Laminate vs Hardwood Flooring Cost: Side-by-Side Comparison
Laminate is cheaper. Installed, laminate runs $3.39 to $7.39 per sq ft, engineered hardwood $6.96 to $11.69 and solid hardwood $8.39 to $12.02, on Floor & Decor shelf prices and Home Depot's published labour, checked 30 October 2026. For 500 sq ft that is $1,695 to $3,695 for laminate against $3,480 to $5,845 for engineered and $4,195 to $6,010 for solid. Pay the difference for a floor you can sand and refinish.
Updated 30 October 2026. How we priced this.
Laminate vs Hardwood Cost for Your Floor
| Floor | Cheapest | Typical | Dearest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $1,695 | $2,040 to $3,145mid-range tier | $3,695 |
| Engineered hardwood | $3,480 | $4,470median plank | $5,845 |
| Solid hardwood | $4,195 | $5,020median plank | $6,010 |
500 sq ft. Planks x 1.10 for waste plus Home Depot's published labour; underlayment where the plank needs it. No removal, trim, stairs or subfloor work.
Where the Difference Comes From
| Per sq ft | Laminate | Engineered hardwood | Solid hardwood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planks (shelf price) | $0.99 to $3.99 | $2.69 to $6.99 | $3.99 to $7.29 |
| Underlayment | Budget planks need it; mid and premium have a pad | $0.50 | None in Home Depot's breakdown |
| Labour (Home Depot cost guides) | $2.00 to $3.00 | $3.50 | $4.00 |
| Installed | $3.39 to $7.39 | $6.96 to $11.69 | $8.39 to $12.02 |
| Installed, median plank | See the tiers on materials cost | $8.94 | $10.04 |
Labour is part of the gap: Home Depot's figure for solid wood, $4.00 per sq ft, is above the top of its $2.00 to $3.00 laminate range. Most of the rest is the plank. The cheapest engineered plank sits below the dearest laminate, so a premium laminate quote and a budget engineered quote can come out close.
Laminate vs Hardwood: Worked Totals
| Floor | Laminate installed | Engineered installed | Solid installed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 144 sq ft | $488 to $1,064 | $1,002 to $1,683 | $1,208 to $1,731 |
| 320 sq ft | $1,084 to $2,364 | $2,227 to $3,740 | $2,684 to $3,846 |
| 500 sq ft | $1,695 to $3,695 | $3,480 to $5,845 | $4,195 to $6,010 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $3,389 to $7,389 | $6,959 to $11,689 | $8,389 to $12,019 |
144 sq ft is a 12x12 bedroom. Low ends: cheapest planks (laminate at the low labour rate); high ends: dearest planks (laminate at the high labour rate). Old-floor removal, stairs and subfloor repair are extra for all three; see old floor removal cost.
Which to Choose
| Situation | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest installed cost | Laminate | Cheapest planks and the lowest published labour of the three |
| You want to sand and refinish later | Solid hardwood | Laminate cannot be sanded; engineered only if its wood layer is thick enough |
| Real wood on a tighter budget | Engineered hardwood | Lower shelf prices and lower Home Depot labour than solid |
| Kitchen, laundry, basement | Laminate or engineered sold as waterproof, or LVP | Floor & Decor sells waterproof engineered (Sheyenne White Oak, $2.99) and waterproof laminate; read the water warranty. See laminate vs LVP |
| DIY install | Laminate | Click-lock planks float over underlayment; see DIY vs professional |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Laminate | Engineered hardwood | Solid hardwood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface | Printed image under a clear wear layer on fibreboard | A layer of real wood over a plywood or composite core | Real wood all the way through |
| Wear rating | AC rating; see AC ratings | Wood species and finish; wear layer thickness | Wood species and finish |
| Sand and refinish | No | Depends on the wear layer | Yes |
| Water | Varies by line, from no protection to sold as waterproof | Varies; some lines sold as waterproof | None of the solid planks we priced is sold as waterproof |
Common Questions
Is laminate cheaper than hardwood?
Yes. Installed, laminate runs $3.39 to $7.39 per sq ft, engineered hardwood $6.96 to $11.69 and solid hardwood $8.39 to $12.02, on Floor & Decor and Home Depot shelf prices and Home Depot's published labour (hardwood read 30 October 2026). For 500 sq ft that is $1,695 to $3,695 for laminate against $3,480 to $5,845 for engineered and $4,195 to $6,010 for solid.
How much does hardwood installation cost per square foot at Home Depot?
Home Depot's hardwood cost guide gives single averages: installation $4.00 per sq ft for solid wood and $3.50 for engineered, with average totals of $7.80 (solid) and $6.40 (engineered) including materials. Its laminate guide puts laminate installation at $2.00 to $3.00.
Is engineered hardwood cheaper than solid hardwood?
On the shelf, usually. Floor & Decor's engineered hardwood ran $2.69 to $6.99 per sq ft (median $4.49) against $3.99 to $7.29 for solid (median $5.49) on 30 October 2026, and Home Depot's installation figure is lower for engineered. The ranges overlap, so compare the planks you are actually quoted.
Can laminate be refinished like hardwood?
No. Laminate's surface is a printed image under a clear wear layer, so it cannot be sanded; a worn or damaged plank is replaced. Solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished. Engineered hardwood can be sanded only if its top layer of real wood is thick enough, so check the wear layer on the product page before counting on it.