Refinishing hardwood floors can breathe new life into your worn-out floors, restoring their original beauty and protecting them for years to come.
Hardwood floors are a timeless feature in many homes, adding warmth and character to any space.
But over time, these beautiful floors can lose their luster, becoming scratched, dull, or damaged.
That’s where refinishing of hardwood floors comes in.
Ready to transform your hardwood floors?
Schedule your service with Apogee Hardwood Flooring and get the beautiful hardwood floors you deserve through wood floor refinishing.
The Refinishing of Hardwood Floors Process
1. Preparation
Before any sanding begins, thorough preparation is crucial.
- All furniture is removed from the room.
- The spread of dust is prevented by sealing off areas.
- Repair any damaged boards or fill in gaps.
- Removing baseboards and any floor vents.
2. Sanding
Sanding is the most important part of the refinishing process.
It removes the old finish and smooths out imperfections in the wood.
This step typically involves the following:
- A drum sander is used for the main floor area.
- Employing an edge sander for corners and edges.
- A coarse-grit sandpaper is used first and then progresses to finer grits.
- Thoroughly vacuum and wipe the floor between sandings using a sanding screen or floor sander.
Proper ventilation and protective gear are essential during this stage.
3. Staining (Optional)
If you want to change the color of your hardwood floors, now is the time to apply stain.
This step is not required if you’re happy with the current color.
Here’s how to stain your hardwood floors:
- Choose the right stain color (consider testing a few options in an inconspicuous area).
- A brush or rag is used to apply the stain evenly.
- Wipe off excess stains to ensure an even finish.
- Allow sufficient drying time between coats.
4. Applying Finish
The final step involves the application of a protective finish.
This not only enhances the wood’s appearance but also protects it from wear and tear.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Choose between oil-based or water-based polyurethane.
- Apply with only multiple thin coats.
- Use a high-quality applicator for smooth, even coverage.
- Allow adequate drying time between coats.
- For the best adhesion, lightly sand in between coats.
While refinishing hardwood floors is a labour-intensive process, the results can be truly transformative.
A well-executed job of refinishing hardwood floors can make old, worn floors look brand new, adding value and beauty to your home.
DIY vs. Professional Refinishing
Now, you might be wondering whether to tackle refinishing hardwood floors as a DIY project or hire a professional.
Both options have their pros and cons.
DIY Refinishing
While DIY refinishing might sound appealing, the costs and hassle may come up to you, and hardwood floor refinishing is not an easy job at best.
However, if you’re handy and have the time, DIY refinishing can be a rewarding project.
Professional Refinishing
Hiring a professional refinishing company will cost you more money, but the peace of mind may be worth it.
- Expert results.
- Faster completion (usually 2-3 days for an average room).
- There is no need to deal with equipment rental or dust management.
- Often includes moving furniture and cleanup.
However, for those short on time or wanting guaranteed professional results, hiring a contractor is often the best choice.
Remember, refinishing hardwood floors is a skill that improves with experience, so professionals often achieve a higher-quality finish.
Maintenance After Refinishing
Once you’ve invested the time and effort into refinishing hardwood floors, proper maintenance is key to keeping them looking beautiful for years to come.
The last thing you want to do is put all this work in to have them get ruined.
Here are some tips to make your refinished hardwood floors last:
- The use of felt pads under furniture is recommended to avoid scratches.
- Clean spills immediately to prevent water damage.
- Regularly sweep or vacuum to remove dirt and possible debris.
- Use a damp (not wet) mop for deeper cleaning.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or steam cleaners on your hardwood floors.
FAQs about Refinishing Hardwood Floors
Is it Worth it to Refinish Hardwood Floors?
In most cases, yes.
Refinishing hardwood floors can restore their beauty and extend their lifespan, often at a fraction of the cost of replacement.
It can also increase your home’s value, making it a worthwhile investment.
How Can I Refinish My Hardwood Floors Myself?
DIY refinishing involves renting a drum sander and edger, sanding the floor, cleaning thoroughly, and applying stain and finish.
While it is possible to refinish hardwood floors, it requires careful preparation, patience, and attention to detail.
Research thoroughly and follow safety precautions if you choose this route.
What Differs Refinishing from Resurfacing Wood Floors?
Refinishing involves sanding down to bare wood and applying new stain and finish, which can be done using grit sandpaper, wood filler, tack cloth or a pry bar.
Resurfacing, or screening and recoating, is a less invasive process that involves lightly abrading the existing finish and applying a new topcoat.
Resurfacing is suitable for floors with minor wear, while refinishing is necessary for more significant damage.
The Art of Hardwood Floor Refinishing
Hardwood floor refinishing is a transformative process that can breathe new life into your home. While it requires time, effort, and careful consideration, the results of refinishing hardwood floors are often well worth it.
Whether you choose to DIY or hire a professional, understanding the process can help you make informed decisions and achieve the best possible outcome for the floor finish.
Remember, well-maintained hardwood floors can last for generations.
Contact Apogee Hardwood Flooring and visit their website for a free quote to refinish hardwood floors and schedule a service.
Your journey toward beautiful, long-lasting hardwood floors starts now.