Can Engineered Hardwood Floors Be Refinished? Everything Homeowners Need to Know

Explore How to Extend the Life of Your Engineered Wood Floors Through Refinishing

Engineered hardwood flooring has become a top choice for homeowners seeking the beauty of real wood with added stability and versatility. But many homeowners wonder: can engineered hardwood floors be refinished like solid hardwood? The short answer is: yes—sometimes.

At Millennium Hardwood Flooring, we help Texas homeowners choose, install, and maintain wood flooring that lasts for decades. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about refinishing engineered hardwood floors, including when it’s possible, how it works, and what to expect.

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🪵 What Is Engineered Hardwood?

Engineered hardwood is made of real hardwood on top of multiple layers of plywood, HDF, or softwood beneath. The top layer—called the wear layer or veneer—is what gives engineered wood its natural look and feel.

Key features:

• Wear layer: Real wood (usually 1mm–6mm thick)

• Core layers: Cross-grain construction for stability

• Backing layer: Balances the plank, adds moisture resistance

This layered design makes engineered wood more resistant to:

• Moisture

• Humidity changes

• Warping and cupping

That’s why engineered hardwood is a popular choice for basements, kitchens, and homes in climates with seasonal humidity swings—like Texas!

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🔍 Can Engineered Hardwood Be Refinished?

The short answer:

✅ Yes—engineered hardwood can often be refinished, but it depends on the thickness of the wear layer.

Millennium Tip: Always check with the manufacturer or your flooring installer to confirm refinishing recommendations for your specific product.

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🛠️ How Is Engineered Hardwood Refinished?

The process is similar to refinishing solid hardwood but must be done with extra care:

1️⃣ Sanding: A professional lightly sands the surface to remove the finish and minor scratches without cutting too deep into the veneer.

2️⃣ Staining (optional): You can change the color of the floor or match the original stain.

3️⃣ Sealing: A fresh protective finish (polyurethane, oil-based, or water-based) is applied for durability.

⚠️ Since engineered floors have thinner wood layers, professionals use gentler sanding equipment to avoid sanding through to the core.

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💡 When Should You Refinish Engineered Wood Floors?

Signs that refinishing may be a good idea:

• Worn or dull finish

• Surface scratches or scuffs

• Light discoloration from UV exposure

• You want to change the stain color

❗ Refinishing will not repair deep gouges, warped boards, or structural damage—these may require plank replacement.

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🧠 Alternatives to Full Refinishing

If your engineered wood floor can’t be sanded, or if the wear is minor, consider:

✅ Screen and Recoat

• No sanding required

• Adds a fresh coat of finish

• Revives shine and protection

• Fast and cost-effective

✅ Buffing and Polishing

• Surface-level refresh for light scuffs

• Ideal for floors with light wear

✅ Partial Plank Replacement

• Replace individual damaged boards

• Blend with the existing floor for a seamless look

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🏠 Advantages of Refinishing Engineered Hardwood

✔️ Extend the life of your floors
✔️ Improve appearance without full replacement
✔️ Potentially update the color to match new décor
✔️ Protect your investment

Millennium Tip: Refinishing is often far more cost-effective than installing new floors.

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🚫 When Refinishing Isn’t an Option

• If your floor has a veneer thinner than 2mm

• If past refinishing removed too much of the wear layer

• If there’s significant water damage, warping, or delamination

• If deep gouges penetrate into the core layer

In these cases, a screen and recoat or replacement may be better solutions.

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💸 How Much Does It Cost to Refinish Engineered Hardwood?

Pricing depends on:

• Wear layer thickness

• Floor condition

• Stain choice (changing stain adds cost)

• Finish type (oil-based, water-based, etc.)

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📌 How to Protect Your Engineered Wood Floors Between Refinishing

✅ Sweep or vacuum regularly to prevent grit from scratching the finish
✅ Wipe spills immediately—even water-resistant engineered floors aren’t waterproof
✅ Use area rugs and furniture pads in high-traffic zones
✅ Maintain humidity between 35%–55% to prevent excessive expansion or shrinkage
✅ Avoid steam mops and harsh chemicals

Millennium Tip: Proper maintenance can help delay the need for refinishing and keep your floors looking beautiful longer.

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🧠 FAQs: Refinishing Engineered Hardwood

Q: How can I tell if my engineered hardwood can be refinished?
A: The best way is to measure the wear layer thickness or consult with a flooring professional. We can help assess your specific floor type!

Q: Can I DIY refinish engineered wood floors?
A: It’s not recommended. The thin veneer makes it easy to sand through to the core if you’re not experienced.

Q: How often can engineered wood be refinished?
A: That depends on the wear layer. Floors with 4–6mm wear layers may allow 2–3 refinishes over their life.

Q: What’s the lifespan of engineered hardwood?
A: With proper care and refinishing when needed, engineered hardwood can last 20–50 years, depending on thickness and product quality.

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🤝 Why Choose Millennium Hardwood Flooring for Refinishing?

At Millennium Hardwood Flooring, we offer:

• ✅ Professional evaluation of your floors’ refinishing potential

• ✅ Dust-minimized sanding and eco-friendly finishes

• ✅ Custom stain matching or color changes

• ✅ Repair and replacement of damaged planks

• ✅ Honest guidance on whether refinishing or replacement is best

📍 Visit our Austin showroom or contact us for a free floor assessment today.

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Final Thoughts: Breathe New Life Into Your Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood floors offer natural beauty with modern performance—and with the right care, you can refresh their look through refinishing or recoating. Whether you’re updating your home’s style or restoring well-loved floors, Millennium Hardwood Flooring is here to guide you every step of the way.