Alternatives to refinishing engineered hardwood flooring there are steps you can take to delay the need for refinishing your engineered flooring.
Polyurethane over engineered hardwood.
Floors finished with aluminum oxide at the factory generally have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years compared to a ten year life of a floor finished with polyurethane after the floor is installed.
Engineered flooring is somewhat less expensive than solid hardwood but most types can be sanded and refinished only once since the surface hardwood layer is relatively thin.
The finish itself isn t anything special that i am aware of stained wood with a polyurethane coat over it.
Polyurethane is recommended over varnish for hardwood floors.
When it comes to polyurethane you have two choices.
Uv protection is another benefit of this flooring finish.
If you re looking for a more natural appearance with a low odor going with a water based poly is the right decision.
Adding a layer of polyurethane sealer to the existing finish a process known as refreshing the finish is a good option when light wear that hasn t penetrated the wear layer is starting to show on your flooring.
Hand sand corners edges and under cabinet kick plates.
Maintenance costs and labor are reduced over the lifetime of the floor.
I doubt a consumer could duplicate the process in a cost effective manner.
The urethane used in sealing wood surfaces is more commonly known as polyurethane.
It s the actual curring of it which is done with special uv lights.
You ll find it in.
Use the 5 to 3 brush to apply polyurethane to wood flooring edges and use the roller or pad to apply it to the center of the floor.
Applying polyurethane to hardwood floors.
Lightly sand with a dull 120 to 150 grit abrasive screen or 2 steel wool under a heavy floor buffer.
Step by step step 1.
Sweep the floor and then damp mop it with water and white vinegar 10 1 ratio or go over it with a tack cloth.
If you want a rich color without having to reapply coats an oil based poly is your best bet.
Engineered wood flooring looks very similar on the surface but it is made from a relatively thin layer of hardwood bonded over a substrate of high quality plywood.
Oil based polyurethane has a slight amber or yellowish tint and can yellow even more over time which adds a bit of rich warm amber color to the floors if that s your goal.
Yes a polyurethane finished hardwood floor may have additional coats of polyurethane applied.