When you invest in engineered wood, you’re often told it lasts a lifetime. But life happens. Pets scratch the surface, moving furniture leaves a gouge, or maybe you just want to change the stain to match a new kitchen. The big question then becomes: can it handle a sander?
Unlike solid wood, engineered planks have a limit. Understanding that limit is the difference between a beautifully restored floor and a costly mistake that exposes the plywood underneath. Here is the reality of what our floors can handle. Here’s what you need to know.
The Golden Rule of the Wear Layer
The number of times we can safely sand your floor depends entirely on the thickness of that top real-wood layer, known as the wear layer. If you are currently looking at an engineered wood flooring sale in the UK, you’ll notice that boards come in various thicknesses. This isn’t just about the price but about the future of your home.
- 2mm – 3mm Layer: These are typically budget-friendly options. We usually recommend only one light professional sand in their entire lifetime.
- 4mm Layer: This is the sweet spot for most London family homes. We can usually sand these 2 to 3 times before the layer becomes too thin.
- 6mm Layer: These are the premium heavyweights. A 6mm wear layer can often be sanded as many times as solid wood, up to 5 or 6 times, giving you a floor that truly can last 50 years or more.
Why Precision Matters
Sanding isn’t just about removing the old finish; it’s about leveling the surface. As flooring specialists in London, Floor Direct Ltd. has seen many DIY attempts go wrong because of the uneven subfloors common in older Victorian or Georgian properties.
If there is a slight hump in your floor and you run a heavy drum sander over it, you can burn through a 3mm wear layer in seconds, ruining the plank.
This is why we always advocate for a professional touch. Our team uses specialised equipment to measure the remaining wood before we start, ensuring we never compromise the structural integrity of your floor.
The Buff and Coat Secret
Before you commit to a full sand-back, we always ask our clients: do you really need a deep sand? If your floor just looks a little tired or has light surface scuffs, a buff and coat is often a much better choice. This process gently removes the old lacquer or oil without eating into the wood itself. It saves your wear layer for a deeper renovation ten years down the line and keeps your home looking fresh without the dust of a full sanding job.
Whatever state your floor is in, we are here to help you make it look brand new again. Contact us to book a free home visit today.