Engineered hardwood floors are a popular alternative to solid hardwood due to their durability, resistance to moisture, and versatility in installation. But as with any wood flooring, they don’t last forever. Over time, engineered floors can show signs of wear, scratches, fading, or dullness. So the question many homeowners ask is: Can engineered hardwood floors be refinished?
The short answer is: Yes, some engineered hardwood floors can be refinished using a floor sanding contractors but it depends on the specific product and how it’s made.
What Is Engineered Hardwood?
Engineered hardwood consists of a thin layer of real hardwood (called the veneer or wear layer) on top of a base of high-density fiberboard or multiple layers of plywood. This layered construction makes engineered wood more dimensionally stable than solid hardwood, meaning it’s less likely to expand or contract with changes in humidity.
The thickness of the top veneer is what determines whether—and how many times—your engineered floor can be sanded and refinished.
How to Know If Your Engineered Floors Can Be Refinished
- Check the Wear Layer Thickness
The most important factor is the thickness of the top hardwood layer. Here’s a general guideline:
- Less than 1.5 mm (about 1/16 inch) – Too thin to refinish. These are typically entry-level engineered floors and may not handle sanding without damaging the core.
- 2–3 mm (1/16–1/8 inch) – May be refinished once, with light sanding only. Great care is needed to avoid sanding through the veneer.
- 4 mm or more (3/16 inch and up) – Can be refinished 1–3 times. These are premium engineered floors with a wear layer comparable to solid hardwood.
Always refer to the manufacturer’s specifications or consult a flooring professional before attempting to refinish your engineered wood.
- Condition of the Floor
Even if your floor has a thick enough wear layer, it also needs to be in decent structural condition to be refinished. Floors that are buckling, separating, or suffering from water damage may not be good candidates for sanding and refinishing.
The Refinishing Process for Engineered Floors
If your engineered wood qualifies, the refinishing process is similar to that for solid hardwood, but with some limitations:
- Light Sanding: To preserve the thin veneer, a flooring professional will likely use a light screening or buffing process rather than deep sanding. This removes surface scratches and dullness without removing too much wood.
- Staining (Optional): Depending on the thickness of the veneer, you may or may not be able to change the color of your floor. A very thin wear layer won’t tolerate aggressive sanding, which is required for deep stain absorption.
- Sealing/Coating: A new finish—usually polyurethane—is applied to protect the wood and restore shine.
Keep in mind: dustless sanding is highly recommended for engineered floors to avoid accidental over-sanding.
Alternatives to Refinishing
If your engineered floors can’t be sanded due to a thin veneer or heavy damage, you still have options:
- Screen and Recoat: This involves light abrasion of the surface without sanding down to the raw wood, followed by a fresh coat of polyurethane. It’s ideal for light surface wear.
- Replace Damaged Boards: If only a few planks are worn or damaged, individual boards can often be replaced.
- Install New Flooring Over Top: In some cases, engineered wood can serve as a base for new flooring, depending on thickness and subfloor condition.
Yes, you can refinish engineered hardwood floors—but only if they have a thick enough wear layer. Thinner floors should only be lightly screened or recoated. Always consult with a professional before sanding, as a mistake can permanently damage the floor. With proper care and the right refinishing method, engineered wood can be revitalized, extending its life and restoring its beauty for years to come.