Maintain Engineered Hardwood to Maximize its Lifespan

Engineered hardwood flooring can be a beautiful and durable choice for any home. With its attractive appearance resembling traditional solid wood and enhanced resistance to moisture damage, it offers the best of both worlds. But like with any flooring material, proper maintenance is crucial for engineered wood to look its best and have a long lifespan.

With the right care and preventative measures, engineered wood can last for decades before needing replacement.

Proper Installation Sets the Stage for Durability

A quality installation lays the groundwork for engineered hardwood floors that will stand the test of time. Taking steps to ensure proper acclimation, moisture protection, and using an experienced installer prevents many issues down the road.

Choose a Reputable Installer

Having engineered hardwood installed by an experienced professional is worth the investment. They have the skills to properly inspect the subfloor, allow for expansion gaps, and use advanced techniques for a smooth, long-lasting installation. Signs of a quality installer include:

• NWFA certification
• Extensive experience with engineered hardwood specifically
• References and examples of previous quality installations
• Detailed process for moisture testing and subfloor preparation
• Carefully inspects each plank for defects before installing

An installer who takes shortcuts or rushes through the job can compromise the lifespan of your floors. Going with a reputable pro will maximize durability.

Allow Time for Proper Acclimation

Acclimation is the process of allowing the engineered wood planks to adjust to the temperature and humidity levels in your home before installation. This adjustment period, usually 1-2 weeks, prevents excessive expansion or contraction after the flooring is installed.

Rushing this acclimation process can lead to gaps, buckling, and damaged locking systems as the planks expand and contract. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for acclimation time. A little patience goes a long way for long-term performance.

Use Moisture Barrier Underlayments

Even though engineered wood is more resistant to moisture than solid wood, excess humidity can still cause cupping, swelling, and gapping over time. Using a high-quality moisture barrier underlayment underneath the flooring creates an extra layer of protection.

Look for underlayments made from cork, felt, or rubber that have a vapor barrier film rated for at least .15mm polyfilm thickness. This protects against moisture from below while still allowing the engineered wood to breathe.

Follow Regular Maintenance Best Practices

Once installed, adhering to regular maintenance routines and being diligent about preventing damage will keep your engineered floors looking beautiful for years.

Daily and Weekly Routines

Simple daily and weekly cleaning is vital for your engineered wood. Here are some best practices:

• Sweep with soft bristle broom to pick up dirt and debris
• Use damp mop to remove stuck-on dirt; use pH neutral cleaner
• Immediately wipe up spills and liquids
• Avoid excessive water and steam cleaners which can damage finish
• Reapply finish per manufacturer's recommendations

Doing this routine maintenance helps prevent scratches, dents, and moisture damage over time.

Seasonal Maintenance Tips

Engineered wood floors can require some seasonal adjustments as humidity levels change. Here are some tips:

• Use humidifier in winter when indoor air is driest
• Open windows for ventilation in summer and use dehumidifier if needed
• Have floors professionally inspected each season
• Consider reapplying protective finish yearly

Being proactive with seasonal maintenance helps avoid issues like gaps in planks or cupping.

Protect Against Dents, Scratches and Other Damage

While engineered hardwood is durable, it's not impervious to dents, scratches, and other damage from daily life. Take steps to minimize harm and address any issues promptly.

Lifestyle and Usage Considerations

Choose flooring suited for your home's needs:

• Opt for thicker ply and wear layer for pets or high traffic
• Use furniture pads under heavy furniture
• Area rugs can prevent scratches in high use zones
• Avoid spiked heels which concentrate force and mar floors

Being mindful of potential damage based on your lifestyle helps minimize issues.

Addressing Inevitable Scratches

Even with proper care, some light scratches are inevitable. Here are tips for dealing with them:

• Use wood filler markers to blend in slight scratches
• Sand and recoat badly scratched areas to renew finish
• Spot repairs or replacements for badly damaged planks
• Consider professional resurfacing every 5-10 years

Promptly addressing scratches maintains the floor's look and prevents further damage.

Signs Your Engineered Wood Floor Needs Refinishing

Over time, even with great care, engineered floors can show signs of wear and may need sanding and refinishing. Here are some indicators a professional refinish is needed:

• Noticeable scratches, gouges, or dents that are catching
• Discoloration or faded areas where finish has worn away
• Visible seams or edges between planks due to finish wear
• Dull, rough surface no longer smooth to the touch
• Water sits on surface rather than absorbing

Refinishing restores the protective coat and repairs damage before it worsens. This can help add decades of life to engineered hardwood floors.

With the right maintenance regimen, engineered hardwood can stay looking pristine and avoid replacement for 25-30 years or longer. The essentials include proper installation, preventative care, addressing damage promptly, and refinishing when needed.

Focus on keeping your floors free of dirt, spills, and scratches. Maintain proper humidity levels year-round. Have a professional inspect annually and refinish worn areas. Your diligence will be rewarded with engineered hardwood floors that endure for the long haul.