooring is essentially a photograph of wood that has been glued with resins onto fiber board. Some laminate flooring actually has the texture of real wood grain which has been embossed into it. Laminate flooring is of the lowest quality and poorest durability of any type of wood floor on the market. Once the top laminate or photo layer has been scuffed or worn down the floor needs to be replaced.
Engineered flooring is actually a reclaimed hardwood veneer of finished wood glued onto multiple layers of wood. This plywood flooring comes in many finishes, wood species, and thickness. Surprisingly, engineered wood has been proven to be more versatile and durable than traditional hard wood. The finish of most engineered wood will actually outlast the finish that has been applied in home on traditional solid wood.