Hardwood floors need constant maintenance to keep them new and shiny. Many people consider changing their floors entirely when they lose their shine. However, in many instances, a little sprucing will remove the dirt and dust and make them look new. Hiring a professional for wood floor refinishing is likely the optimal choice. This task requires the steady hand of a professional since you do not want to damage your floors in any way. Here are 7 things you need to know before refinishing your hardwood floors.
- Choose the Right Finish for Your Floors
The finish you choose for your floors is extremely important. When you are making this crucial decision, you have a few options to choose from. The three main types of finishes are: polyurethane, varnish, or penetrating sealer. Polyurethane has a plastic look; varnish gives off a shiny and glossy look, while sealer gives a natural matte look to your floors.
- Determine the Costs of Your Refinishing Project
Most of the wood floor refinishers you hire will charge you per square foot, so the cost depends on your room’s size. You can get discounts if you want to cover a large space. To roughly estimate, it will cost you around $2.50 to $5.50 per square foot, which will include sanding, staining, and finishing.
- Consider the Life of Your Floors
You need to consider the life of your flooring before you spend your hard earned money on refinishing. Good quality flooring generally has a life span of 100 years. However, this also depends on the amount of foot traffic your floors receive. It is extremely important to get an estimate of your floor’s condition before beginning your hardwood floor refinishing project.
- Hire Professional Refinishers
Some jobs should be left to the experts. You should always hire a professional refinisher or floor installer to complete the work. They will know what to do if any problems emerge and will have your floors looking brand new as soon as possible.
- Ask Yourself Important Questions
When considering your reasons for refinishing, you should ask yourself the following important questions. Do you want to preserve your floors? Or are you looking for an updated/modern look? Your answer to these questions will help you when choosing the stain for your flooring.
- Decide if Your Floors Need Sanding
Depending on the condition of your floors, they may or may not require sanding. If your floors are minimally scratched or scuffed, then you may not require thorough sanding since the original wood is not damaged. In many cases, you can save time and money by light scuff sanding.
- The Entire Process Should Take 48 Hours
The majority of the hard work happens during the first 24 hours. You need to sand and stain the floors on the same day to ensure no moisture is absorbed. This will depend on the drying time of the stain. However, you should consider finishing on the same day. Then, give your floors a day before you refurnish the room. The final color of your floors may be lighter or darker depending on the particular products you used during the refinishing process.
With the right care and finishing, you can maintain the floors and keep them in their pristine condition. We recommend hiring a professional to get the job done right the first time. Your finishes will last for a longer time, meaning you will not have to spend more money anytime soon.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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