Oiled Engineered Wood Flooring FAQ's
What Is Oiled Engineered Wood Flooring?
Oiled engineered wood flooring combines the natural beauty of real wood with the stability and durability of engineered layers. It features a top layer of wood veneer treated with natural oils to enhance the grain and aesthetic appeal, providing a warm and inviting finish. Beneath this, is a core made from layers of plywood, HDF, or softwood arranged in a cross-grain pattern. This design enhances the flooring's resistance to humidity and temperature changes, making it suitable for various environments, including those with underfloor heating. Although it requires more maintenance, such as regular oiling, this type of flooring is valued for its natural appearance as well as its ability to be repaired in small areas without the need for extensive refinishing.
How To Clean Oiled Engineered Wood Flooring?
Regular cleaning and maintenance are key to preserving the unique character and natural beauty of your flooring. For oiled engineered wood flooring, this includes regular sweeping or vacuuming to keep the surface free of any debris as well as an occasional mop. After mopping, we recommend that you dry the floor with a clean, dry, and soft cloth or towel to prevent liquid from seeping into the wood.
Depending on the level of foot traffic and wear, your oiled engineered wood floor may also require periodic maintenance oiling to replenish the protective oil finish and restore the wood’s natural lustre. As flooring experts, we recommend doing this approximately every 6-12 months, depending on your traffic levels.
For more information on how to correctly care for oiled engineered wood flooring, visit our maintenance centre.
Does Oiled Engineered Wood Flooring Scratch Easily?
Oiled engineered wood flooring is known for its natural appearance and ability to hide minor scratches and scuffs. This is because the oil penetrates the wood, enhancing its durability and resistance to wear. However, like all wood floors, it can still scratch under certain conditions, such as sharp objects or heavy furniture. Nonetheless, a significant advantage of oiled engineered wood flooring is its refinishing capabilities. When the wear layer is at least 3mm thick, it can be sanded and refinished, extending its lifespan even further. Not only that, but it’s also much easier to spot repair than some of the other finishes available, including lacquer.
For more information on how to care for your engineered wood flooring, visit our engineered wood maintenance guide.
Is Engineered Wood Flooring Waterproof?
Engineered wood flooring is not waterproof, but it is more resistant to moisture and humidity changes than solid wood. Therefore, it’s important to avoid installing engineered wood in areas where water is frequently present, such as bathrooms. If you're looking for flooring that is completely waterproof and suitable for bathrooms, we highly recommend LVT flooring.
How Long Does Engineered Wood Flooring Need to Acclimatise?
Engineered wood flooring needs to acclimatise for a minimum of 48-72 hours before installation. This process allows the wood to adjust to the temperature and humidity levels of its new environment, ensuring a more stable and durable installation. To effectively acclimatise your floors, you should lay them flat in the room where you plan to do the installation. For more information on how to acclimatise your flooring, visit our guide.