Engineered wood flooring is a perfect option for people looking to enjoy the warmth and elegance of wood flooring without the stress that comes with solid hardwood. Although there are many advantages of engineered wood floors, they still require a few maintenance practices from time to time to keep them in their best condition and extend their lifespan. One of these maintenance tasks is refinishing.
Refinishing is a popular practice in properties with wood flooring. It means giving your floor a much-needed facelift that involves a few steps. To refinish your engineered wood floor, remove the existing finish, sand the wood to remove any scratches (dents) and apply a fresh varnish.
You can refinish your engineered wood floors two or three times to extend their life. We wouldn’t recommend any more times than this. It is also cheaper and eco-friendlier than a full replacement. However, there are a few things you need to know before refinishing your floors to ensure you aren’t doing it wrong.
5 Important Factors to Consider Before Refinishing Engineered Wood Floors
The Thickness of the Lamella
The first thing you need to consider before refinishing engineered wood flooring is the thickness of the lamella. Before we get any further, it is essential to know what is engineered wood flooring made of and how the composition affects the refinishing process.
It consists of several layers of plywood stacked and glued together to form a strong inner core. It is then topped with an outer layer (lamella) of solid hardwood veneer. This top layer provides a surface that can be sanded during refinishing.
The thickness of the lamella varies from one type of engineered wood floor to the other. The most common lamella thicknesses are 3/16″ and 1/8″ and can be refinished 3 or 2 times, respectively. In simpler terms, thick layers of veneer can withstand more sanding and refinishing cycles than thinner ones.
Previous Refinishing
It is also essential to consider how often your floors have been refinished before refinishing them again. But why is this important?
As mentioned above, engineered wood floors have a thin outer layer, which provides the surface for sanding and refinishing. Every time they are refinished, this lamella reduces in thickness, potentially compromising the floor’s structure and lifespan.
By evaluating previous refinishing history, you can determine the number of times they have undergone the process. If the floors have been refinished multiple times, there is a high chance it has reached the recommended limit, and refinishing it one more time can damage the floors for good. In such a case, it might be time to replace them.
The Current Condition of the Floor
Another important factor to consider before refinishing engineered wood flooring is the current condition of the floors. But why is this step important?
The most important part about assessing their condition of them is to determine the extent of the damage so that you can decide the next course of action. Some of the things you should be looking for in this stage include scratches, stains, wear and the floor’s structural integrity.
If the floor has light scratches and wear on the surface, you can easily fix them during the refinishing process. However, it might be better to replace than refinish if there is extensive wear, deep gouges or damage to the floor’s structure.
Refinishing is also perfect for getting rid of stains and discolouration. However, deep cleaning can sometimes help restore your floor without the need for expensive refinishing. Here are a few tips on how to clean engineered wood floors.
Manufacturer’s Recommendations
Besides the condition of the floor, it is essential to consider the manufacturer’s recommendations before refinishing your floors. Engineered wood flooring often comes with warranties, which typically specify the conditions, limitations and guidelines for maintaining your floors. Following the manufacturer’s recommendations is essential to avoid voiding the warranty.
Another reason you should follow the manufacturer’s recommendation is to avoid damaging your floors. Since they are the ones that manufacture the planks, these manufacturers understand the composition of engineered wood flooring and the most appropriate approach to refinishing them without causing more harm than good. Following their guidelines ensures you avoid mishaps that could lead to decreased lifespan, diminished appearance and damaged floor.
Using a Professional
Another important thing to consider before refinishing your floors is hiring a professional. But why should you hire the services of a professional?
A professional who specialises in refinishing engineered wood floors will have extensive knowledge and experience in the field. They understand the ins and outs of refinishing and any potential challenges that may arise during their job. Additionally, they know how to properly prepare the floor and select appropriate products to complete the task successfully.
With the help of an expert, you can relax and let them relieve some pressure off your back. They will assess the floor’s condition and determine the best course of action for restoring it to its former glory. The most important part is that you will have peace of mind knowing there are relatively low chances of something going wrong.
Why Choose Engineered Wood Flooring?
With all the refinishing specifications it requires, you might be wondering why people choose engineered wood floors. Well, the flooring option offers many benefits, including durability, ease of cleaning and a wider variety of options. So what are the different types of engineered wood flooring options available?
Plenty of engineered wood flooring exists, including long plank wood flooring, chevron flooring and herringbone flooring. All these designs have a unique aesthetic appeal that you can’t find in any other flooring option.
You can also refinish them multiple times in their lifetime, which helps keep them in good condition and increase their lifespan. However, you need the help of an expert to ensure a smooth refinishing process.
Visit Our Showroom Today
Are you looking for top-quality flooring in Ireland? If yes, look no further than Wood Flooring Ireland. We offer a comprehensive range of engineered wood flooring. You can visit our showroom in Cork today or if it’s easier fill out a contact form to discuss your project. Alternatively, you can call us at 021 4629913.