Hardwood floors are a popular flooring choice. They come in different types starting from the type of wood used to the cutting and assembly of the same. There are also laminates and engineered wood floors as well.
Hardwood floors offer the look, durability, versatility, and excellent ROI. However, with use, they are subject to wear and tear. Hardwood refinishing is an ideal way to give your hardwood floors a new life, an upgrade.
What is Hardwood Refinishing?
The term refinishing itself means re-instating the finish. Hardwood refinishing is a process of removing the existing varnish of the floor, along with the seal and stain. It includes sanding the top layer of the floor. A new finish is given by applying a fresh coat of varnish and stain.
When to Opt For Hardwood Refinishing?
Hardwood floors are extremely easy to maintain and last for a long time. Basic daily cleaning and an occasional polishing every other month can keep them looking new. But irrespective of all the measures you take, the need for hardwood refinishing will arise at a point.
When to do so is something that most homeowners get confused about. There is no fixed time duration after which you need to opt for this service. A few factors play a role in determining it. This includes
- How frequently do you care for the floors?
- The amount of foot traffic it encounters.
- Any incident or accident that has taken place.
If your everyday cleaning is not giving you the look you need, it is time to refinish. This is usually when the surface of the floor is covered with cracks, deep scratches, stains, gouges and such.
Benefits of Hardwood Refinishing
There are several advantages of getting your hardwood floors refinished. Firstly, it extends the lifespan of the floors. Hardwood floors are known for their ROI. Therefore, refinishing is a worthy investment. It is also an eco-friendly option.
The five major benefits of this process are:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Getting your hardwood floor refinished ensures that it will regain its former beauty. All the unpleasant scratches and dents will be removed.
- Cost-effective: If your hardwood floor is damaged, then a significant amount of money will be needed to prevent it from quick damage. Replacing them can lead to even higher costs. Refinishing comes across as a cost-effective solution that also reduces the need for everyday maintenance.
- Increases Value: Having beautiful hardwood floors can help set an impression when you have important guests over. They are also beneficial in appealing to prospective buyers if you are planning to sell your home.
- Better Safety: Hardwood floors with dents can also be unsafe. Splinters can lead to serious foot injury. It can also be dangerous if you have small children who are still crawling or have pets. Refinishing eliminates all such possibilities.
- Get Rid of Pests: Cracks and crevices on damaged hardwood floors attract different types of pests. Ants, termites and such can cause decay. Refinishing helps solve this issue.
How to Refinish Hardwood Floors
The process of getting your hardwood floors refinished involves 12 main steps.
- Step 1: The first step is to sand the wood floor surface with a belt or drum sander (40-grit sandpaper).
- Step 2: The next step is to sand the corners and edges with an edge sander.
- Step 3: The third step is to vacuum the sanding dust off the floor. Vacuuming the window sills and other areas where the sanding particles are is important.
- Step 4: The fourth step is to change the sandpaper to a less coarse sandpaper (60-grit). After covering the floor and vacuuming, sand again with even less coarse sandpaper (80-grit).
- Step 5: Next, you have to use a sanding screen to buff the floor in the grain direction.
- Step 6: Remove all traces of dust with denatured alcohol and a tack cloth.
- Step 7: Stain the floor with the right product and applicator. Remove excess stains before they settle.
- Step 8: Apply topcoat with a fresh stain pad applicator. Apply in small sections.
- Step 9: Once the topcoat is cured, sand (120-grit) the floor lightly.
- Step 10: Vacuum the dust and clean with a tack cloth.
- Step 11: Repeat the topcoat application, sanding (220-grit) and vacuuming part again.
- Step 12: Apply the final layer of topcoat and allow it to cure fully.
Final Words
Hardwood refinishing is an effective yet complex process that requires professional supervision and proper knowledge. By knowing the right technique, using the right equipment, and following the right steps, professional sanders can efficiently upgrade your hardwood floors. This way, you can properly experience the benefits mentioned in this post.
Dublin Floor Sanding offers premium floor sanding and repair services in Dublin. They are well-regarded for their work quality, fast bookings, and expertise, with which they undertake each project for the best outcomes.
