On average, engineered hardwood floors can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years, depending on the thickness of the top layer (veneer), the quality of the product, and the conditions it's exposed to. High-quality engineered hardwood with a thicker veneer can even last up to 40 years if well-maintained.
On average, you can expect engineered hardwood floors to last between 20 and 30 years. However, with proper care and maintenance, some floors can stretch closer to 40 years.
Thanks to the composition of engineered flooring, which consists of multiple core pieces of plywood, HDF, or softwood, topped off with a beautiful layer of hardwood, it means that engineered flooring can last for up to 30 years in the right conditions.
An engineered wood floor that is untreated will not only be succeptible to moisture ingress and water damage but also to scratching and marking.
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.
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.
While you can use a vacuum if that's more convenient, we recommend using a soft brush attachment designed for hard floors to minimise scratches. We often get questions about mopping engineered wood flooring. While you can use a mop, it's best to use a damp cloth rather than a soaking wet mop.
Thicker-engineered hardwood is often more durable and stable, making it ideal for higher foot traffic areas.
2mm wear layer: can be sanded and refinished 1 to 2 times. 3mm wear layer: can be sanded and refinished 2 to 3 times. 4 to 6 mm wear layer: can be sanded and refinished 3 to 6 times.
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.
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.
There is always a chance that these floors will expand and contract as humidity levels and temperatures change. However, a floating engineered floor will not have to strain against adhesives or nails, so there is less chance of damage when these things happen.
Is it worth it to refinish engineered hardwood floors? Absolutely, if the veneer layer is thick enough. Refinishing can extend your floor's life and enhance its look.
Like sponges, wood swells and expands as it absorbs water, but not to the same extreme. Although the design of engineered wood creates a higher resistance to water than solid wood floors, consistent, large moisture and water absorption, paired with high humidity levels, still affect engineered wood.
Vinyl flooring is durable, water-resistant, and affordable, making it ideal for households with children or pets. On the other hand, engineered wood offers a look and feel close to natural wood, preferred for its aesthetic. Your choice will depend on your personal preferences and the requirements of your living space.
Damp Cleaning Guidelines:
Damp cleaning is recommended using a Swiffer wet jet system or a Bona moistened cleaner pad (not spray on the floor). The moistened pad should be pH 7 neutral. Avoid using Swiffer pre-treated moistened pads and other cleaners with non-neutral pH levels.
Yes, Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner is recommended for use on engineered hardwood floors, as well as all unwaxed, unoiled, polyurethane finished wood floors.
Floor Cleaning Tips
For a quick clean up of spills on different flooring surfaces you can use Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes. They work great on hardwood floors! You can also use Clorox® Scentiva® Disinfecting Wet Mopping Cloths, which make it easy and convenient to clean floors, and can be used with a sweeper tool.
Price Ranges
Basic Engineered Planks: These cost about $3 to $9 per square foot. They usually feature three core layers topped by a thin veneer. Mid-Range Engineered Planks: Costing between $6 and $12 per square foot, these planks are more durable and often have five core layers.
Generally, you will need to use one if you are using engineered wood flooring and you want to float it in your home. You can float an engineered wooden floor over an underlay, but never a solid wooden floor. Also, you can't float parquet blocks, they must be glued down into place.
What Species Is Best? The best hardwood floors are made with wood species that are readily available and — you guessed it — very hard. Oak flooring, maple flooring and cherry flooring are all good choices. Other species include bamboo (which is actually a grass), walnut, ash and mahogany.