Introduction
Refinishing engineered hardwood floors is an important process that can restore the beauty of your floors and extend their lifespan. Hardwood floors are a popular choice for homeowners because of their durability, timeless appeal, and easy maintenance. However, over time, even the most well-maintained hardwood floors can become dull, scratched, or damaged. Refinishing your engineered hardwood floors can bring them back to life and make them look like new again.
What is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?
Engineered hardwood flooring is a type of flooring that is made up of multiple layers of wood veneer that are glued together to create a strong and stable core. The top layer of the flooring is made from real hardwood, which gives it the same look and feel as solid hardwood flooring. However, engineered hardwood flooring is more resistant to moisture and temperature changes than solid hardwood flooring.
One of the main differences between engineered hardwood flooring and solid hardwood flooring is that engineered hardwood can be installed over concrete or in basements without the need for a subfloor. Solid hardwood flooring requires a subfloor to be installed first, which can add to the cost and time of installation.
Benefits of Refinishing Engineered Hardwood Floors
Refinishing your engineered hardwood floors has many benefits, including restoring the floor’s original beauty, extending its lifespan, and increasing the value of your home.
Restores the floor’s original beauty: Over time, hardwood floors can become dull or scratched due to foot traffic, pets, or furniture moving across them. Refinishing your floors can remove these imperfections and restore their original shine and beauty.
Extends the lifespan of the floor: Refinishing your floors can also help extend their lifespan by removing any surface damage or wear and tear. This can prevent further damage from occurring and help your floors last for many years to come.
Increases the value of the home: Refinished hardwood floors can add value to your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers. Hardwood floors are a popular feature in homes, and having them refinished can make your home stand out from others on the market.
Preparing the Floor for Refinishing
Before you can refinish your engineered hardwood floors, you need to prepare the floor by cleaning it, removing furniture and rugs, and repairing any damages.
Cleaning the floor: Start by sweeping or vacuuming the floor to remove any dirt or debris. Then, use a hardwood floor cleaner to remove any stains or buildup on the surface of the floor.
Removing furniture and rugs: Remove all furniture and rugs from the room so that you have a clear space to work in. This will also prevent any damage to your furniture or rugs during the refinishing process.
Repairing any damages: If there are any scratches, dents, or other damages to your floors, you will need to repair them before refinishing. Use wood filler to fill in any gaps or holes, and sand down any rough spots until they are smooth.
Sanding the Floor
Sanding is an important step in refinishing your engineered hardwood floors because it removes the old finish and prepares the surface for a new one.
Importance of sanding: Sanding removes any scratches, dents, or other imperfections on the surface of the floor. It also creates a smooth surface for the new finish to adhere to.
Types of sandpaper to use: Start with a coarse grit sandpaper (such as 36 grit) and work your way up to a finer grit (such as 120 grit). This will ensure that you remove all of the old finish without damaging the wood.
How to sand the floor: Use a drum sander or orbital sander to sand the floor. Start at one end of the room and work your way across in a straight line. Be sure to overlap each pass slightly to ensure that you cover the entire surface of the floor.
Applying the Finish
Once you have sanded the floor, it’s time to apply the finish. There are several types of finishes available, including oil-based, water-based, and polyurethane.
Types of finishes available: Oil-based finishes are durable and provide a warm, amber color to the wood. Water-based finishes are clear and dry quickly, but may require more coats to achieve the desired look. Polyurethane finishes are very durable and come in both oil-based and water-based options.
How to apply the finish: Use a brush or roller to apply the finish in thin, even coats. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time and curing time between coats.
Drying time and curing time: Drying time refers to how long it takes for the finish to dry to the touch. Curing time refers to how long it takes for the finish to fully harden and become durable. Be sure to allow enough time for both drying and curing before walking on or moving furniture back onto the floor.
Caring for Refinished Engineered Hardwood Floors
After your floors have been refinished, it’s important to take care of them properly to ensure that they last for many years.
Regular cleaning and maintenance: Sweep or vacuum your floors regularly to remove dirt and debris. Use a hardwood floor cleaner as needed to remove any stains or buildup on the surface of the floor.
Avoiding scratches and dents: Place felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches and dents on your floors. Avoid wearing high heels or shoes with cleats on your floors, as these can also cause damage.
Using the right cleaning products: Use a hardwood floor cleaner that is specifically designed for engineered hardwood floors. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the surface of your floors.
Cost of Refinishing Engineered Hardwood Floors
The cost of refinishing your engineered hardwood floors will depend on several factors, including the size of the room, the condition of the floors, and the type of finish you choose.
Factors that affect the cost: The size of the room, the condition of the floors, and any repairs that need to be made will all affect the cost of refinishing your floors. The type of finish you choose will also affect the cost.
Average cost range: The average cost to refinish engineered hardwood floors is between $3 and $5 per square foot. However, this can vary depending on the factors mentioned above.
DIY Refinishing vs. Professional Refinishing
You can choose to refinish your engineered hardwood floors yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. There are pros and cons to both options.
Pros and cons of DIY refinishing: DIY refinishing can save you money and give you a sense of accomplishment. However, it can also be time-consuming and may not produce professional-quality results.
Pros and cons of professional refinishing: Professional refinishing can produce high-quality results in a shorter amount of time. However, it can be more expensive than DIY refinishing.
Which option is best for you? If you have experience with DIY projects and feel confident in your ability to refinish your floors, then DIY may be a good option for you. If you want professional-quality results or don’t have experience with DIY projects, then hiring a professional may be a better choice.
Alternatives to Refinishing Engineered Hardwood Floors
If you don’t want to go through the process of refinishing your engineered hardwood floors, there are alternatives that can help restore their beauty.
Adding a new layer of finish: If your floors are in good condition but just need a little sprucing up, adding a new layer of finish may be all that’s needed. This can be done without sanding or removing the old finish.
Using a floor cleaner and restorer: Floor cleaners and restorers can help remove stains and buildup on the surface of your floors, restoring their shine and beauty.
Covering the floor with a rug or carpet: If your floors are beyond repair or you just don’t want to deal with refinishing them, covering them with a rug or carpet is an easy alternative.
Conclusion
Refinishing your engineered hardwood floors is an important process that can restore their beauty, extend their lifespan, and increase the value of your home. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can refinish your floors yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. If you don’t want to go through the process of refinishing your floors, there are alternatives that can help restore their beauty. Whatever option you choose, taking care of your engineered hardwood floors properly will ensure that they last for many years to come.
