One of the many perks of wood flooring is its variety. You have a range of grain patterns, textures, and other unique options at your disposal. One of the most exciting decisions to make is what kind of color you want for your floors. Will you choose the bold, sleek feeling of dark wood floors? Maybe a warm and cozy red tone is perfect for you.
However, not all choices will be good ideas forever. Wood floors last a long time, which means you might find yourself craving a fresh start after several years. Alternatively, maybe you don’t agree with the color a previous owner chose. Whatever your reason, you can almost always update your wood floors to better suit your tastes. Learn how to change the color of your engineered hardwood floor with these tips and methods.
Consider Your Current Wood and Color
Before you decide how to proceed with your wood floors, think carefully about what you want and how it fits with what you currently have. Not all wood species work well with stains and glazes. For example, if you have naturally dark engineered wood flooring in your home, you’re going to have a hard time making it lighter. If you plan on changing the color of your wood flooring down the road, it’s a good idea to opt for lighter woods that will give you a broader color palette to work with in the future. Considering the current species and color of your floor will help you choose a color and application method that delivers the best results to your room.
Glazing
One way to change your floor’s color is by glazing. This method allows you to avoid sanding and refinishing, which is why it works best for engineered hardwood floors with a thin veneer layer. However, glazes can wear off and chip away over time, so the color isn’t as permanent as it would be if you sanded and refinished the wood.
If you choose to glaze, make sure to prepare the floor properly and choose a glaze that works well with your current wood and finish. Keep in mind the color of the glaze will mix with the current stain on your floors. You can also add a layer of clear finish to help the glaze last longer.
Sanding and Refinishing
When it comes to how to change the color of your engineered hardwood floor, sanding and refinishing is by far the most popular method. Sanding removes the existing finish, creating a fresh start for your new color. Take care to sand only engineered hardwood floors that have a thick enough veneer layer. Once you remove the old stain, you can apply a new coat in the color of your choosing. Alternatively, you might decide you like the natural color of the wood and skip straight to adding a clear protective finish. Once you apply this finish, your beautiful floors will be ready to go.