The Realities of Engineered Hardwood Floor Care

Engineered hardwood floors are durable, stable, and a great option for many homes. That said, they still require proper care to stay looking good over time. One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is that engineered hardwood doesn’t need maintenance. In reality, it just needs a different approach than solid hardwood.

At ProScout Hardwood Floor Restoration, we work with engineered hardwood every day. Knowing what it can and can’t handle is the key to protecting your investment and avoiding unnecessary damage.

What Makes Engineered Hardwood Floor Different

Engineered hardwood has a real wood veneer on top of layered backing. That top layer gives you the look of solid hardwood, but it’s thinner. Because of that, engineered floors usually can’t be sanded multiple times like solid wood.

This makes maintenance services like screen and recoat especially important. They refresh the surface, remove light wear, and extend the life of the finish without cutting into the wood layer.

What You Can Expect From Our Engineered Hardwood Care Process

Our process is designed to protect the wood while improving appearance and durability. Each step matters.

Step 1: Surface Cleaning

We start by dust mopping or vacuuming the floors to remove grit and debris. This prevents particles from scratching the surface during the process and helps us achieve consistent results.

Step 2: Screening the Floor

Next, we screen the floor using a specific screening disc. This removes minor surface scratches and lightly abrades the existing finish. The goal is not to sand the wood, but to create proper adhesion for the new polyurethane.

Step 3: Detailed Vacuum and Prep

We vacuum again using a commercial HEPA system, then flat mop the floors dry. After that, we apply a spray solution to remove any remaining particles. Clean prep is critical for a smooth finish.

Step 4: First Coat of Polyurethane

We apply the first coat of polyurethane and allow approximately three hours of drying time. This coat begins restoring protection and clarity to the floor.

Step 5: Client Walkthrough

Before moving forward, we do a walkthrough with the homeowner. This allows you to see the progress and ask questions. At this stage, it’s socks only.

Final Step: Second Coat Application

We apply a second coat of polyurethane and allow about four hours of dry time. This final layer adds durability and helps the finish hold up to daily use.

Why This Process Matters for Engineered Hardwood

Because engineered hardwood has a limited wear layer, improper sanding or aggressive methods can cause permanent damage. Screen and recoat services like this protect the floor without removing wood.

This approach:

• Extends the life of the finish

• Improves appearance and smoothness

• Reduces future wear

• Helps avoid premature replacement

It’s one of the most effective ways to maintain engineered hardwood floors.

Setting the Right Expectations

Engineered hardwood won’t last forever without care. Regular maintenance keeps the finish intact and helps the floor age evenly. Waiting too long can lead to exposed wood, which limits future options.

Our team focuses on honest recommendations. If a screen and recoat is the right solution, we’ll explain why. If the floor needs something else, we’ll walk you through that too.

Protecting Your Floors the Right Way

Engineered hardwood floors are a smart choice when they’re cared for properly. With the right maintenance plan, they stay clean, protected, and visually consistent for years.

If your engineered hardwood floors are starting to look worn, dull, or scratched, professional care can make a noticeable difference without unnecessary disruption.