Sanding Engineered Wood? (3 Refinish Mistakes!)
As a flooring contractor for over 15 years, I’ve seen my fair share of flooring projects—the good, the bad, and the downright disastrous.
And let me tell you, engineered wood flooring has become a real trendsetter in contemporary interior design.
It’s stylish, practical, and a favorite for modern homes.
It mimics the look of solid hardwood, is versatile and is eco-friendly.
But here’s the thing: while engineered wood is fantastic, refinishing it can be tricky.
I’m going to walk you through the 3 most common refinishing mistakes I see homeowners make and how to avoid them.
Section 1: Understanding Engineered Wood Flooring
Definition and Composition
So, what exactly is engineered wood flooring?
Think of it as a multi-layered cake.
Instead of frosting and sponge, you have a top layer of real hardwood veneer glued to a core of plywood, high-density fiberboard (HDF), or even softwood.
This layered construction is what gives engineered wood its stability and resistance to moisture.
The thickness of that top veneer can vary quite a bit, from a super thin 0.6mm to a hefty 6mm.
Benefits of Engineered Wood
Why are so many people choosing engineered wood over solid hardwood?
Well, for starters, it’s more stable.
Solid hardwood expands and contracts with humidity changes, which can lead to warping and gapping.
Engineered wood, on the other hand, is much less susceptible to these issues.
I’ve installed engineered wood in basements and over concrete slabs where solid hardwood would have been a disaster.
Plus, it’s often more affordable and easier to install.
Don’t just take my word for it.
The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has seen a steady increase in engineered wood sales over the past decade.
Popular Styles and Trends
What’s hot in the world of engineered wood right now?
Wide planks are definitely having a moment.
I’m talking 7 inches or wider!
Also, matte finishes are super popular.
They give a more natural, understated look compared to glossy finishes.
As for colors, I’m seeing a lot of grays, whites, and light browns.
These lighter tones really brighten up a space and give it a modern feel.
These trends align with the broader design movements towards minimalism and biophilic design, which emphasizes natural elements.
Section 2: The Importance of Refinishing Engineered Wood
When to Refinish
How do you know when it’s time to refinish your engineered wood floors?
Keep an eye out for these signs:
- Visible scratches: Minor scratches are normal wear and tear, but deep scratches that penetrate the finish need attention.
- Dullness: If your floors have lost their luster and look lifeless, refinishing can bring them back to life.
- Wear patterns: High-traffic areas like hallways and entryways often show wear first. If you notice these areas looking worn down, it’s time to consider refinishing.
I usually tell my clients that if they’re starting to feel embarrassed by their floors, it’s time to call me!
Benefits of Refinishing
Why bother refinishing instead of just replacing your floors?
Well, for one thing, it’s much more cost-effective.
Refinishing can save you a ton of money compared to the cost of new flooring and installation.
Plus, it extends the life of your floors.
A good refinishing job can add years to the lifespan of your engineered wood.
And, of course, it improves the aesthetic appeal.
Refinishing can completely transform the look of your floors, making your whole house feel fresh and new.
Sanding as a Key Part of Refinishing
Sanding is the foundation of any successful refinishing job.
It’s the process of removing the old finish and smoothing out any imperfections in the wood.
This creates a clean, even surface for the new stain and sealant to adhere to.
Think of it like prepping a canvas before painting.
If you don’t sand properly, your new finish won’t look its best, and it won’t last as long.
Section 3: The 3 Common Refinishing Mistakes
Okay, now for the meat of the matter.
These are the 3 biggest mistakes I see homeowners make when refinishing engineered wood floors.
Mistake #1: Not Assessing the Wood Thickness
This is the most critical mistake.
Remember that veneer layer I mentioned earlier?
Well, if you sand too aggressively, you can sand right through it, exposing the core underneath.
And trust me, that’s not a pretty sight.
Once you sand through the veneer, there’s no going back.
You’ll have to replace the damaged boards, or even the entire floor.
Before you even think about sanding, you need to determine the thickness of your veneer layer.
How do you do that?
- Check the manufacturer’s specifications: If you still have the original packaging or paperwork, it should tell you the veneer thickness.
- Look for a stamp on the back of the boards: Some manufacturers stamp the veneer thickness on the back of each board.
- Consult a professional: If you’re not sure, call in a flooring contractor. I’d be happy to take a look and give you my assessment.
Once you know the thickness, you can determine how much sanding you can safely do.
As a general rule, never sand more than half the veneer thickness.
Mistake #2: Using the Wrong Grit Sandpaper
Choosing the right sandpaper grit is crucial for achieving a smooth, even finish.
Using too coarse a grit can create deep scratches that are difficult to remove.
On the other hand, using too fine a grit can make the surface too smooth, preventing the stain from penetrating properly.
So, what’s the right grit to use?
It depends on the condition of your floors.
- For removing the old finish: Start with a medium grit, like 60- or 80-grit.
- For smoothing out imperfections: Use a fine grit, like 100- or 120-grit.
- For final sanding: Finish with an extra-fine grit, like 150- or 180-grit.
Always sand in the direction of the wood grain, and be sure to overlap each pass slightly to avoid leaving any unsanded areas.
And remember, patience is key.
Don’t rush the sanding process.
Take your time and make sure you’re achieving a smooth, even surface.
Mistake #3: Skipping the Proper Preparation
Before you even touch the sander, you need to prep your floors properly.
That means:
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your floors to remove any dirt, dust, or debris. I recommend vacuuming and then mopping with a wood floor cleaner.
- Repairing: Fix any loose boards or damaged areas. This might involve gluing down loose boards or replacing damaged ones.
- Protecting: Cover any areas you don’t want to get sanded, like walls, baseboards, and furniture.
Skipping these steps can lead to uneven sanding and a poor final result.
For example, if you sand over a loose board, it could vibrate and create uneven sanding marks.
Or, if you don’t clean your floors properly, the sander could grind dirt and debris into the wood, causing scratches.
Trust me, taking the time to prep your floors properly will pay off in the end.
Section 4: Case Studies of Refinishing Success and Failure
Success Stories
I had a client named Sarah who had beautiful engineered wood floors in her living room.
They were looking a little dull and scratched, but she didn’t want to replace them.
I carefully assessed the veneer thickness and determined that we could safely sand them.
We used the correct grit sandpaper and took our time with the sanding process.
After sanding, we applied a beautiful new stain and sealant.
Sarah was thrilled with the results.
Her floors looked brand new, and she saved a ton of money compared to the cost of replacement.
Cautionary Tales
On the other hand, I had another client named Tom who decided to refinish his engineered wood floors himself.
He didn’t bother to assess the veneer thickness, and he used a very coarse grit sandpaper.
He ended up sanding right through the veneer in several spots, exposing the core underneath.
He was devastated.
He had to replace the damaged boards, which cost him a lot more than it would have cost to hire a professional in the first place.
I’ve also seen homeowners skip the proper preparation steps and end up with uneven sanding and a poor final result.
These cautionary tales highlight the importance of understanding the nuances of sanding engineered wood flooring.
Section 5: Conclusion
Sanding engineered wood flooring can be a rewarding project, but it’s not without its challenges.
By understanding the composition of engineered wood, avoiding common refinishing mistakes, and taking your time with the sanding process, you can achieve beautiful, long-lasting results.
Remember, the key is to assess the veneer thickness, use the correct grit sandpaper, and prep your floors properly.
And if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, don’t hesitate to call a professional.
I hope this article has been helpful.
Happy sanding!
