The primary difference between solid wood floors and floating engineered wood floors lies in their construction. Solid wood floors are made from a single piece of hardwood, while floating engineered wood floors consist of multiple layers, with a thin hardwood veneer (the wear layer) on top and plywood or another stable material beneath.
Many people assume solid wood flooring lasts longer because it can be sanded and refinished multiple times. However, quality floating engineered wood floors with a sandable wear layer can also be refinished, extending the floor’s lifespan significantly. Contrary to common myths in the flooring industry, high-quality engineered wood flooring can last up to 80 years. The lifespan of engineered wood floors depends on several factors, but the thickness of the wear layer plays a critical role in how many times the floor can be refinished before it needs to be replaced.
What Is a Wear Layer?
Engineered wood flooring is constructed by pressing or laminating multiple layers of plywood together, with thicknesses typically ranging from 3/8-inch to 3/4-inch. The top layer, known as the wear layer, is made of real hardwood veneer, which provides the appearance and feel of solid wood. This veneer can be either a sliced cut or a rotary cut.
Sliced cut veneers are made by cutting thick slabs from the side of the log, and they generally range from 1mm to 6mm in thickness. Rotary-cut veneers, created by peeling thin layers from the outer part of the tree with a lathe, often result in thinner wear layers, typically ranging from 0.6mm to 1mm in thickness.
Benefits of Sandable Wear Layers
Floating wood floors with a wear layer of 1mm or more are considered sandable, meaning they can be refinished multiple times to extend their lifespan. The thicker the wear layer, the more times the floor can be sanded and refinished. For example, a floor with a 6mm wear layer can typically be refinished 5 to 6 times, potentially lasting up to 80 years.
In comparison, standard solid hardwood floors are usually around 3/4-inch thick, with the wear layer measuring about 5/16-inch. Sanding beyond this thickness will expose the nails used to fasten the planks. Solid wood floors can be refinished 5 to 7 times, which is similar to high-quality engineered wood floors with a 6mm wear layer. These premium engineered floors offer the same durability, value, and versatility as solid hardwood, along with the added benefits of engineered construction.
Additionally, sandable engineered wood floors tend to have better moisture resistance than solid wood, making them ideal for areas with higher humidity, such as basements.
What Are Non-sandable Wood Floors?
Non-sandable wear layers, those with a thickness of less than 1mm, cannot be sanded, though they can still be recoated with lacquer or stain. This limits their lifespan considerably, but they can still last around 20 years, depending on foot traffic and usage.
For budget-conscious projects or areas where longevity isn’t a primary concern, engineered wood floors with a thin, non-sandable wear layer offer an affordable solution while still providing the genuine appearance of real wood. These floors are distinct from laminate, which only mimics the look of wood.
If you’re aiming for a durable, long-lasting floor that will stand the test of time, choose floating wood floors with a wear layer thickness between 4mm and 6mm. While these tend to be a bit more expensive, they offer exceptional durability and can be refinished multiple times. If lifespan isn’t a priority, engineered wood floors with a thinner wear layer can still provide the look and functionality you desire at a lower cost.