Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any home, but over time, they can become scratched, dull, and worn. If your hardwood floors are in need of some TLC, refinishing is an excellent option to restore their natural beauty. In this post, we'll cover everything you need to know about hardwood floor refinishing, including the process, timeline, and cost.
What is Hardwood Floor Refinishing?
Hardwood floor refinishing is the process of restoring the surface of a hardwood floor to its original condition by sanding down the top layer of the wood, applying a new layer of stain (if desired), and then finishing the wood with a protective coating. Over time, hardwood floors can become scratched, dull, and damaged due to normal wear and tear, heavy foot traffic, and other factors. Refinishing a hardwood floor can give it a new lease on life, restoring its natural beauty and shine. The process of hardwood floor refinishing involves using specialized equipment, such as drum sanders and hand sanders, to remove the old finish, stain, and scratches from the wood. Once the surface has been sanded down to a smooth finish, a new layer of stain and finish is applied to the wood, sealing it and protecting it from future damage. The result is a beautiful, like-new hardwood floor that can last for years to come.
The Refinishing Process
- Preparation: Before refinishing, the floor must be thoroughly cleaned and cleared of any furniture or debris.
- Sanding: The first step in the refinishing process is sanding down the top layer of the hardwood floor to remove any scratches, dents, or stains. A drum sander is typically used to sand the entire floor, followed by a hand sander for hard-to-reach areas.
- Staining: Once the floor has been sanded down, a new layer of stain is applied to the wood to achieve the desired color. This step is optional, as some homeowners prefer to keep the natural wood color.
- Finishing: The final step in the refinishing process is applying a new layer of finish to protect the wood and enhance its natural beauty. There are several types of finishes available, including oil-based and water-based. The type of finish you choose also affects the time it takes to refinish wood floors. Water-based polyurethane dries quickly, but the finishing isn't as durable as oil-based polyurethane or other natural finishes. Overall, water-based polyurethane takes around 2 days to dry, and each coat dries within around 2 to 4 hours. Oil-based polyurethane takes about 4 days or more to dry completely, coat by coat. Each coat takes around 24 hours to dry, and darker stains can take 2 days for one coat to dry.
The timeline for hardwood floor refinishing can vary depending on the size of the room, the condition of the floor, and the products used. Generally, it takes 2-3 days to refinish a room's hardwood floors. However, if the floor is in poor condition, it may take longer to complete. Furniture can be moved back 5 days after service, but not area rugs. We recommend waiting 3-5 weeks to ensure rug fibers do not stick to the floor or make an imprint.
Cost
The cost of hardwood floor refinishing can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the room, the type of wood, the level of damage, desired results, and the products used. On average, homeowners can expect to pay about $6.50 per square foot for hardwood floor refinishing.
Hardwood floor refinishing is an excellent option for homeowners looking to restore the natural beauty of their hardwood floors. While the process can be time-consuming and costly, the benefits of refinishing outweigh the cost. Refinishing your hardwood floors can increase your home's value, improve indoor air quality, and save you money in the long run.
Benefits of Hardwood Floor Refinishing:
- Restores Natural Beauty: Hardwood floor refinishing can restore the natural beauty of your floors, making them look new again.
- Increases Home Value: Refinished hardwood floors can increase your home's value, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
- Improves Indoor Air Quality: Old hardwood floors can trap dirt and allergens, reducing indoor air quality. Refinishing the floors can remove these particles, improving air quality.
To book a free quote or learn more, please contact us. We are here to help!
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