Engineered Flooring: How Many Re-Sands Can You Expect to Get?

With engineered timber flooring becoming more sought after in homes across New Zealand, it's easy to see why this is becoming a preferred choice: Boasting as a more eco-conscious and climate resistant flooring choice for timber flooring options.  

A common misconception in the difference between solid and engineered flooring options is that solid flooring offers more re-sands and freedom to colour change, years after installation. In a previous article, we covered the key differences and benefits between solid and engineered. You can read that article here: What's the difference between engineered and solid oak flooring?  

 When it comes to re-sanding your floor, there are some key similarities; affecting the number of re-sands you’ll get from your flooring. Many are under the impression that solid is superior to engineered.

Solid and Engineered flooring both connect together with a tongue and groove joint. (This is often nailed down to the subfloor to secure it.)

The re-sandable part of solid flooring is measured from the top surface - to the top of the tongue and groove joint. So, whether you’re sanding solid or engineered, you can only sand down to this T&G joint and you’ll usually take off about 1-2mm per re-sand.

The re-sandable part of solid flooring is typically around 5-6mm. Engineered flooring has a 3-6mm layer of solid hardwood, which is glued to an engineered base of layered ply or birch. So the re-sandable part of both options is comparatively the same.

The thicker the hardwood layer above the tongue and groove joint, the more re-sands you’ll get. This top layer can depend on board width and varies between brands. If you're trying to get a thicker top layer, you’ll pay for this in the cost of your flooring product.

So, you can expect to get 3 - 4 re-sands from both solid or engineered flooring options.

If you’re thinking about getting your existing floors refinished or want to discuss a new flooring project, feel free to call us and speak to one of our flooring specialists for tailored recommendations for your project