By Floor Monster/ February 13th, 2022/ There are currently 0 comments
Buying a new floor can be a daunting and expensive purchase – that’s why it’s important to ensure you get long-lasting quality guaranteed when you buy and fit your product.
That’s especially true forengineered wood flooring, where the price is generally higher than a typical laminate or vinyl floor. But how long should your engineered wood floor last and what are the main factors which contribute to the lifespan of your floor?
While there is no exact answer to the question of how long your engineered floor should last, taking a few things into consideration should provide a decent estimate.
How long does engineered flooring last?
Engineered floors are generally very durable and if properly maintained will last for decades.
Engineered wood flooring consists of plywood, HDF, or softwood, combined with a layer of hardwood. The durable nature of engineered wood means that it should last for at least 25 to 30 years before needing replaced.
But, it must be said that an engineered wood floor needs to be properly installed and well maintained. The better a job you do of installing and maintaining your floor, the longer it is likely to last.
How to install your engineered wood floor for long-lasting quality
There are a number of steps to take when installing your engineered wood flooring to ensure it lasts for as long as possible. Correctly laying your floor is key to ensuring that it maintains a great look and structure.
Firstly acclimatising the engineered wood floor planks to the room where they are to be installed will ensure the flooring is not subject to warping caused by moisture in the air.
Using a proper underlay is also essential in your flooring installation.To ensure the correct underlay is used, please see ourunderlay options.By starting at the mid-point of the room, work towards the outside by completed first full rows of left and right hand sided planks from top to bottom of first runs. The weight of the floor will increase as more boards are added to the floor thus restricting any movement.
How To Maintain Engineered Wood Flooring
It is important to brush your floor every few days with a dry dust mop or a hoover/vacuum ensuring you have selected the wood floor setting. This prevents a build-up in excess dirt, which can lead to scratches appearing on the floor if allowed to build up.
Generally engineered wood floors can deal better with moisture than asolid wood floors,but we would still recommend not allowing the floor to get soaking wet. Only use a damp mop rather than a fully soaked one, for instance.
Quickly dealing with any spillages and stains will also make them easier to clean and ultimately allow your engineered flooring to look better for longer.
Check out our range of engineered wood flooring products now, including the ever popularEngineered Wood Herringbonerange.
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FAQs
Engineered floors are generally very durable and if properly maintained will last for decades. Engineered wood flooring consists of plywood, HDF, or softwood, combined with a layer of hardwood. The durable nature of engineered wood means that it should last for at least 25 to 30 years before needing replaced.
Which is better hardwood or engineered hardwood? ›
While not impervious to moisture, engineered flooring's greater resistance in comparison to solid hardwood makes it the clear choice for use in locations where moisture is likely to be present, such as bathrooms, below grade in basem*nt rooms, or anywhere when laid directly on concrete.
Do engineered wood floors scratch easily? ›
Because engineered wood floors are made with a veneer of hardwood, they are no more or less susceptible to scratches than a solid hardwood floor. Engineered floors with a veneer of harder woods like Hickory or Maple will scratch less easily than engineered floors made of softer woods like Cherry or Walnut.
What is the life expectancy of engineered flooring? ›
Engineered flooring installation is DIY-friendly and is available in glued or interlocking planks that make it easier to install. Because its top layer is just a thin layer of hardwood, it can't be refinished as often as solid flooring, but it can still last up to 30 years and more with proper maintenance.
How often do engineered wood floors need to be refinished? ›
Hands down, recoating the finish instead of sanding is an easy option to protect engineered timber flooring and improve the durability of the sealant. So, if you are renewing or recoating the engineered floors, you need to recoat them every 4 to 7 years, depending on the damages and traffic the floor receives.
Does engineered hardwood increase home value? ›
Because it looks so similar to solid hardwood floors and costs less, engineered hardwood floors do tend to have a high ROI. Sources: National Association of REALTORS® (2022).
Is it OK to use a steam mop on engineered hardwood floors? ›
Though durable on the surface, engineered hardwoods are bonded using adhesives, and the steam cleaning can affect the quality of those adhesives. Moisture can seep between the layers, weakening the bond and permanently damaging the floors. Avoid using steam mops on engineered hardwood floors.
Do dogs scratch engineered floors? ›
If wooden flooring is what you want despite having a cat or dog, then engineered hardwood is the choice to make every single time. This is because the manufacturing process generally gives this sort of surface a veneer that is tougher and more able to resist damage from scratches and stains made by your furry friends.
Will dogs scratch engineered wood floors? ›
Opt for a Good Finish: As mentioned, engineered hardwood floors come with a durable aluminum oxide finish. That finish helps ward off scratches. Floor Colors: Light wood floors with a low sheen hide pet hair and scratches better than darker, high-gloss floors.
Does engineered wood flooring need maintenance? ›
As with many other products, a certain amount of maintenance is required to keep a floor in good condition. With proper maintenance, your engineered wood floor will retain its beauty for years to come.
It requires ripping out and hauling away the old hardwood–not to mention the cost of the new planks and installation. So, when all is said and done, refinishing hardwood is definitely the more affordable option.
Is engineered hardwood high maintenance? ›
Bottom Line. Both engineered wood floors and solid wood floors require about the same level of maintenance, though the former is more resistant to temperature and moisture and the latter usually lasts longer.
Can you sand and change color of engineered hardwood? ›
Sanding and Refinishing
Sanding removes the existing finish, creating a fresh start for your new color. Take care to sand only engineered hardwood floors that have a thick enough veneer layer. Once you remove the old stain, you can apply a new coat in the color of your choosing.
What are the disadvantages of engineered wood furniture? ›
Problems with Engineered Wood
The problem with these types of wood is that they are much easier to damage. Scratches and water stains cannot be repaired. There is an added risk of cracking and warping occurring within modern centrally heated homes as engineered wood does not expand and contract like natural wood does.
What type of wood flooring is best? ›
THE 10 BEST DOMESTIC HARDWOOD SPECIES
- Ash.
- Eastern White Pine.
- Hickory.
- Red Oak.
- Walnut.
- White Oak.
Among domestic hardwood species, hickory tops the charts with an 1820 rating. Maple and white oak follow at 1450 and 1360. Not surprisingly, Dogwood uses hickory and white oak for the majority of its offering. You can also select from walnut and red oak, two other durable types of hardwood flooring.
What are the pros and cons of engineered hardwood? ›
Engineered Wood In Kitchen Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros of Engineered Wood Flooring | Cons of Engineered Wood Flooring |
|---|
| Robust and able to handle kitchen's fluctuating climate | Not immune to water – spills must be cleaned quickly |
| Wide selection of designs, shades, and textures | Can be prone to scratches and indentations |
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