How to Restore Your Engineered Oak Flooring

Depending on the traffic of your engineered oak flooring it may start to look dull, scratched, or worn over time. The good news is that it can often be restored to bring back its natural beauty, and in many cases, you can even change the colour. Whether your floor needs a simple refresh or a full refinishing, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to bring it back to life.

Step 1: Assess the Condition of Your Floor

Before starting any restoration work, check the condition of your engineered oak flooring:

Surface Wear – If the finish is looking dull but the veneer is intact, a simple cleaning and re-oiling may be enough.
Minor Scratches and Dents – These can be treated with touch-up oils or wax.
Deeper Scratches and Fading – If the wear layer is thick enough, light sanding and refinishing may be required.

Most engineered oak floors have a veneer thickness of 4mm to 6mm, and only floors with a veneer of 3mm or more can be lightly sanded without damaging the structure.

Step 2: Deep Cleaning and Refreshing

If your floor is only mildly worn, try these steps first:

Thoroughly Clean the Surface – Use a wood-safe cleaner and a microfiber mop to remove dirt and grime.
Apply a Maintenance Oil – Hardwax oil can rejuvenate the surface and bring back its original sheen.
Buff the Floor – Using a buffing pad or machine can help distribute the oil evenly and refresh the appearance.

This process will restore the natural look of your engineered oak without the need for sanding.

Step 3: Light Sanding for More Worn Floors

If cleaning and oiling aren’t enough, lightly sanding the surface can help remove deeper marks and prepare the floor for refinishing.

How to Sand an Engineered Oak Floor

Use a fine-grit sanding pad (120-150 grit) and a floor buffer rather than a drum sander to avoid removing too much of the veneer.
Lightly sand only the surface finish without cutting into the wood veneer.
Clean up all dust before applying a new finish.

Step 4: Changing the Colour of Your Engineered Oak

If you want to give your floor a new look, you can change its colour after sanding by applying a different stain or finish.

Options for Changing the Colour

Re-oiling with a Tinted Hardwax Oil – This enhances the wood while adding subtle colour tones.
Staining – A wood stain can dramatically change the colour, from rich walnut tones to contemporary greys.
Bleaching or Whitewashing – For a lighter, Scandinavian-style look, a bleaching treatment can help remove yellow tones and brighten the wood.

Step 5: Reapplying a Protective Finish

After colouring or restoring the surface, protect the floor with a suitable finish:

Hardwax Oil – Provides a natural, breathable finish that enhances wood grain.
Lacquer – Offers a stronger, long-lasting protective layer for high-traffic areas.

Final Thoughts

Restoring engineered oak flooring is completely possible with the right approach. Whether you’re refreshing its original look or opting for a bold colour change, following these steps will give your floor a new lease of life. If you’re unsure about sanding or staining, consult a flooring professional to ensure the best results without damaging the veneer.