Can I Refinish Engineered Hardwood Floors? Expert Guide

Introduction

Engineered hardwood flooring is a popular choice for homeowners who want the look of solid hardwood with added durability and stability. However, like any hardwood floor, it can show signs of wear over time—scratches, fading, and surface damage can make your floors look dull and worn out.
If you’re wondering, “Can I refinish engineered hardwood floors?” the answer depends on several factors, including the thickness of the wear layer and the condition of the flooring. Unlike solid hardwood, which can be sanded and refinished multiple times, engineered hardwood has a limited refinishing potential.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• How engineered hardwood is made and why it matters
• How to determine if your floors can be refinished
• How many times refinishing is possible
• Signs that replacement may be a better option

👉 Not sure if your floors can be refinished? Contact Milwaukee Flooring Company for a free consultation and professional assessment!

Understanding Engineered Hardwood Construction

Before determining whether engineered hardwood can be refinished, it’s important to understand how it’s made and what makes it different from solid hardwood.

What Is Engineered Hardwood?

Engineered hardwood consists of multiple layers:

1️⃣ Top Layer (Wear Layer): A thin layer of real hardwood that gives the floor its natural look. The thickness of this layer determines whether the floor can be refinished.

2️⃣ Core Layers: Several layers of plywood, high-density fiberboard (HDF), or softwood provide stability and moisture resistance. Unlike solid hardwood, engineered flooring is less likely to warp or expand due to humidity.

3️⃣ Backing Layer: A bottom layer that adds extra durability and structural support.

Why the Wear Layer Matters for Refinishing

The thickness of the wear layer is the most important factor in determining whether your engineered hardwood floors can be sanded and refinished.

✔ Thicker wear layers (3mm or more) – Can be refinished at least once or twice.
✔ Medium wear layers (2mm-3mm) – May be lightly refinished, but full sanding may not be possible.
✔ Thin wear layers (Less than 2mm) – Cannot be refinished and should be replaced instead.

💡 Pro Tip: Most engineered hardwood with a wear layer of 3mm or more can be refinished like solid hardwood—but only once or twice, depending on its condition.

👉 Not sure about your floor’s wear layer? Our experts at Milwaukee Flooring Company can assess your flooring and recommend the best solution. Get a free consultation today!

Can Engineered Hardwood Be Refinished?

The short answer: Yes, but only if your floors have a thick enough wear layer. Unlike solid hardwood, which can be refinished multiple times, engineered hardwood has a limited refinishing potential.

Factors That Determine If Your Floors Can Be Refinished

✅ Wear Layer Thickness – If your engineered hardwood has a wear layer of at least 3mm, it can likely be sanded and refinished at least once. Thinner layers (under 2mm) cannot be sanded, as you risk exposing the core layers underneath.

✅ Current Condition of the Floor – If your floor has deep scratches, water damage, or warping, refinishing may not be enough. In some cases, replacement may be a better option.

✅ Previous Refinishing – If the floor has already been refinished before, you may not have enough wear layer left for another round of sanding.

✅ Installation Method – Floating engineered hardwood (installed without glue or nails) is usually too thin to refinish, while glued-down or nailed-down floors are more stable for sanding.

💡 Pro Tip: If sanding isn’t an option, you may still be able to screen and recoat your engineered hardwood. This process removes surface scratches and restores shine without fully sanding the floor.

👉 Still unsure? Our flooring experts can inspect your floors and determine if refinishing is possible. Schedule a free consultation today!

How Many Times Can Engineered Hardwood Be Refinished?

The number of times you can refinish engineered hardwood depends entirely on the thickness of the wear layer. Since sanding removes a thin portion of this layer each time, the thicker it is, the more refinishing cycles it can handle.

Refinishing Guide Based on Wear Layer Thickness

When Refinishing Is No Longer an Option

🚫 If the wear layer is too thin – Sanding will expose the plywood core, ruining the look of the floor.
🚫 If the floor has been refinished before – Each sanding removes 0.5mm to 1mm of the wear layer, so previously refinished floors may not have enough wood left.
🚫 If there’s major water damage or warping – Refinishing can’t fix floors that are structurally compromised.

💡 Pro Tip: If your engineered hardwood is too thin to sand, consider a buffing and recoating process to refresh the finish without removing any wood.

👉 Not sure if your floors can handle refinishing? Our experts at Milwaukee Flooring Company can assess your floors and recommend the best solution. Get a free estimate today!

How to Tell If Your Engineered Hardwood Can Be Refinished

If you’re unsure whether your engineered hardwood floors can be refinished, there are a few simple ways to check before calling in a professional.

1️⃣ Check the Wear Layer Thickness

The easiest way to determine if your floors can be refinished is by measuring the wear layer (the top layer of real hardwood).

✔ Check the Manufacturer’s Specs – If you have the original flooring details, look for the wear layer thickness. 3mm or more? You’re good to go!
✔ Look at a Floor Vent or Transition Piece – Remove a floor vent or check an exposed edge (like a transition between rooms) to see the cross-section of the plank.
✔ Call a Professional – A flooring expert can assess your floors and determine if refinishing is safe.

2️⃣ Look for Deep Scratches or Damage

🚫 If scratches or dents go past the wood veneer into the core, sanding isn’t an option.
🚫 If the finish is only dull or lightly scratched, a buff-and-recoat (without sanding) may restore its shine.

3️⃣ Check for Previous Refinishing

If your floors have already been sanded once or twice, there may not be enough wood left for another refinishing. Look for signs like uneven grain or exposed plywood edges.

💡 Pro Tip: If your engineered hardwood is too thin for sanding, consider a screen and recoat process instead—it removes surface imperfections and refreshes the finish without taking off layers of wood.

👉 Need expert advice? Our team at Milwaukee Flooring Company can inspect your floors and help you decide whether refinishing or replacement is the best option. Get a free consultation today!

Refinishing Process for Engineered Hardwood

If your engineered hardwood floors are thick enough to be refinished, the process is similar to refinishing solid hardwood—but with extra care to avoid sanding through the wear layer.

Step-by-Step Refinishing Process

1️⃣ Assess the Floor

Before starting, confirm that your floors have at least 3mm of wear layer and aren’t damaged beyond repair.

2️⃣ Lightly Sand the Surface

✅ If your floors have at least 3mm of wear layer, a light sanding can remove surface scratches and old finish.
✅ If your floors have only 2mm of wear layer, consider buffing instead of sanding to avoid removing too much wood.

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid deep sanding—engineered hardwood cannot handle multiple refinishing cycles like solid hardwood.

3️⃣ Apply a New Finish

Once the floor is prepped, apply a durable finish to restore shine and protect the surface. Choose from:

✔ Oil-Based Polyurethane – Provides a rich, long-lasting finish but takes longer to dry.
✔ Water-Based Polyurethane – Dries faster and has a low-odor, eco-friendly finish.
✔ Hard Wax Oil – Enhances the natural beauty of the wood with a matte finish.

4️⃣ Let the Finish Cure

Allow the finish to fully dry and cure before moving furniture back into the space. This can take 24 to 48 hours depending on the product used.

💡 Pro Tip: For extra protection, use felt pads on furniture and avoid dragging heavy objects across the floor.

👉 Want a professional refinishing job? Our flooring specialists at Milwaukee Flooring Company ensure a flawless finish. Get a free estimate today!

When to Replace Instead of Refinish

Refinishing engineered hardwood can extend its lifespan, but sometimes replacement is the better option. If your floors show significant damage, refinishing may not be possible—or may not deliver the results you want.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Engineered Hardwood:

🚫 Wear Layer Is Too Thin – If your wear layer is less than 2mm, sanding will expose the plywood core, ruining the floor.

🚫 Deep Scratches, Gouges, or Water Damage – If the damage goes beyond the surface, refinishing won’t fix it. Warped or buckled planks need to be replaced.

🚫 Previous Refinishing Has Worn Down the Floor – If your floors have already been refinished once or twice, there may not be enough wood left for another sanding.

🚫 Planks Are Separating or Lifting – If planks are coming loose, shifting, or showing gaps, it may be a sign of structural issues that refinishing can’t fix.

🚫 You Want a New Look – If you’re tired of the current style or color, replacing your floors with new engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, or tile may be a better investment.

💡 Pro Tip: If your floors are in decent shape but look dull, consider a buff-and-recoat instead of a full refinishing or replacement.

👉 Not sure if you should refinish or replace? Our flooring experts can assess your floors and help you decide. Schedule a free consultation today!

Final Thoughts – Should You Refinish or Replace Your Engineered Hardwood Floors?

The answer to “Can I refinish engineered hardwood floors?” depends on the thickness of the wear layer and the condition of your floors.

✔ If your wear layer is at least 3mm thick, refinishing is usually possible and can bring your floors back to life.
✔ If your wear layer is too thin or the floors are badly damaged, replacement may be the better option.

💡 Still unsure? Let our experts at Milwaukee Flooring Company help! We’ll inspect your floors and determine whether refinishing or replacement is the best solution for your home.

👉 Click “Get an Estimate“ or call us today to schedule your free consultation!