How Long Do Engineered Hardwood Floors Last?

If you’ve been reading our recent posts, we decided to install engineered hardwood in our entire house. We absolutely love how they look, but one of the biggest questions we get is how long do engineered hardwood floors actually last?

On average, engineered hardwood floors last 30 to 80 years, depending on several factors. Let’s take a closer look at what determines how long engineered hardwood lasts and how you can extend the life of your floors.

What Are Engineered Hardwood Floors?

To understand how long they’ll last, it’s important to first understand what engineered hardwood is made of. Engineered hardwood floors are made of two or more layers of wood. The top layer is the veneer, which is made of real hardwood. The bottom layer(s) are composed of plywood or other types of wood.

Compare this to solid hardwood floors that are made of one solid piece of wood. But engineered hardwood floors are still strong and durable and can last for many years with proper care.

To learn more, check out our guide, Engineered Hardwood Floors: Everything You Need to Know.

How Long Do Engineered Hardwood Floors Last?

Most engineered hardwood floors will last you 30 to 80+ years, with normal amounts of wear and tear. If you have large dogs or a large family, you may take a few years off of the expected life of your floors.

Thickness and Refinishing

The biggest factor in determining the lifespan of your engineered hardwood is the thickness of the veneer or wear layer. The veneer is the top layer of wood, and it’s what you see and walk on. Most engineered hardwood floors have a veneer that is 3/16″ to 1/4″ thick. The thicker the veneer, the more times your floors can be refinished and thus last longer.

For example, floors that have a veneer layer of 1/4″ can be refinished multiple times, meaning they will last for decades. Typically each time you refinish your floors, you will remove 1mm of veneer. And since you need at least 1mm of veneer left after refinishing, you can easily calculate how many times you can refinish your floor. If you want to save time calculating, you can see the exact calculation for how many times you can refinish based on thickness in our complete guide to engineered hardwood.

Manufacturers Warranties

When you’re shopping for floors, you’ll likely notice manufacturers’ warranties. Most are offered for 25-50 years. While this is always a good reassurance of the floor’s quality, it doesn’t necessarily mean that’s how long your floors will last. High-quality engineered hardwood can absolutely last longer than the manufacturer’s warranty.

It’s also important to note that warranty coverage may vary depending on the manufacturer. Additionally, warranties typically don’t cover wear and tear or damage from pets, spills, or other accidents.

How to Care for Engineered Hardwood

With proper care, engineered hardwood floors can last for many years. To keep your floors looking like new, here are our top tips:

• Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris.
• Use mats at entrances to collect dirt and sand before it has a chance to scratch the floors.
• Place furniture pads under chairs and tables to prevent scratches.
• Wipe up spills immediately with a soft, dry cloth. Do not allow liquids to sit on the surface of the floor for extended periods of time.
• Avoid harsh cleaning products, as they can damage the finish on the floors. Instead, we use a mixture of 3 parts water to 1 part ammonia in a squirt bottle.
• Have your floors professionally cleaned every few years to remove built-up dirt and grime.
• Inspect your floors regularly for signs of damage, such as scratches, dents, or chips. If you notice any damage, have it repaired promptly to prevent further damage from occurring.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your engineered hardwood floors will withstand the test of time and continue to look beautiful for many years to come.

How Often Do Engineered Hardwood Floors Need to Be Refinished?

Similar to solid hardwood floors, you’ll need to refinish engineered hardwood floors every 15-25 years, depending on the level of wear. You’ll know it’s time to refinish when you start to see scratches and dents or the finish is starting to wear away.

Refinishing also gives you the opportunity to sand, re-stain your floors and change their look. If you’re not happy with the color of your floors, or if you want to update the look of your home, refinishing is a great way to do it.

Refinishing engineered hardwood is also cheaper than replacing your floors. Refinishing typically costs $3-$5 per square foot when done professionally, whereas new floors will cost $7-$20 per square foot (materials and installation). For more costs, check out our guide to the actual cost of engineered white oak floors.

Bottom Line

With the right maintenance and care, engineered hardwood floors can last for decades. Plus, with manufacturers now offering warranties of up to 25-50 years on their products, you should feel confident with engineered flooring. If you’re looking for a beautiful and durable flooring option, engineered hardwood is an excellent choice.

How long has your engineered hardwood lasted? Let us know in the comments below!