Homeowners throughout Los Angeles and Canoga Park, CA, are increasingly choosing engineered wood flooring for its beauty and practicality. But one of the most common questions that comes up when searching for an engineered hardwood floor near me is whether these floors can be refinished like traditional solid hardwood. The answer isn’t a simple yes or no—it depends on a few important factors that any local flooring expert should help you understand.
If you’re considering this flooring type for your space or already have it installed, understanding how refinishing works—and if it’s even an option—can make a big difference in how you maintain your floors over time.
How Engineered Hardwood Flooring Near Me is Constructed
To understand refinishing potential, it’s helpful to start with how these floors are built. Unlike solid hardwood, engineered hardwood flooring is composed of multiple layers. The base layers are made of high-density plywood or fiberboard, giving the floor enhanced stability and resistance to moisture and temperature fluctuations—something particularly valuable in homes throughout Canoga Park and Los Angeles.
The top layer, however, is what matters most when it comes to refinishing. Known as the veneer or wear layer, this is the actual hardwood portion. Thickness varies by product, and that thickness determines how many times, if any, the floor can be sanded and refinished. Generally, veneers under 2mm can’t handle sanding, while those with 3mm or more offer at least one refinishing opportunity, depending on the installer’s skill and tools.
So, if you’ve searched for engineered hardwood floor near me and are already enjoying your floors, your ability to refinish will largely depend on the original product and how it was installed.
When It’s Worth Refinishing—and When It’s Not
Some homeowners are motivated to refinish engineered wood flooring when surface wear becomes noticeable. This might include light scratches, fading, or dull spots in high-traffic areas. In these cases, a professional hardwood floor installer may be able to lightly sand and apply a fresh coat of finish, especially if the veneer is thick enough.
However, not all cosmetic flaws require full sanding. Many modern finishes can be refreshed using screen-and-coat methods, where the top layer is scuffed and recoated without sanding into the wood. This option is gentler and often more appropriate for thinner wear layers.
Your flooring contractor will assess whether a full refinish or surface restoration is more appropriate. If your floor has deep dents or water damage, sanding might not be a viable solution. And if you’re unsure what kind of veneer you have, a flooring expert near me can help you identify the construction and options.
Choosing a Trusted Flooring Partner Near Me
If you’re based in Canoga Park or anywhere across Los Angeles, working with a local engineered hardwood floor professional ensures your project is in the right hands. Not only are you getting personalized service based on your floor’s specific construction, but you’re also benefiting from a pro who understands how California’s dry heat, cool evenings, and coastal air affect engineered floors long-term.
Experienced flooring contractors will not only evaluate whether refinishing is safe, but they’ll also help you maintain the right care habits to avoid needing it prematurely. This includes cleaning with the right products, using felt pads under furniture, and avoiding excessive moisture.
When comparing real wood floor alternatives, engineered hardwood offers a compelling blend of beauty and durability, with the added perk that, in some cases, it can be revived through professional refinishing. It’s one more reason this flooring type has become so popular among local homeowners looking for both style and practicality.
For expert flooring services you can trust, contact IDN Flooring at 818-888-8051 today.
READ MORE:
Engineered Hardwood Flooring Near Me vs. Laminate: Key Differences You Should Know