Engineered wood flooring has become a popular choice for homeowners who want the look of hardwood with better stability. Taking care of these floors properly means they will last longer and look better. Here's what you need to know about maintaining them.

 

What is Engineered Wood Flooring?

 

Engineered wood flooring has real hardwood on the surface, but underneath there are several layers of other wood products glued together. Each layer runs in a different direction, which stops the floor from warping when humidity changes or temperatures go up and down.

 

The top layer is the part you see and walk on. Some engineered flooring has a thick top layer that can be sanded down and refinished later. Veneers of 3 mm or more can tolerate light sanding. Others have a thin layer that can't be refinished. When you are buying engineered wood, ask about the wear layer thickness because it affects how long your floor will last.

 

 

Suitable Rooms and Environments for Engineered Wood Flooring

 

Living rooms and bedrooms are particularly well suited to engineered wood flooring. The material provides a warm, inviting atmosphere while delivering the authentic look and feel of natural wood underfoot. These spaces benefit from the flooring's durability and timeless aesthetic appeal.

 

Hallways and entryways represent excellent applications for engineered wood. Despite experiencing consistent foot traffic and exposure to outdoor elements, the flooring maintains its integrity and appearance over time. The construction of engineered wood allows it to handle the demands of these high traffic areas effectively.

 

Dining rooms also work exceptionally well with engineered wood flooring. While spills should be addressed promptly as the top layer consists of genuine wood that absorbs moisture similarly to solid hardwood, the flooring performs reliably in dining environments when properly maintained. Regular care and quick attention to any liquids will ensure the floor's longevity in these spaces.

 

When installing engineered wood flooring, consider factors such as room humidity levels, exposure to natural light and existing subfloor conditions. Bathrooms with showers or tubs should be avoided, as standing water will damage any wood floor, engineered or not.

 

 

How to Choose the Right Finish for Engineered Wood Flooring

 

The finish you choose doesn’t just affect how your engineered wood flooring looks. It also determines how much care it needs and how it will age over time. Each finish brings its own texture, sheen and character to the floor. Here’s what you need to know before deciding.

 

Lacquered

 

Lacquered engineered flooring is a favourite for good reason. It creates a smooth surface that's simple to clean and holds up well to daily foot traffic. You get a nice subtle shine and the protective coating handles what busy family life throws at it. Spills wipe up easily, and the floor keeps looking good even in high-traffic areas.

 

Natural Oiled and UV Oiled

 

If you love a more natural, matte look, oiled finishes let the wood breathe while enhancing its grain. Natural oil soaks into the wood fibres instead of sitting on top, giving the floor a rich, authentic appearance. UV oiled flooring offers a similar aesthetic but is cured under ultraviolet light during the manufacturing process, which creates a more stable and durable finish. Both finishes maintain that beautiful, authentic look, though they do require occasional re-oiling to maintain their protection and colour.

 

Brushed & Lacquered

 

This finish gives you texture and protection both. The wood gets brushed first to bring out the natural grain patterns, then sealed with lacquer. Your floors end up looking stylish while staying easy to maintain. The lacquer provides solid protection against daily wear.

 

Brushed & Natural Oiled

 

This finish highlights the wood's natural warmth. The brushing adds texture that shows the grain beautifully, while the oil enriches the wood's colour. You get that authentic, rustic appearance.

 

Brushed & UV Oiled

 

This option offers the best of both worlds with a textured, natural surface and enhanced durability thanks to UV curing. It works beautifully in areas where you want a natural look but need added protection.

 

Unfinished

 

Unfinished wood flooring arrives without any coating, allowing you to customise the finish exactly how you want. They require finishing after installation but give you total control over colour, shine and protection level.

 

Handscraped & Lacquered

 

These floors feature a hand-finished surface with a lightly worn effect that mimics the look of traditional craftsmanship. The lacquer adds protection and shine while preserving the charming, vintage feel.

 

 

Common Problems with Engineered Wood Flooring and How to Fix Them

 

  • Scratches show up even with careful use. Small scratches sometimes buff out with a soft cloth and some floor cleaner. Deeper ones need a wood marker or putty stick in a matching colour. Fill the scratch, wipe off the excess and it becomes much less visible.
  • Water leaves marks if you don't clean it up fast. White rings or spots mean water got into the finish. Try rubbing the spot gently with a cloth and a small amount of floor cleaner. Stubborn spots might need 0000 grade steel wool, but test this in a hidden area first.
  • Gaps appear between boards when your house gets dry in winter. This happens because wood shrinks when humidity drops. Run a humidifier to keep humidity around 40-50%. The gaps usually close back up when the air gets more humid in spring and summer.
  • Buckling means water got under the floor. Check for leaks in pipes or water coming through the foundation. Fix the leak first, then let everything dry out completely. Sometimes the boards flatten back down. Sometimes they need replacing.

 

 

Maintenance Requirements for Maximum Durability

 

  • Sweep or vacuum your floors every few days. Dirt and sand act like sandpaper under your feet, wearing down the finish. Use a vacuum that's safe for hard floors or just stick with a broom or dust mop.
  • Mop once a week with a cleaner made for wood floors. Get the mop damp, not soaking wet. Too much water causes problems even with engineered wood. Spray the cleaner on the mop, not directly on the floor, so you use less and control where it goes.
  • Put rugs inside and outside your doors. They catch dirt before it gets tracked onto your floors. Stick felt pads on the bottom of the chair and table legs. Replace them when they wear thin or fall off.
  • Move your furniture around once in a while or at least shift your area rugs. This prevents certain spots from fading differently than others. Close your blinds during the brightest part of the day if the sun hits your floors directly.
  • Have a professional clean your floors every couple of years if you have heavy traffic. They can also apply a fresh coat of finish to renew the surface.

 

Good maintenance habits start paying off immediately. Your floors will look cleaner, last longer, and need fewer repairs. The work isn't complicated. Set up a simple routine and stick with it and your engineered wood floors will look great for many years.