Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood flooring brings the look of real timber into your home but with added strength and stability built in. It’s designed to look and feel like solid wood, while being easier to install and easier to live with. Below, we’ve broken down the key things you need to know.

 

What is engineered wood flooring?

Engineered wood flooring is made from real wood but with a layered design. Instead of being a single plank of solid timber, it has a genuine hardwood top layer supported by layers of plywood underneath. This structure gives you the look and feel of solid wood flooring but with added stability, so it's much less likely to warp or swell when temperatures or humidity levels change.

Many boards come with click-fit joints, making them simple to install. It’s also suitable for more areas of the home than traditional solid wood, and some types can even be used with underfloor heating.

 

Do engineered wood floors scratch easily?

Engineered wood floors can get scratched but not easily from everyday use. The top layer is real hardwood, so it holds up well to regular wear and tear. Most engineered floors come pre-finished with a protective lacquer or oil that helps shield the surface from scuffs and light scratches caused by foot traffic.

The main culprits for deeper scratches are things like dragging heavy furniture or sharp objects across the floor. However, most minor marks only affect the finish, not the wood itself, which means they’re often easy to fix or blend in. A lacquered finish gives the most protection, acting like a barrier over the wood, while an oiled finish keeps a more natural look and feel but may show signs of wear a bit sooner.

 

Can you mop an engineered floor?

Yes, you can mop an engineered wood floor. However, as these floors don’t handle excess moisture well, the key is to clean lightly and avoid soaking the surface. A microfibre mop and a light mist of water or a gentle, pH-neutral wood floor cleaner work best. Clean in small sections and let the floor dry completely before walking on it.

 

How often should you oil engineered wood flooring?

You don’t need to oil engineered wood flooring all the time but giving it the occasional top-up helps keep it looking good and protected. The oil soaks into the surface, keeping the wood nourished and more resistant to everyday wear. As a general rule, once every 6 to 24 months is about right, although it really depends on how much traffic the floor gets.

If it’s in a busy hallway, you might need to re-oil it a bit sooner. In a quieter space like a bedroom, it could go much longer without needing any attention. The good news is, the process is simple, and just a light coat is usually enough to refresh the finish.

 

What is the lifespan of engineered wood flooring?

Engineered wood flooring is built to last. A well-made floor can hold up for 25 to 40 years, or even longer with the right care. The key factor is the thickness of that top layer; thicker veneers (around 4mm) can be sanded and refinished a few times over the years, which helps them stay in great shape for three or four decades. Thinner ones (around 3mm) still last a long time, typically 20 to 30 years.