One of the best and easiest ways to protect your hardwood flooring from water damage is to lay down mats and rugs throughout the house. Place mats at the entrances to your home to keep wet, muddy shoes from traipsing onto your floors, and put a mat at the base of any sinks to protect your flooring from splashing water.

Can engineered hardwood be waterproofed?

Is Engineered Hardwood Waterproof? All traditional engineered hardwood is not waterproof. A new engineered hardwood product has a vinyl core with a wooden top or outer wooden layer. It is called engineered vinyl plank or EVP.

Should I seal my engineered wood floor?





Does Engineered Hardwood Need to be Sealed? Most engineered hardwood often comes pre-finished and does not need to be sealed. However, if you would like to add an extra layer of protection from water leaks and spills, you can add a seal to engineered wood. Sealing your floor will keep the floors intact for longer.

Does engineered hardwood need a moisture barrier?

Do I need a vapor barrier for hardwood floors?” The answer is YES! Moisture can destroy hardwood flooring. It causes cupping, warping, and even mildew if not treated. You must install a moisture barrier to protect your flooring from water wicking up from below.

How do I protect my engineered hardwood floors?

To help avoid scratches on engineered wood flooring, we recommend the following ways to protect your floor :

  1. Use an abrasive matt at external doors.
  2. Ensure felt pads are installed on all furnishings.
  3. Check shoes for metal spikes or worn heels.
  4. Lift items, do not drag them.
  5. Use maintenance oils or lacquer protection.

Does water damage engineered hardwood?





Water and moisture can cause the flooring to become warped and permanently damaged. Because the core of engineered wood flooring is not resistant to water, the floor will become damaged if water is allowed to soak into it.

Is Bona safe for engineered wood floors?

The BONA spray is super effective and a safe way to clean engineered wood floors (and is great for solid hardwood too)!

Can you Poly over engineered hardwood?

Don’t apply other coats of stain / polyurethane finishes on already finished engineered hardwood flooring. When cleaning your new hardwood flooring, ensure that you don’t use any wax-based cleaners or harsh detergents that will dull the finish of your flooring.

Can you wet mop engineered wood floors?

When mopping engineered wood, it’s best to use a damp – but not wet – mop. Too much moisture will sit on your floors and seep through the planks, which could cause subfloor damage or warping.

Are steam mops safe on engineered hardwood floors?



Stay away from ammonia and other harsh cleaning agents that may damage the hardwood upper layer. Don’t use a steam cleaner on your floor as this will direct too much moisture into the layers of engineered flooring, leading them to separate.

What are the disadvantages of engineered wood flooring?

10 Major Disadvantages of Installing Engineered Wood Flooring

  • Engineered Hardwood Can Be Pricey. …
  • A Low-Quality Core. …
  • There’s a Danger of Fading. …
  • You Need to Let the Wood Acclimate. …
  • Wooden Floors Require Specific Care. …
  • Engineered Hardwood Is Susceptible to Water Damage and Moisture.

How long will an engineered wood floor last?

Engineered hardwood typically lasts between 20 and 30 years. Because they do have a top layer of hardwood, like solid hardwood, they are susceptible to scratches. If scratch resistance is important to you, look for engineered hardwood floors with a scratch-resistant top coat.

Is engineered wood High maintenance?



Con: Maintenance

Hardwood flooring of any kind will take quite a lot of maintenance to keep its shine and lustre. Engineered wood is no different in this respect, therefore not particularly suitable to home’s with pets or young children unless you are prepared to keep up with regular maintenance.

Does engineered hardwood scratch easily?

Scratches, Dents and Other Small Marks

Due to the fact that engineered flooring has a top layer of solid wood it is actually susceptible to the same drawbacks of having solid hardwood floors such as easily being scratched and dented.

Does dog urine ruin engineered hardwood?



Dogs and Engineered Wood Floors

And then the floor will need to be replaced. Be sure to wipe up dog urine immediately as it can soak into the seams and permanently warp the floor.

Can engineered floors be mopped?

Mop with a damp mop.

Engineered wood flooring stands up better to moisture than standard hardwood floors, but it’s not waterproof. Mop with a damp (not soaking wet) mop. Don’t let any areas puddle.