In recent years, many new developments in Singapore have shifted from traditional parquet flooring to engineered wood flooring, particularly in bedrooms. Engineered wood flooring offers the warmth and natural appearance of timber but is constructed differently from traditional solid wood or parquet flooring, and therefore requires specialised refinishing methods. However, like any timber floor, it can develop scratches, scuffs and surface wear over time.
Read on to understand how to remove scratches from engineered wood flooring, and the most cost-effective options for restoring your floor.
Why causes engineered wood flooring scratches?
Everyday use can gradually cause engineered wood scratches, especially in high-traffic areas. Common causes include:
- Moving furniture across the floor
- Chair and table legs
- Pet claws
- Grit and dirt trapped under shoes
- Dropped objects
- General wear and tear
- Improper cleaning or maintenance
The appropriate restoration method depends largely on how deep the scratches are, the condition of the existing protective coating, and the thickness of the real-wood top layer.
How to remove scratches from engineered wood flooring?
Depending on the severity of the scratches, you can either refinish, replace or conceal with an overlay on your engineered wood flooring.
| Severity of scratches | Solutions |
| Deep | Full sanding and varnishing (*Depends on flooring) Full replacement Conceal with vinyl overlay |
| Light | Polish and Protect treatment |
Can you sand engineered floors? Short answer, Yes. However, if the solid timber veneer layer on top is not thick enough you will sand right through to the plywood and damage the flooring! (learn more here).
This is why engineered wood should not be treated the same way as traditional parquet flooring. At Mr Wood Varnish™, we assess the existing engineered wood flooring type and its condition before determining the appropriate restoration method. Our Polish and Protect treatment specialluy designed for engineered wood floors may be suitable.
What is the most cost-effective way to restore engineered wood flooring?
If your engineered wood flooring is scratched, replacing the entire floor isn’t necessarily your only option.
Here is how the common solutions compare:
| Restoration | Estimated cost | Downtime | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polish & Protect Treatment | $600–$800 | 1 day | Minimal dust, low VOC, low odour, retains existing floor | Best suited for light scratches |
| Vinyl / laminate overlay | $1,200–$1,800 | 1 day | Can conceal extensive cosmetic flaws | Loses natural wood look and feel; may require door cutting |
| New engineered wood flooring | $7,000+ | 2–3 weeks | Completely new floor | Higher cost, longer disruption, new floor can still scratch |
For homeowners whose flooring is still structurally sound but has developed surface scratches and wear, restoration is more cost-effective than replacement. A full replacement is generally better considered when the existing floor is severely damaged or when you are already carrying out a major renovation.
Case Study: The Commodore @ Canberra Drive
[instagram url=”https://www.instagram.com/p/DclJgYck4An/”]
We love a good before-after moment! Check out the amazing transformation 👆
Taking this dull and scratched dark walnut engineered wood floor which had scratches all over, and turning it into a new refreshed space.
Using targeted manual sanding techniques together with professional machinery, we carefully prepared the existing engineered wood surface and removed visible scratches. The floor was then finished with a water-based matte clear protective coating, retaining the rich dark walnut tones while giving the floor a subtle contemporary finish, and a gorgeous new look!
We have helped homeowners across The Commodore, Irwell Residences, Parc Esta, Verdale, and many more!
Need expert help with your engineered wood floors?
We’re your one-stop solution to all your home improvement needs. Get us to help: Parquet sanding & varnish, Engineered wood polishing, Parquet repair, Outdoor deck varnishing, Marble polishing, marble gum grouting, and homogenous tile polishing.