A lot of the homeowners we work with are interested in engineered wood floors, and for good reasons. These are easier to install and more affordable than real hardwood, making them a great option if you want to keep your remodeling project within a set budget.
However, when working with engineered wood floors, one common concern and question is ‘is engineered wood floor refinishing possible’?
In this article, we’re planning to answer this question once and for all. So let’s begin!
What Is Engineered Wood
As you probably know already, engineered hardwood floors are made of a core of plywood and a thin surface made of real wood.
The plywood core is what makes engineered hardwood flooring so stable and resistant to moisture – which is why it’s a great choice for homes in humid climates.
The thin surface layer of real wood is what gives engineered hardwood its beauty and natural texture.
Can Engineered Hardwood Floor Be Refinished?
This surface can be finished in a variety of ways, including staining, painting, or varnishing. The problem, however, is how many times you can do it.
To refinish a wood floor, you’ll need to sand down the old stain or sealant, and then apply the new finish. However, if you keep sanding down the wood surface of this material, you’ll eventually reach the plywood core.
When this happens, refinishing engineered hardwood floors won’t be possible anymore, and you’ll have to either replace the floor or keep it as it is. As a general rule of thumb, it’s safe to sand down and refinish engineered hardwood floors for about two to three times.
Here at Randy Stewart Hardwood Floors we’re one of the only flooring contractors members of the National Wood Floors Association. Rest assured, your hardwood floors are in safe hands with us!
What To Do When You Can't Refinish Engineered Hardwood Flooring Anymore?
The moment you reach the plywood core of the material, you’re left with two choices.
- Leave the floor as it is.
- Replace the floor.
None of these sound like the ideal option, but there’s not much else you can do to save the solid hardwood floors for another 10 years.
This is one of the main disadvantages of engineered hardwoods. Although the plywood core is strong and resistant to water damage, not all homeowners want the plywood to remain visible on their floor.
Our recommendation is to replace it. If you want the real thing, hardwoods that can be refinished plenty of times, there are plenty of options to choose from. If you want a floor that’s easier to maintain and clean, luxury vinyl plank flooring is a great alternative that’s becoming more and more popular.
What Is Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVPL) is a type of flooring that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is made of vinyl, which gives it a realistic wood-like appearance, and it is designed to look like real hardwood floors.
One of the benefits of LVPL is that it is waterproof, which makes it a great choice for homes with pets or children. It is also easy to clean and does not require any special care or maintenance.
Another benefit of luxury vinyl plank flooring is that it is affordable. It is a more affordable alternative to real hardwood floors, and it is also easier to install than traditional hardwood floors.
If you are interested in installing luxury vinyl plank flooring in your home, here at Randy Stewart Hardwood Floors we offer some of the best solutions for your home’s flooring. Check out our luxury vinyl plank installation service and get the best deal on your flooring project!
Check out our article ‘Engineered Hardwood vs Laminate Flooring: Which Is The Better Choice?‘ and discover the differences between engineered hardwood and laminate!
Engineered Floors Vs Luxury Vinyl Plank Floor
While both of these options are great for your home, each of them helps bring a different vibe to your abode.
- Engineered wood floors, for example, will look incredibly good in a home with a lot of other hardwood features. They give a traditional and comfortable feel to any home, but it must be matched accurately. On the other side, wood floors are susceptible to water damage, so they'll need constant attention and sealing.
- Luxury Vinyl Planks are marketed as water-proof, but they're not water-resistant. The difference between these is that water can still seep into a water-proof floor, get beneath it and damage the subfloor or the plank itself. A highly appreciated advantage of luxury vinyl planks is that these can resemble different species of wood, but without the downsides of maintenance and the need to be refinished.
In short, the decision is up to you. If you’re fine with refinishing a wood floor and eventually replacing it just to keep the vibe that wood gives to your home, engineered wood floors are great. If you’re looking for something more functional that gives you less chores, we strongly recommend luxury vinyl plank flooring.
Conclusion
So, yes. Engineered wood floor refinish is possible, but only for a limited number of times before you’ll reach the plywood core and the wood won’t look as good anymore.
Luckily, there are other flooring alternatives. Hardwood floors, prefinished hardwood floors, luxury vinyl planks, laminate, parquet, or even vinyl sheet flooring are all options that can work great in various situations.
Here at Randy Stewart Hardwood Floors, we offer professional hardwood floor refinish and luxury vinyl floor installation for homeowners in Summerville, Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and more of South Carolina.
Call us today at (843) 900-4880 or request a free quote and let’s discuss your upcoming flooring project!