Is refinishing engineered hardwood possible, or do I need to replace it?

Yes, engineered hardwood can often be refinished, but it depends on the thickness of the wear layer. Most quality engineered hardwood floors can be sanded and refinished 1-3 times during their lifetime, making refinishing a cost-effective alternative to full replacement.

The key factor is the wear layer thickness - the solid wood veneer on top of the engineered plywood core. Premium engineered hardwood typically has a 3-6mm wear layer that can handle multiple refinishing cycles, while budget options may only have a 1-2mm layer suitable for light buffing or one refinishing. You'll need a flooring professional to measure the wear layer and assess whether there's enough material to sand through scratches and surface damage without hitting the plywood underneath.

In Ottawa's market, engineered hardwood refinishing costs $3-6 per square foot compared to $8-15 per square foot for replacement with new engineered hardwood. The refinishing process involves dustless sanding to remove the existing finish and surface imperfections, followed by stain application (if desired) and 2-3 coats of polyurethane finish. This typically takes 3-5 days including drying time between coats.

Signs your engineered hardwood is a good refinishing candidate include surface scratches, worn finish, minor dents, or color changes from sun exposure. However, if you see plywood edges, have deep gouges, water damage, or loose planks, replacement may be necessary. Pre-finished engineered floors with beveled edges can be more challenging to refinish smoothly than site-finished floors.

For an accurate assessment of your specific engineered hardwood floors, a professional evaluation is essential. Want to discuss your refinishing project? Ottawa Floor Install offers free consultations to determine whether refinishing or replacement is the best option for your floors.

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