Last Updated on July 26, 2023
Are you considering staining your engineered hardwood flooring to add a personal touch to your home? It’s possible with proper preparation and execution. Sanding down and cleaning the surface of the flooring is essential to ensure the stain adheres properly.
Before proceeding, test the stain on a small area to ensure the color meets your expectations. When selecting a stain, choose one compatible with engineered hardwood and apply it evenly, wiping off the excess as you go.
Here, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to successfully staining your engineered hardwood floors. We’ll also answer common questions about changing the color of your floors, sanding and re-staining, and staining engineered laminate flooring.
Steps on How Can You Stain Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Before you begin, you must understand that engineered hardwood flooring is made up of a top layer of hardwood veneer and a base layer of plywood or fiberboard. This means the staining process will differ from solid hardwood flooring.
Here are the steps you’ll need to take:
- Step 01: Prepare the Surface
- Step 02: Test the Stain
- Step 03: Choose the Right Stain
- Step 04: Apply the Stain
- Step 05: Wipe Off Excess Stain
- Step 06: Allow Drying Time
- Step 07: Apply a Protective Finish
Step 01: Prepare the Surface
You need to prep your engineered hardwood flooring adequately before staining. Begin by thoroughly cleaning any dirt, debris, wax, or polish. You can use a vacuum or broom to get rid of any loose dirt in your flooring’s nooks and crannies. For a smooth and even surface, ensure that you remove all debris.
Afterward, use a damp mop to clean the remaining dirt or residue that could interfere with the staining process.
To avoid any hindrance during the staining process, you must note that existing wax or polish on your flooring needs removal first. A wax or polish remover that is safe for the type of flooring you have is recommended.
Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and allow ample time for the remover to dry before proceeding with the staining process.
Step 02: Test the Stain
If you want to achieve the desired color and finish of your engineered hardwood floors, performing a small stain test beforehand is essential. This will help you avoid any possible issues in the staining process and guarantee you get the desired results. To test the stain, follow these three simple steps:
- Choose a discreet spot of your flooring, such as a corner or a furniture-covered area, to carry out the test.
- Apply the stain onto a small, inconspicuous patch, and let it dry entirely as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Observe and examine the test results. If the color and finish meet your expectations, you can proceed with staining the rest of your floor. If not, you may need to modify the type or color of the stain or consider other finishing options.
Step 03: Choose the Right Stain
When selecting a stain for your engineered wood floors, it’s crucial to choose a high-pigment, low-solvent gel or liquid stain. You should also consider oil-based, chemical-based, or water-based stains. These options are specially made for use on engineered wood floors, which means you won’t need to do any sanding.
Step 04: Apply the Stain
Now it’s time to apply the perfect stain to your engineered hardwood floors to create a magnificent masterpiece. Begin by selecting a clean cloth or brush and work toward the wood grain to prevent unsightly blotches.
It’s critical not to apply the stain too thickly because it can cause uneven absorption and an unpleasant appearance. Apply the stain in small sections and allow it to soak into the wood for the amount of time specified by the manufacturer based on the type of stain used.
Also, refrain from placing any objects or walking on the stained area during this time. After the recommended duration has elapsed, remove any excess stain with a clean cloth. Wait for the floor to dry completely before applying any sealant or topcoat.
Step 05: Wipe Off Excess Stain
As you complete the staining process, gently wipe away any excess from the surface with a clean cloth or rag. This step is essential to distribute the stain across your engineered hardwood flooring evenly.
Remember not to rub excessively, as this may disturb the stain and create an uneven finish. When wiping off the excess stain, ensure the color is uniform and consistent across the entire floor. Take your time and pay attention to any areas needing more attention.
Step 06: Allow Drying Time
After gently wiping away any excess, it’s vital to let the stained floor dry completely overnight. However, have you considered the benefits of allowing proper ventilation during the process?
Proper ventilation is crucial during the drying process, as it helps ensure the stain dries evenly and thoroughly. This can help to prevent issues such as discoloration, blotchiness, or unevenness in the finished product.
Aside from promoting a more even drying process, proper ventilation can also help to prevent issues such as odor or fumes from the stain. This is particularly important if you’re staining a large area or using a potent stain.
Step 07: Apply a Protective Finish
Remember to apply a clear protective finish to enhance the beauty and protect the longevity of your newly stained surface. A protective finish creates a barrier between the wood and outside elements, preventing scratches, water damage, and other wear and tear.
It also enhances the overall appearance of the stained surface, bringing out the richness and depth of the color.
Before choosing a protective finish, ensure it is compatible with the stain you used and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying time.
Here is a table outlining some popular protective finishes and their benefits:
| Protective Finish | Benefits |
| Polyurethane | Durable, long-lasting, resists scratches and stains |
| Wax | Adds a soft sheen, easy to apply and touch up |
| Oil-based Sealer | Water-resistant, enhances color depth |
| Lacquer | Quick-drying, glossy finish, resists yellowing |
| Varnish | Durable, water-resistant, resists UV damage |
What Types of Engineered Wood Flooring Can Be Stained?
Several engineered wood flooring types are stainable to change their color. Here are some common types:
Hardwood Veneer Engineered Wood Flooring
A thin layer of real hardwood veneer is bonded to a plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF) core in engineered wood flooring. Hardwood veneer-engineered wood flooring can be stained because the top layer is real wood.
High-Density Fiberboard (HDF) Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood flooring made from HDF is made from high-density fiberboard and veneered on top. The veneer layer can be made of real hardwood or a printed image of wood. If the top layer is real wood, it can be stained.
Plywood Engineered Wood Flooring
In plywood-engineered wood flooring, a real wood veneer is applied to the top layer. If the top layer is made of real wood, it can be stained to change its color.
Hybrid Engineered Wood Flooring
To create a unique flooring product, hybrid engineered wood flooring combines different materials, like real wood, laminate, or luxury vinyl. You can stain real wood if the top layer is made of it.
How Do You Know If Engineered Wood Floors Can Be Stained?
Whether or not engineered wood floors can be stained depends on the thickness of the wood veneer and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Here’s how you can determine if your engineered wood floors can be stained:
Veneer Thickness
Check the thickness of the top layer or veneer of your engineered wood floors. Staining involves applying a new color to the surface, typically requiring lightly sanding the floor to remove any existing finish.
The veneer layer may not withstand the sanding process if it is too thin. Generally, a veneer thickness of at least 2 to 3mm is recommended for successful staining.
Previous Refinishing
If your engineered wood floors have been previously refinished, it’s important to assess how many times they have undergone this process.
Each refinishing removes a small amount of the wood surface, including any existing stain or finish. Excessive refinishing can reduce the thickness of the veneer layer, making it unsuitable for further sanding and staining.
Condition of the Floors
Inspect the overall condition of your engineered wood floors. Staining may not yield satisfactory results if they are heavily worn, damaged, or have deep scratches or gouges.
Stains can accentuate imperfections and may not adhere evenly if the surface is uneven or damaged. In such cases, it may be more practical to consider replacing the flooring.
Compatibility of the Wood
Some types of engineered wood floors may not accept stains uniformly due to the wood species used or the presence of certain finishes or treatments.
You should consult the manufacturer’s instructions or seek professional advice before staining your engineered wood flooring. This will ensure successful staining.
Can you change the color of the engineered wood floors?
You can change the color of your engineered wood floors by staining them. It’s an effective way to add some color and depth to your space and to achieve a specific style or look. But before starting, you should determine if your floors suit this process.
Check with the manufacturer or a flooring professional to ensure your floors can be stained. If staining is possible, test the stain first on an inconspicuous area before applying it everywhere.
Can engineered hardwood be sanded and re-stained?
Engineered hardwood flooring can generally be sanded and re-stained, but the ability to do so depends on the thickness of the top layer. An engineered hardwood floor comprises multiple layers of wood bonded together, with a thin layer of hardwood on top.
This top layer, known as the wear layer or veneer, determines how much the flooring can be sanded and refinished.
The wear layer thickness in engineered hardwood can vary, typically ranging from 3mm to 7mm. When you refinish your flooring, the sanding process removes a small portion of the top layer.
Each sanding session typically removes about 1mm of the wear layer. It’s important to note that this amount can vary based on the sanding equipment and techniques used.
Can you stain engineered laminate flooring?
If you want to add some color to your laminate floors, there may be better options than staining since laminate is not absorbent like wood. Using a normal wood stain will not work on laminate flooring. Instead, you can use a finish to stain the laminate.
In contrast, this process is less drastic than painting and the finish must be reapplied once the color dulls. When it comes to engineered hardwood flooring, you can sand and refinish it to change the color.
Transform Your Home with Stunning Stained Engineered Hardwood Floors
Staining engineered hardwood flooring requires proper tools, techniques, and caution. While it’s a great way to transform the color of your floors and upgrade your home’s interior design, drastic color changes may require replacing the engineered wood completely.
Sanding and re-staining can be time-consuming and may produce a different result. Also, it’s not recommended to stain engineered laminate flooring as it can cause irreparable damage. Always consult with a professional if you need clarification on any part of the staining process.
With careful planning and execution, your newly stained engineered hardwood floors will look stunning and add value to your home. Best of luck with your home renovation project.