Yes, you absolutely can oil engineered wood flooring, but there's a crucial condition to consider regarding its existing finish.
Engineered wood flooring is constructed with a layer of solid wood on top, known as the veneer. This key feature means that the surface is genuine wood and can be treated much like solid hardwood.
Understanding Why Oil Works on Engineered Wood
The reference confirms this: "Engineered wood flooring features a solid wood veneer as the surface of the plank. This means that you can apply oil to the planks of engineered wood..."
Oil finishes penetrate the wood fibers, providing protection from within and highlighting the natural grain and color. Unlike surface finishes like lacquer, oil becomes part of the wood itself.
The Critical Condition: Existing Finish
While oiling is possible, the existing finish on your engineered wood floor dictates whether you can apply oil directly or if preparation is needed.
The reference explicitly states: "...however make sure that the flooring does not have a lacquered finish already applied."
- If your floor has an oil finish: You can typically clean and re-oil the floor directly.
- If your floor has a lacquered (or polyurethane) finish: Oil cannot penetrate this sealed surface effectively.
What to Do If Your Floor Has a Lacquered Finish
If your engineered wood floor has a lacquered finish, you cannot simply apply oil over it. The lacquer acts as a barrier.
According to the reference: "Otherwise, you will need to sand down the veneer before applying the oil."
This sanding process removes the existing lacquer finish, exposing the bare wood veneer underneath, which can then accept the oil treatment.
Key Takeaways on Oiling Engineered Wood
Here's a quick summary:
| Action | Condition | Result/Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Apply Oil Directly | Floor has no existing finish or an oil finish | Oil penetrates and protects. |
| Prepare Before Oiling | Floor has a lacquered finish | Must sand down the veneer first to expose bare wood. |
Practical Tip: How to Check Your Finish
Not sure if your floor is lacquered or oiled? Here's a simple test:
- Find an inconspicuous spot on the floor.
- Place a small drop of water (about coin size) on the surface.
- Watch what happens over a few minutes.
- If the water beads up on the surface, your floor likely has a protective surface finish like lacquer or polyurethane.
- If the water slowly soaks into the wood and creates a dark spot, your floor likely has an oil finish or no finish at all.
Note: Always test any finish or preparation method on a small, hidden area first.
In conclusion, oiling engineered wood flooring is a viable option, allowing you to nourish and protect the real wood veneer surface, provided you address the existing finish appropriately.
