Sanding and Refinishing Engineered Wood Floors

Have you ever found yourself admiring the beauty of hardwood floors but apprehensive about maintaining them? Engineered wood floors combine the aesthetic charm of traditional hardwood with improved durability and versatility, making them a popular choice for many homeowners. However, like all flooring surfaces, they require proper care and occasional refinishing to keep them looking their best.

Here at Weknowflooring, we’ve been helping commercial businesses and organisations across the South East and London in sanding existing wood floors and floor maintenance, giving them a new lease on life.

Sanding Process

When it comes to refining your engineered wood floors, the sanding process is a crucial step. Unlike solid hardwood floors, engineered floors feature a wear layer of solid wood atop layers of plywood. This specific structure requires a delicate approach during the sanding process to avoid damaging the veneer. It is a popular choice for those looking to evoke the same aesthetic as solid wood flooring without the same level of investment, and fortunately, it's possible to sand engineered floors to remove scratches and refresh the top layer which we have expertise in.

Correct Sanding Equipment

We choose the correct equipment for successfully sanding engineered hardwood floors. We use orbital sanders as it is less aggressive than a drum sander and can be better suited for thick, solid wood floors. The orbital motion of the sander works with the wood grain, thus reducing the risk of unwanted cross-grain scratches and eliminating the chance of gouging the newer, thinner engineered woods.

For large open areas, we use a floor sander as it is more effective, but always ensure that it is appropriate for engineered floors. We then use an orbital sander with various attachments to reach into the corners and along the edges where larger equipment can't easily manoeuvre.

With engineered hardwood floors with thicker wear layers, light sanding might be achievable more than once throughout the floor's lifespan. However, for floors with thinner veneers, it's imperative to proceed with caution to avoid sanding through to the plywood beneath.

To sum up, with the right techniques, sandpaper grits, attention to detail, and equipment, we successfully sand engineered wood floors, leaving them looking refreshed and extending their lifespan.

Selecting the Appropriate Finish

Choosing the right type of finish for engineered wood floors is essential to achieve the desired aesthetic and functional outcome. Solid wood flooring typically offers more finish options, but engineered floors can be more sensitive due to the construction and the thickness of the wood layer.

For engineered hardwood floors, water-based polyurethanes are a popular choice because they emit fewer fumes, dry quickly, and don't yellow over time. Oil-based polyurethanes, on the other hand, may bring out a richer hue, thus deepening the colour of the wood grains.

When it comes to choosing the sheen, there are several options ranging from matte to glossy. A high-gloss finish can give the floor a shiny look, whereas a matte finish will provide a more subdued, contemporary feel.

Options for Oil, Wax, and Protective Coatings

Aside from polyurethane, there are other finishes we consider for engineered wood floors that can influence the overall look and maintenance level of the floor.

• Oil Finishes: Natural oil finishes penetrate deeply into the wood, enhancing its natural colour and providing a more organic look. The oil strengthens the wood from within, but maintenance might involve periodic re-oiling.

• Wax Finishes: Wax is one of the oldest finishing methods and offers a natural, soft sheen. It's not as durable as modern finishes and requires more frequent touch-ups.

• Lacquer: Offers a hard and durable surface with varying degrees of shine. Lacquered floors can be quite resilient but may require professional reapplication when it's time for a touch-up.

• Aluminium Oxide: A factory-applied coating that’s incredibly wear-resistant and increases the longevity of the floor. It is not, however, something that can be applied onsite.

Choosing the correct finishing product is critical, not just for appearance, but also for the durability and longevity of engineered wood floors. The refinishing process, when done correctly, can potentially eliminate or minimise issues such as water damage, and general wear, providing a fresh and revitalized look while extending the life of your flooring.

When selecting a finish, we also consider the levels of traffic and the amount of wear and tear the floor regularly experiences.

Making your Decision

In conclusion, while engineered wood floors can be sanded, the number of possible sanding sessions is limited and requires careful consideration. For minor dings and scratches, alternatives such as using wood filler or wood stain that matches the wood grain can be effective solutions without the need for a full sanding. If you’re looking for more information about sanding and refinishing the engineered wood floor for your business or premises, feel free to contact our friendly team.

Start your consultation today by contacting one of our friendly team - info@weknowflooring.co.uk.

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