Is engineered hardwood or laminate better for a New Brunswick home?

Engineered hardwood is generally the better long-term choice for New Brunswick homes, offering real wood beauty with better moisture stability than solid hardwood, though laminate can be practical for budget-conscious renovations or high-traffic areas.

Moisture Performance in NB's Climate
New Brunswick's freeze-thaw cycles, coastal humidity, and spring flooding risks make moisture stability crucial. Engineered hardwood handles seasonal humidity changes much better than solid hardwood because its plywood core resists expansion and contraction. The real wood veneer still responds to moisture, but far less dramatically. Laminate is completely waterproof at the surface but vulnerable at seams and edges — any water penetration can cause permanent swelling and bubbling.

In older NB homes (especially 1970s-1990s builds common in Riverview, Quispamsis, and suburban Moncton), basement moisture issues are widespread due to clay soils and high water tables. For below-grade installations, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) often outperforms both options, being 100% waterproof throughout.

Durability and Refinishing
Engineered hardwood with a 4mm+ wear layer can be sanded and refinished 2-3 times over its lifespan, making it a true long-term investment. Quality engineered floors last 25-40 years with proper care. Laminate cannot be refinished — once worn or damaged, it requires full replacement. However, modern laminate is surprisingly durable for families with pets or heavy foot traffic.

Cost Considerations for NB Market
Laminate runs $3-8 per square foot installed, while engineered hardwood typically costs $8-15 per square foot in New Brunswick — reflecting our province's lower construction costs compared to Toronto or Vancouver. For a 1,000 sq ft main floor, you're looking at $3,000-8,000 for laminate versus $8,000-15,000 for engineered hardwood.

Installation in Heritage and Older Homes
Many NB homes built before 1950 (common in Saint John's Uptown, Fredericton's downtown, or rural Loyalist-era properties) have uneven subfloors that require extensive prep work. Laminate's click-lock system can bridge minor imperfections better than engineered hardwood, which may require professional subfloor leveling — adding $2-4 per square foot to the project cost.

Practical Next Step
Measure your space and get samples of both materials to test in your home's lighting. Check your basement for any moisture issues first — if you see efflorescence, musty odors, or past water damage, address those problems before installing any flooring. A moisture meter reading above 12% in your subfloor means you need professional moisture remediation before proceeding with either option.