How do I protect my new engineered hardwood floors?

Author: Ms. Leann Anderson DVM  |  Last update: Saturday, June 7, 2025

Essential Care and Maintenance Tips for Engineered Hardwood
  1. Clean up any spills immediately. ...
  2. Sweep daily. ...
  3. Use a vacuum cleaner for a thorough cleaning. ...
  4. Be mindful of the types of shoes you wear. ...
  5. Reference specific product care and maintenance docs.

Can you put a protective coating on engineered hardwood floors?

Most engineered hardwood often comes pre-finished and does not need to be sealed. However, if you would like to add an extra layer of protection from water leaks and spills, you can add a seal to engineered wood. Sealing your floor will keep the floors intact for longer.

How do you protect engineered hardwood floors?

Practive hardwood floor protection strategies
  1. Use furniture pads. This is the simplest and most effective way to protect your floors. ...
  2. Lift, don't drag. ...
  3. Use area rugs & runners. ...
  4. Check your furniture's wheels and casters. ...
  5. Maintain proper humidity levels.

How do you make engineered hardwood scratch resistant?

Both solid and engineered wood flooring have a choice of finishes which add to their appearance, but more importantly protect them from scratching. The two best options are oil and lacquer. Applied directly to the surface, oil soaks into the wood to strengthen it and maintains its natural appearance.

Does engineered wood flooring need to be sealed?

Engineered hardwood flooring is manufactured in such a way that refinishing isn't normally a viable or possible option. Therefore, the best and sometimes only way to prevent the need for refinishing is by adding that extra layer of protection and sealing your floor.

Tips & Tricks: Protecting your Hardwood Floors

What is the best sealant for engineered hardwood floors?

Varathane Water-Based Clear Gloss Polyurethane delivers a high-gloss finish that is both durable and resistant to stains and water.
  • Rust-Oleum Parks Pro Finisher Clear Polyurethane. ...
  • Minwax Ultimate Floor Finish. ...
  • ProCoat INVISICOAT Invisible Waterborne Wood Finish. ...
  • Loba 2K InvisibleProtect.

Can you walk on newly installed engineered hardwood floors?

Engineered wood flooring

Typically, you can walk on an engineered prefinished floor after 24 hours, depending on the installation method used.

What are the negatives of engineered wood flooring?

What Are the Disadvantages of Engineered Wood Flooring?
  • Engineered Wood Is Pricey. ...
  • Low-Quality Core. ...
  • Prone to Fading. ...
  • Engineered Wood Must Acclimate. ...
  • Engineered Wood Requires Specific Care. ...
  • Limits to Refinishing. ...
  • Susceptible to Dents and Scratches. ...
  • Emits Dangerous Chemicals.

Do dogs' nails scratch engineered hardwood floors?

The Harder the Wood, the Less Susceptible it is to Your Dog's Nails. Remember, even though engineered hardwood is less susceptible to scratching, it still features a real hardwood veneer. So you'll still have worries about scratching and denting.

What is the most scratch resistant engineered hardwood flooring?

Based on the factors mentioned above, some of the most scratch-resistant engineered wood flooring types and categories include:
  1. Hickory Engineered Wood Flooring. ...
  2. White Oak Engineered Wood Flooring. ...
  3. European Oak Engineered Wood Flooring. ...
  4. Maple Engineered Wood Flooring. ...
  5. Walnut Engineered Wood Flooring.

What is the best thing to use on engineered hardwood floors?

Some experts recommend using a microfibre mop on engineered wood floors to stay ultra-gentle, but using a regular mop is also fine, as long as it remains damp and not soaking wet.

Is Bona safe for engineered hardwood floors?

Yes, Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner is recommended for use on engineered hardwood floors, as well as all unwaxed, unoiled, polyurethane finished wood floors.

How do you waterproof engineered hardwood floors?

The two main finish options for engineered wood flooring, oil and lacquer, influence its water-resistance. Oil finishes absorb into the wood, while lacquer finishes create a dense, water-resistant layer on the surface. Additional use of waterproofing polyurethane or resin can further enhance the water-resistance.

What is the best coating for engineered hardwood floors?

Moisture-cured urethane is one of the toughest finishes available for wood floors. Originally designed for bowling alleys, this finish is known for its extreme durability and high-gloss appearance. It resists moisture, scratches, stains, and general wear, making it ideal for high-traffic areas and homes with pets.

How do you protect engineered wood floors?

Use only a dry to damp mop or cloth for best results when cleaning. Protect your engineered floors from UV damage by pulling drapes or blinds during peak sunlight hours to shield your floors from direct sunlight. Place all houseplants and furniture on soft coasters or felt pads to avoid nicks and scratches.

What is the life expectancy of engineered hardwood floors?

The typical lifespan of engineered hardwood flooring ranges from 20 to 30 years or more, depending on factors such as the quality of materials, installation process, maintenance routines, and environmental conditions. Suppose you take good care of high-quality engineered hardwood floors with thicker wear layers.

Will dog pee ruin engineered hardwood floors?

Urine left on the floor for too long can discolor the wood, leaving dark stains and a stubborn ammonia odor that can be very difficult and expensive to remove. The key to minimizing this damage is acting quickly. The faster you clean up spills and accidents, the less chance there is of permanent damage.

How do I protect my engineered hardwood floors from my dog?

Two of the most effective ways to protect your hardwood floors are to use rugs and/or mats in high traffic areas, and to invest in a quality dog crate like the Revol dog crate.

How to prevent scratches on engineered wood floors?

Take Measures to Prevent Scratches
  1. Use mats at main entrances to brush dirt and debris off shoes and near water-prone workstations like sinks, the dishwasher and the laundry room.
  2. Apply felt pads to furniture feet or legs and choose soft polyurethane rubber casters on rolling furniture (like office chairs).

How can you tell if engineered hardwood is high quality?

Lacquered and oil finishes stand as indicators of high-quality engineered wood flooring. A lacquered finish provides a robust, protective layer that is both durable and low-maintenance. An oil finish penetrates the wood, enriching its natural colour and highlighting its grain.

How much does it cost to install 1000 square feet of engineered hardwood floors?

Installing engineered hardwood flooring in a 1000 square foot space typically ranges from $6,000 to $12,000. The average cost lands around $9,000. This includes both materials and labor, but factors like the type of wood and installation complexity can influence the final price.

What is one problem associated with engineered floor systems?

One common problem associated with engineered floor systems, especially in certain circumstances, is moisture-related issues. Engineered wood flooring is more stable and less prone to expansion and contraction due to changes in humidity compared to solid wood flooring.

How long does it take for engineered hardwood to settle?

It is recommended that you allow the boards to acclimatise for a minimum of 48-72 hours. If you take delivery of your flooring and it has to be stored for a period of time, this is not a problem. The boxes can be left in a dry indoor location including garages, outbuildings etc.

How soon can you put furniture on new hardwood floors?

The short answer is that it depends on a few factors, but generally, you should wait at least 24 to 48 hours before returning furniture to the room. The reason why you need to wait is that the finish on your hardwood floors needs time to dry and cure properly.

How do you clean engineered hardwood floors after installation?

How to Clean?
  1. Sweep Daily with Broom.
  2. Vacuum the Floor Gently.
  3. Use Proper Cleaning Products.
  4. Mop your Engineered Hardwood with a Dry Microfiber Mop.
  5. Polish and Oil.
  6. Refurbish Every 5 Year.
  7. Avoid Excessive Moisture.
  8. Never use an Abrasive Cleaning Brush.

Previous article
Can you use distilled water as coolant?
Next article
How do you deal with uneven tiles?