“Can you refinish engineered hardwood floor?” is a common question among homeowners seeking to revitalize their living spaces.
Engineered hardwood offers both durability and aesthetic appeal, making it a popular choice for flooring.
Refinishing can be a transformative solution, preserving the beauty of your wood floors and adding longevity to your investment.
In this blog post we delve into this topic, exploring the process, benefits, and considerations involved in breathing new life into your engineered hardwood flooring.
What is engineered hardwood floor?
Engineered hardwood flooring is a versatile and innovative alternative to traditional solid hardwood.
Engineered hardwood is pretty cool because it’s made up of a solid hardwood layer on top and then a bunch of layers underneath for extra support.
Thus, it remains robust and less prone to damage caused by climate changes or humidity
So, if you’re thinking about giving your hardwood floor a new look, engineered wood is a great, easy-to-handle choice.
View this post on Instagram
Benefits of Hardwood Refinishing Service
Hardwood refinishing is like hitting the refresh button for your floors. It’s not just about fixing scratches; it’s about bringing back that original shine and giving your place a whole new vibe.
- Aesthetic appeal: Refinishing isn’t just a touch-up; it’s a glow-up. Worn-out floors get a second chance, and you can switch things up to match your dream home.
- Increase home value: Think of refinishing as an investment, not just in your floors, but in your home’s overall value. Shiny, well-kept floors are like a secret weapon when you’re looking to sell. Buyers love it, and it adds some serious cash value to your property.
- Cost-effective: Refinishing won’t cost as much as a hole in your pocket like a full-on replacement. It’s way more wallet-friendly, with costs ranging from $4 to $10 per square foot. Compare that to the hefty $10 to $20 per square foot you’d shell out for a complete overhaul.
- Health and Safety: Modern refinishing techniques prioritize indoor air quality by utilizing low VOC products. This not only minimizes exposure to harmful chemicals but also creates a healthier living environment.
So, if you’re ready to give your floors a makeover without breaking the bank, hardwood refinishing is your go-to move.
Considerations before refinishing engineered wood floor
Refinishing an engineered wood floor involves the process of sanding down the existing finish and applying a new one to restore its appearance and protect the wood.
While some engineered wood floors can indeed be refinished, several factors should be considered before embarking on this journey:
1 – Thickness of the wear layer
The main factor to take into account before refinishing an engineered wood floor is the thickness of the layer. See how many times you can refinish an engineered wood floor:
- 1mm or less: Not recommended for refinishing.
- 2mm: 1 refinish
- 4mm: 2 refinish
- 6mm: 3 refinishes.
- 8mm: 4 refinishes.
2. Current condition of the floor
A thorough evaluation of the current condition of the engineered hardwood floor is essential.
Deep scratches, stains, or extensive damage may indicate that refinishing is a viable solution.
However, if the wear layer is already significantly worn, it might limit the number of refinishing opportunities.
Understanding the floor’s present state guides decisions on whether refinishing is the appropriate course of action.
3. Eco-friendly products
When it comes to refinishing your engineered hardwood floor, prioritizing eco-friendly products is the way to go.
Opt for finishes and refinishing solutions with minimal Volatile Organic Compounds (VoC) emissions.
Not only does this choice contribute to a healthier indoor environment, but it also aligns with sustainable practices.
Water-based finishes are often recommended for their low VOC content and faster drying times. Ensuring compatibility helps achieve a smooth and durable finish that enhances the floor’s longevity.
4. Seeking Professional Service
Before delving into the task of refinishing engineered hardwood flooring, seeking the opinion of professional experts is strongly advisable.
Professionals can assess the wear layer thickness, evaluate the current condition of the floor, and recommend suitable refinishing options.
Opting for professional services not only streamlines the process but also guarantees that the final outcome meets your expectations, avoiding any unpleasant surprises.
How to refinish engineered wood floor?
Now, understand what the process of refinishing an engineered hardwood floor is like:
- Initial Examination and Cleaning: Identification of noticeable imperfections, followed by a comprehensive surface cleaning to eliminate dirt and any residual cleaning agents. Ensuring the floor is fully dry is crucial before advancing to subsequent steps.
- Sanding: A crucial step to remove the existing finish and expose the bare wood underneath. Employ a drum sander for larger areas and an edge sander for corners and edges.
- Vacuum and Wipe the Floor: Thoroughly removing sanding dust by vacuuming, complemented by wiping the floor with a damp, lint-free cloth or mop to eliminate any remaining particles.
- Staining: For those desiring a color change, this stage involves the application of stain. The process includes even application with a brush or cloth, following the wood grain, and wiping off any excess for the desired color intensity.
- Apply the Chosen Finish: Choosing a finish compatible with engineered hardwood and applying it evenly using a synthetic brush or lambswool applicator. The application should align with the wood grain for optimal results.
- Allow Sufficient Drying Time: Allowing the floor to dry completely before moving furniture or placing rugs is essential for the effectiveness and durability of the refinishing process.
Refinish or replace your engineered wood flooring?
Deciding whether to refinish or replace your engineered wood flooring is a crucial consideration for homeowners aiming to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of their living space.
View this post on Instagram
Find out the appropriate option for you:
Refinish:
- Minor surface scratches and wear: Refinishing is an excellent solution for addressing minor surface scratches and normal wear.
- Fading or discoloration: If your engineered wood has experienced fading or discoloration over time, refinishing allows for the application of a fresh finish, revitalizing the color and vibrancy.
- Superficial damage like small dents or dings: Refinishing can effectively address superficial damage such as small dents or dings.
- Desire for a different stain or finish: When the desire for a change in aesthetic is the primary motivation, refinishing allows for the application of a different stain or finish.
Replace:
- Significant water damage or warping: If your engineered wood flooring has experienced substantial water damage or warping, replacement becomes necessary to ensure structural integrity.
- Deep and widespread structural damage: When the structural integrity of the flooring is compromised due to deep and widespread damage, replacement is the more effective solution.
- Irreparable or extensive termite damage: Irreparable or extensive termite damage may necessitate the replacement of the affected flooring to prevent further deterioration.
- Severe cupping or buckling of the boards: Requires a replacement for a stable and level floor surface.
- Outdated or incompatible wood type: When the existing wood type is outdated or incompatible with your design vision, replacement allows for the installation of a more suitable wood species.
In summary, the decision to refinish or replace your engineered wood flooring depends on the specific issues at hand.
Get to know Eco Flooring’s Engineered wood Flooring
At Eco Flooring USA, we stand as the premier choice for engineered hardwood flooring refinishing in Metro Atlanta, Georgia, offering a distinctive blend of quality, sustainability, and personalized service.
Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our sustainable practices, ensuring that your flooring not only radiates beauty but also aligns with environmentally conscious values.
Choose Eco Flooring USA to transform your home!
