Hardwood floors start out rough. After the pieces are planed for a smooth finish, a tongue and groove is cut into their sides. Engineered floors are created from several layers of wood veneer pressed tightly together and can be laid directly on top of concrete slabs.
The best method of floor care will partly determined by its finish. Caring for waxed wood flooring is similar to a floor coated in polyurethane. However, waxed floors should be cleaned with a cleaning/waxing compound to lift dirt and add a fresh coat of wax. Polyurethane-coated floors should be cleaned with water and vinegar.
To find out if your floor is covered with wax or polyurethane drip some water onto it. If the water beads and remains on the surface, it’s probably polyurethane; if it soaks in after a few minutes, it’s probably coated with wax. Alternatively, wipe the floor using a rag dampened with mineral spirits. The cloth will develop a waxy feel if the floor is waxed.