Is Engineered Hardwood Floor Refinishing Possible?

Professional floorers always get one question – can you refinish engineered hardwood floors?

Yes, you can. But is it that simple? Quite not. It involves multiple things you must know. So, read this blog before you hire a professional floorer.

What are Engineered Hardwood Floors?

Do you know what an engineered hardwood floor is? Many misunderstand it as devoid of natural wood because it uses the word engineered. However, engineered hardwood comprises two primary layers.

The top layer is the surface you first lay your eyes on. It is a thin natural wood veneer available in various wood species. The layer below is plywood-lie, comprising several layers in opposite directions. It strengthens the planks and keeps them from cupping or warping.

Can You Refinish Engineered Hardwood Floors?

You can, but you cannot refinish every engineered hardwood. It depends on the top layer’s thickness.

Engineered hardwood usually has a wear layer thickness of 3mm to 7mm. If you sand it, you will lose about 1mm. So, every time you refinish engineered hardwood, the process will reduce its thickness.

For instance, a 3mm wear layer thickness can get two refinishes, 4mm = 3 refinishes, 5mm = 4 refinishes, and 6mm = 5 refinishes. Do not sand off the remaining 1mm of the wear layer’s thickness. So, you can only refinish one time less than the thickness.

Most contractors extensively providing engineered hardwood floor installation services will ask you to get at least a 2mm top coat. Most engineered hardwood planks have enough thickness to receive a few refinishes in their lifespan.

Sanding Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Did you know that you will lose the special texture or finish if you refinish your floor? It might have a wire brushing, hand-scraping, or natural oil finish. The first refinish will wilt away these textures.

What does sanding engineered floors do? It involves sanding the top layer of the hardwood and buffing out dents and scratches. It also enables changing colors and finishing the floor.

So, what should you consider when refinishing engineered hardwood floors?

Another crucial element is the bevel or micro bevel between the planks. Nearly all prefinished flooring plans have these around their edges. Their purpose is to conceal uneven heights from one plank to another.

Depending on the bevel’s depth, sanding the floor will reduce or remove it entirely. You may or may not like it. It is a matter of preference.

For example, some like a smooth-looking floor, while others like a grooved look. Those who want their engineered floor to resemble solid hardwood do not need the bevel.

What Makes Engineered Hardwood Popular?

Now that we have covered the primary element, let us look at the advantages of engineered hardwood. The biggest factor is its eco-friendliness and realistic wood-like look. But there’s more.

Style: Wooden flooring is trending. While it has always been popular, many homeowners choose it because it looks and feels like solid hardwood.

Uniqueness: Every engineered hardwood plank is unique. Since it uses real wood veneer, it does not repeat a pattern or texture.

Moisture Resistance: Engineered hardwood can be highly moisture resistant depending on your flooring core. Your floor can be moisture resistant or even fully waterproof.

DIY-Friendliness: The design makes engineered hardwood floors suitable for DIY installation. Its interlocking features facilitate easy installation.

Anywhere Installation: Its high moisture resistance makes it perfect for moisture-prone areas like laundry rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and even basements.

What is the Janka Hardness Test?

It is a specialized test to determine the hardness of wood. It helps determine the wood’s durability.

It measures the force a steel ball requires to embed itself into a sample piece. It discerns if the wood is suitable for flooring by rating it. You must have understood the concept. The more force the steel ball needs to embed into the sample piece, the more durable the wood’s surface is against pressure and impact.
Final Words

The average lifespan of engineered wood flooring is between 20 and 80 years. Its lifespan depends on the surface layers and your maintenance level.

If you want a hardwood floor refinishing in Los Angeles, consider all the factors you read here and consult a professional floorer to understand and make informed decisions.