How to Refinish Engineered Hardwood Floors: DIY Guide

Engineered hardwood floors offer the beauty of real wood with added durability, making them a popular choice for modern homes. But over time, scratches, dullness, and wear can make them look tired.

Unlike solid hardwood, refinishing engineered hardwood requires extra care—its thin top layer means aggressive sanding can ruin the floor.

So, can you refinish engineered hardwood floors? Yes—if done correctly!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of refinishing engineered hardwood floors, from assessing your floor’s condition to applying the perfect finish.

Whether you’re dealing with light wear or deeper scratches, we’ll cover the best techniques to restore your floors without causing damage.

Quick-Start Guide: Refinishing Engineered Hardwood Floors

Check Wear Layer Thickness – Ensure you have at least 2 mm for safe refinishing.
Gather Tools – Orbital sander, fine-grit sandpaper (120-220), vacuum, polyurethane, and safety gear.
Prep the Room – Remove furniture, cover vents, and seal off the area.
Lightly Sand – Use 120-grit (or higher) along the wood grain—avoid aggressive sanding.
Clean Thoroughly – Vacuum and wipe away all dust before applying finish.
Apply Stain (Optional) – Test first, then apply evenly if changing color.
Seal with Polyurethane – 2-3 thin coats of water-based finish, sanding lightly between coats.
Let Cure – Wait 24+ hours before light use; 72+ hours for furniture.

For minor wear, consider a screen-and-recoat instead!

Can You Refinish Engineered Hardwood Floors?
Tools & Materials Needed to Refinish Engineered Hardwood Floors
Step-by-Step Guide to Refinishing Engineered Hardwood Floors
Alternative: Screen & Recoat (For Minor Wear)

Can You Refinish Engineered Hardwood Floors?

The short answer is yes—but with caution. Unlike solid hardwood, engineered hardwood has a thin top layer of real wood (called the wear layer) bonded over plywood or fiberboard. This means you can’t sand it as aggressively as solid wood without risking damage.

Key Factors That Determine Refinishing Potential

Wear Layer Thickness

Most engineered floors have a wear layer between 0.5mm to 6mm.
Refinishing is safe if your floor has at least 2 mm of wear layer (allowing for light sanding).

Less than 2mm? Avoid sanding—opt for a screen-and-recoat instead.

Number of Previous Refinishes

Each sanding removes a small amount of the wear layer.
If your floor has been refinished before, check for excessive thinning.

Type of Damage

Light scratches & dullness? Perfect for refinishing.
Deep gouges or delamination? May require professional repair or replacement.

How to Check If Your Floor Can Be Refinished

Locate an inconspicuous spot (like inside a closet).
Lightly sand a small area with 120-grit sandpaper.
Inspect the dust:
- If it’s light and powdery, you’re sanding the finish.
- If it’s wood-colored, you’re hitting the wear layer—proceed carefully.
Measure remaining thickness—if sanding exposes the core (plywood), stop immediately.

When Refinishing Isn’t an Option

If the wear layer is too thin, consider:

Screen-and-recoat (buffing + new finish, no sanding).
Replacing heavily damaged planks.
Professional assessment for severe wear.

Bottom Line: You can refinish engineered hardwood—if it has enough wear layer left.

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Tools & Materials Needed to Refinish Engineered Hardwood Floors

Before starting your refinishing project, it’s crucial to have the right tools and materials on hand. Since engineered hardwood requires a gentler approach than solid wood, using the correct equipment will help you avoid damaging the delicate wear layer.

Essential Tools & Supplies

Sanding Equipment

Orbital Sander or Buffer (preferred over drum sanders for controlled sanding)
120-220 Grit Sandpaper (fine grit to prevent excessive material removal)
Edge Sander or Hand Sanding Block (for corners and tight spaces)
Vacuum with Brush Attachment (to remove dust between sanding stages)

Cleaning Supplies

Microfiber Mop & Cloths (for dust-free cleaning)
Tack Cloth (to pick up fine particles before finishing)
Wood Floor Cleaner (pH-neutral to avoid residue)

Finishing Products

Water-Based Polyurethane (dries fast, low odor, and durable)
Wood Stain (Optional) (only if you want to change the color)
High-Quality Brush or Lambswool Applicator (for smooth finish application)

Safety Gear

N95 Respirator Mask (protects against dust and fumes)
Safety Goggles (prevent dust and chemical exposure)
Knee Pads (for comfort during sanding and finishing)

Prep & Protection Items

Painter’s Tape & Plastic Sheeting (to protect baseboards and vents)
Furniture Sliders (to move heavy items without scratching floors)

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Alternative Option for Minimal Wear: Screen & Recoat Kit

If your floors only need a refresh (not deep refinishing), consider a screen-and-recoat kit, which includes:

Floor buffer with screening pad (abrasive mesh instead of sandpaper)
Recoat finish (compatible with your existing floor finish)

Renting vs. Buying Equipment

Rent sanders and buffers if this is a one-time project.
Buy high-quality brushes and applicators for best results.

Now that you’ve gathered your supplies, the next step is preparing your space for refinishing—let’s move on to the step-by-step process!

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Step-by-Step Guide to Refinishing Engineered Hardwood Floors

Refinishing engineered hardwood requires precision to avoid damaging the thin wear layer. Follow these steps carefully to restore your floors.

Step 1: Prepare the Room

✅ Remove all furniture, rugs, and obstacles
✅ Cover vents and doorways with plastic sheeting to contain dust
✅ Protect baseboards with painter's tape
✅ Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows (if using oil-based finishes)

Pro Tip: Use a stud finder to locate and mark any hidden nails or staples that could damage your sander.

Step 2: Lightly Sand the Surface

🔄 Start with 120-grit sandpaper (never below 100-grit—too aggressive!)
🔀 Sand along the wood grain to prevent cross-grain scratches
📏 Limit sanding depth—only remove the old finish, not the wood layer
🔍 Pay extra attention to edges using a hand sander or edger

⚠️ Warning: Check frequently to ensure you're not sanding through the wear layer. Stop immediately if you see plywood or fiberboard.

Step 3: Deep Clean the Floors

🧹 Vacuum thoroughly with a brush attachment
🧽 Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth (avoid soaking the wood)
🌫️ Use a tack cloth for final dust removal before finishing

Skipping this step leads to finish imperfections from trapped dust.

Step 4: Apply Stain (Optional)

🎨 Test stain color in an inconspicuous area first
🖌️ Apply with a foam brush following grain direction
⏳ Let dry completely (usually 24 hours) before sealing

💡 Alternative: Skip staining if you want to maintain the original color—just proceed to sealing.

Step 5: Apply Protective Finish

🛡️ Use water-based polyurethane for faster drying and lower odor
🔄 Apply thin, even coats with a high-quality applicator
⏱️ Wait 2-4 hours between coats (check product instructions)
✂️ Lightly sand with 220-grit between coats for optimal adhesion

Pro Application Tip: Work in small sections and maintain a "wet edge" to prevent lap marks.

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Step 6: Allow Proper Curing Time

⏳ Wait at least 24 hours before light foot traffic
🚫 Avoid furniture and rugs for 72+ hours
🌬️ Keep the room well-ventilated during curing

📚Did You Know? Full hardness develops over 2-4 weeks—be extra gentle during this period.

Final Inspection & Touch-Ups

🔎 Examine for missed spots or imperfections
🔄 Spot-sand and recoat if necessary
✨ Buff with a microfiber cloth for enhanced sheen

This meticulous approach ensures your engineered hardwood gets a professional-quality refresh without compromising its structure. Take your time at each step—the results will be worth it!

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Alternative: Screen & Recoat (For Minor Wear)

Not all engineered hardwood floors need a full refinish.

If your floors only have:

✓ Light surface scratches
✓ Dullness or fading
✓ Minor wear in high-traffic areas

...then a screen-and-recoat may be all you need! This gentler alternative refreshes your floors without removing precious wood layers.

What is Screening & Recoating?

A two-step process that:

"Screens" (lightly abrades) the existing finish
Applies a new protective topcoat

Key Benefit: Preserves your floor's wear layer while making it look brand new.

When to Choose Screening Over Refinishing

✔ Your floor's finish is worn but the wood is undamaged
✔ The wear layer is too thin for sanding (<2mm)
✔ You want to avoid the dust/mess of full refinishing
✔ Your floor has a factory aluminum oxide finish (can't be sanded)

⚠️ Warning: Won't fix deep scratches, stains, or color changes.

Step-by-Step Screen & Recoat Process

1. Prep the Floor

Deep clean with hardwood floor cleaner
Repair any deep scratches with wood filler
Tape off baseboards (like with full refinishing)

2. Screen the Surface

Use a floor buffer with a 120-150 grit screen pad
Move in slow, overlapping passes (like mowing a lawn)
Vacuum thoroughly when done

✨ Pro Tip: The floor should feel slightly rough - this helps the new coat adhere.

3. Apply New Finish

Use the same type of finish already on your floors
Apply 2 thin coats with a microfiber applicator
Allow proper drying time between coats

Common Mistake: Using the wrong finish type can cause peeling or cloudiness.

Maintenance After Screening

Wait 24 hours before light use
72+ hours before replacing furniture
Use felt pads under furniture legs
Clean with pH-neutral cleaners only

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How Often Can You Screen & Recoat?

Most quality engineered floors can handle this process:

Every 2-3 years for maintenance
3-5 times before needing full refinish
Depends on wear layer thickness

Cost Comparison: Typically 30-50% cheaper than full refinishing!

When to Call a Professional

Consider hiring a pro if:

You're unsure about your floor's finish type
The floor has uneven wear patterns
You don't have access to a floor buffer
There's wax buildup (requires special removal)

This gentler approach can extend your floor's life for years between major refinishes.

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