Engineered wood flooring sanding: An expert shares the definitive response

In the world of home renovations, engineered wood flooring has become a popular choice due to its durability and affordability. This article aims to provide a clear and concise guide on sanding engineered wood flooring, ensuring a successful refinishing process.

Firstly, it's important to understand the structure of engineered wood flooring. It consists of a solid wood core, such as HDF, covered by a solid wood veneer. The veneer, or wear layer, is what gets sanded during the refinishing process. Less expensive options may have thinner veneers, typically 1-2mm thick, which affects the sanding process.

When it comes to choosing the right plank thickness, for high-traffic areas, 20mm planks are ideal as they can be sanded and refinished multiple times. However, thinner boards (12mm-15mm) are more cost-effective but will not offer the same longevity or load-bearing strength. Choosing engineered wood flooring with a thicker wear layer (minimum 3.5mm) is recommended for the ability to sand the floor multiple times without issues.

The sanding process begins with a series of grit papers, starting with a coarse grit (most commonly between 80 - 120 grit) and working up to a finish sand grit. A heavy-duty belt sander is a good option for smaller rooms, while industrial floor sanders can be hired for approximately £50 a day. When sanding an engineered wood floor, it's essential to use an edge sander along the edges of the room and a hand-held detail sander or scraper for corners and hard-to-reach areas.

After the initial sanding, a floor buffer or orbital sander with a fine grit sandpaper screen can be used to remove any minor indentations or raised fibers to prepare the floor for refinishing. Using a corded detail sander with an iron shaped pad is ideal for reaching hard-to-reach areas and corners.

It's crucial to note that if the wood top layer of an engineered wood flooring is less than 3mm, it will limit your ability to sand back and refinish the floor. Therefore, it's essential to choose high-quality hardwoods in the top layer and a base made of high-grade birch plywood for durability and strength.

In conclusion, sanding engineered wood flooring requires careful consideration of the thickness of the wear layer, the choice of grit papers, and the use of appropriate sanding equipment. By following this guide, you can ensure a successful refinishing process for your engineered wood flooring.

For those looking for sustainable, high-quality timber flooring, Chaunceys Timber Flooring, a family-run company based in Bristol, has been supplying timber flooring since 1988. Their commitment to quality and sustainability makes them an excellent choice for your flooring needs.