Things To Consider Prior to Any Hardwood Floor Refinishing

Hardwood floors are beautiful and can last a lifetime. But as strong and appealing as they may look, if not properly cared for they can sustain damages. What is considered normal wear and tear?  Foot traffic eroding the top finish over time, scratches from pet claws and moving furniture, moisture from spills, and wet shoes. Exposure to severe temperature changes and exposure to direct sunlight can cause damages to hardwood flooring as well. These will cause the floor to look worn and less desirable and it will only get worse over time. The best thing about hardwood floors however is that these damages can be eliminated by removing the top seal, sanding, buffing, and then be re-stained if needed, and finally coated to achieve the original look. But this requires know-how and the right tools. Refinishing a hardwood wood floor should be best left to an experienced professional.

With that, let's talk about some crucial things to know.

Evaluate the Level of Needed Repair 

If all you are looking at is normal wear and tear and the floor planks don't have any deep gouges or extensive damages caused by moisture or expansion (or contraction) the floor may not need a complete refinishing. In that case, a simple buff and screening job could prove adequate. Here the contractor will remove the existing top coating, lightly sand, buff to achieve smoothness and better adherence of the new top coating. This approach should be done every 3-5 years to restore the floor to its former beautiful self at a much cheaper cost.  

What to Expect If You Need a Complete Refinish 

Hardwood flooring can take a lot of abuse before it needs to be re-sanded. After years of use and abuse, there will come a time to sand and refinish your floors. Hardwood flooring can be transformed in just a few hours and the transformation is really astounding. When the time comes to refinish you may wonder what the process looks like. The process generally takes two days, but the timeline varies based on the specifics of the project. 

• Minor and most major scratches are removed
• Pet stains may be gone (but cannot be guaranteed)
• Fill is applied to cracks
• Severely damaged floorboards will be replaced and stained to match the existing floor
• The floor can be stained to change the color if desired
• Your floor will have an even sheen
• Dirt and grime will be gone.

Your floor is smooth once again, looks as close to brand new as possible, and maintenance-free for another 5-8 years. 

What About Dust and Chemical Pollution?

Many people are concerned about dust pollution in the home and may want to move out for a few days. Especially if family members are afflicted with asthma or other respiratory issues. Look for a hardwood floor refinishing specialist that has invested in dustless sanding and vacuum equipment that will remove 99% of dust particles in the air. 

There have been big improvements in the top finishes on the market today, including water-based finishes that eliminate many of the drawbacks of other finishes while still providing durability. High-quality water-based and UV products have lower V.O.C.'s which greatly reduce the smell. V.O.C.s can be harmful to your health and flooring finishes can gas off for 60 days while UV and water-based products generally gas off for 2 - 36 hours. The lifespan is also improved and maintenance coats are needed every 5-8 years.

Pitfalls the Do-It-Yourselfer Encounters

Rough surfaces are typically caused by improper buffing prior to applying the top coating. This is a common mistake. A coating involves two layers of protective covers that adhere to each other. Buffing between each layer helps to smooth out any bubbles and particles for an even sheen.

Another frequent DIY mistake is improper equipment handling. This can cause personal injuries or structural damages, not to mention double the time a professional would need. Hiring an experienced contractor is the easiest way to avoid this issue. 

Inconsistent stain matching. This faux-pas can lead to do-overs or even a new floor installation. It will definitely negatively impact the outcome. Professional intervention in this situation is also helpful to prevent such an issue.

Acquired Benefits 

The first and most fundamental benefit of refinishing hardwood is looking at a beautiful floor devoid of any scratches, dents, or gritty surfaces. The refinishing process can make a surface appear as new as possible. It also saves the money required for a new installation. Finally, performing a hardwood refinishing considerably improves the value of a home, as it is appealing to potential buyers. 

Finding a Hardwood Floor Refinishing Specialist 

Experience is a must for any home improvement contractor who specializes in hardwood floor refinishing. Handling industrial-grade equipment and working with the wood require years of practice to master. Therefore, any crew on the learning curve can cause considerable damage to a material; thus, leading to more expansive reworks. Hence, homeowners should look for contractors with state-certified qualifications and a minimum of two years of experience.