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One of the biggest advantages of engineered wood flooring is being able to refinish your floors to last longer. Your wood will likely already come with a protective finish, but this can be replaced every few years to maintain its timeless look.
If you’re planning on getting your engineered wood refinished, our guide will help you through every step of the process, and teach you all you need to know about the details of refinishing.
Can you refinish engineered wood floors?
Engineered wood floors are made by combining layers of plywood or fibreboard, and applying a protective layer of veneer. This veneer means that your floors can only be refinished a certain number of times before the layer runs out.
Floors with thicker veneers can be refinished more than types with thinner layers, so be sure to talk to a professional about how often you’ll be able to refinish your engineered wood flooring.
Why does engineered wood need refinishing?
Over time, engineered wood can lose its original look, and years of use can build up damage to your floors. Refinishing can restore your engineered wood flooring’s planks to their original shape, give their original look back, and leave your floors feeling fresher than ever.
Despite their durable nature, engineered wood floors won’t last forever. Regular refinishing every few years can extend the lifespan of your flooring and decreases the risk of major damage, letting you enjoy your engineered wood for as long as possible with no replacement needed.
What refinishing options are available?
Engineered wood floors are available in a range of finishes. Here are some of the most popular options available to you:
Oiled
With oiled engineered wood, a specialist oil is applied to the veneer and allowed to drip through the layers. This finish offers quality protection and allows you to sand down and re-oil individual areas rather than refinishing your whole floor
Lacquered
Lacquered wood has a shiny, gloss finish that makes for an eye-catching addition to your flooring. Rather than soaking through your wood, a lacquer is only applied to the top layer of your floors. This finish is resistant to scratches and scuffs from everyday foot traffic, but only your surface will be protected rather than the layers beneath.
Brushed
Brushed finishes are a great way to give your planks an authentic, timeless look. This finish is achieved by brushing back the top layer of your wood to reveal the deeper grains of your flooring, giving it a distinct natural texture.
Can I refinish my engineered wood myself?
While it’s possible to apply a new finish to your engineered wood flooring yourself, the process can be a tricky one, and it takes a fair amount of DIY experience to know how to get the job done.
We recommend using a professional service to avoid any mistakes that may lead to future damage or issues when using your flooring. However, if you’re a confident DIYer, than power to you – here’s everything you need to know!
How to refinish your engineered wood flooring
If you’re going to take on the challenge of refinishing engineered wood floors yourself, you’ll need to be prepared. Make sure you have the following before you start:
- Safety gear (mask, goggles, gloves, etc.)
- Vacuum or broom
- Mop
- Paintbrush or paint roller
- Sandpaper or orbital sander
- Mild wood cleaner
- Wood flooring finish
- Polyurethane finish
1. Clean the area being refinished
Since your floors cover your whole room, you’ll need to remove everything from the space you’re planning to refinish before you begin. Take your furniture and belongings out of the room, and take measures to make sure dust won’t escape into your other rooms.
You should also make sure your floors are clean before carrying out any work. Sweep up any dirt or debris in advance, and give your floors a good mop. Remember that engineered wood flooring is prone to water stains, so rinse your mop regularly and use a mild cleaner to avoid soaking your floors for an extended period of time.
2. Sand your floors
Sanding your engineered wood flooring will help remove any of your old finish before applying a new layer, ensuring you get an even coat across your whole floor. It’s important to sand the right amount, as too much will damage the deeper layers of your wood, and too little will leave old finish behind.
Typically, you’ll want to sand around 1mm off your floor. Be sure to sand evenly across the entire room to avoid bumps in your surfaces. This is most easily done with an orbital sander, but sandpaper is also usable if you have the patience.
Be sure to wear appropriate safety gear while you sand your wood.
3. Apply a finish
You should have chosen which new finish you’d like to apply to your wood by now. Once your floors have been sanded appropriately, use a paintbrush or roller to evenly add a layer of finish.
Ideally, you’ll want to let your new finish dry, then add a second layer to strengthen its effects. This makes your floors more resistant to different types of damage.
4. Wait for your finish to dry
It will take several hours for your engineered wood flooring to become suitable for use again after a new finish has been applied. Typically, it will take around 48 hours for your finish to dry, so avoid using your room in this time.
How to stain engineered wood
You can stain engineered wood during your refinishing process by applying it before your chosen finish. This gives your wood panels a deeper colour and makes their grain look more appealing.
Apply your stain to a small, inconspicuous area of your flooring before you commit to using it on the whole room, to test the colour. Then, apply the stain using a brush or cloth, making sure to follow the direction of the wood grain. Wipe off any extra stain, then allow it to dry before applying your chosen finish.
Refinishing your engineered wood flooring can extend its lifespan, helping you maintain its original look. While a professional should always be your first port of call, you can renew your wooden floors yourself by sanding your existing finish and applying a new, even layer.
If you’re looking to buy new engineered wood floors for your home, Flooring King has you covered. Our range features the biggest brands in the industry, with a range of thicknesses and styles on offer. Give your room a timeless look with engineered wood planks, or make a bold statement with a herringbone design. However you style your home, our experts can help you get the best flooring for your preferences and needs.
