A well-trained refinisher can provide your dream floors in a day or two. They can also keep the odor to a minimum by using large fans to pull fresh air in and push sand dust out.
Hiring Hardwood Floor Refinishing Bergen County NJ can save you money and time. Look for an NWFA (National Wood Flooring Association) certified floor expert.
While sanding hardwood floors may sound like a daunting task, it’s something any homeowner can do with proper planning and equipment. A good quality drum sander will work best for most homes, though you might consider renting a specialty sanding machine with a flat head to reach tight spaces around radiators and corners. Whatever you choose, it’s important to take the time to read up on your sanding machine and any associated safety gear before you start.
After sanding, use wood putty to fill any gouges or major scratches on your floor. Be sure to let the putty dry for at least 24 hours, then sand again with a fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface. It’s also a good idea to brush the edges of your floor with a soft-bristled brush, which will help prevent splintering.
During this stage, you’ll likely produce a significant amount of dust, which you’ll need to collect and dispose of properly. Before re-sanding, make sure you vacuum the room thoroughly and then sweep it clean, paying special attention to moldings and corners. Also, be sure to wipe down the walls and baseboards with a damp rag before you move on to refinishing.
The next step is to sand the entire floor again, this time with medium-grade (60-grit) sandpaper. This will remove any rough spots from the previous sanding and prepare your floors for staining. Be sure to sand the edges of your room, too.
When you’re done with this step, vacuum the room again and then sweep it clean. This will ensure that there is no lingering wood dust, which could fall on the new finish during the staining process. Also, be sure to vacuum the room and then wipe it down with a damp rag again.
Although refinishing your hardwood flooring can be expensive, it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to give your home a fresh, new look. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy your beautiful new floors for a long time. And, if you’re willing to spend the money, you’ll find that hardwood is more durable than other types of flooring and lasts much longer.
Staining
Staining is another critical step in the process of refinishing hardwood floors. Wood stains are available in both oil-based and water-based form and come in a large variety of colors that can be used to match the color of walls and furniture. It is important to choose a stain that is designed for use on hardwood floors and that it contains low-VOC.
Stains work to accentuate the natural beauty of the hardwood and can be used to create a dramatic or neutral effect in any room. Staining also helps to hide minor scratches, dents and gouges that might be present in your wood flooring.
The first thing that needs to be done before staining is to clean the floor. Vacuuming the floor and using a degreaser to remove any dirt or grease that has accumulated on the surface of the wood is crucial. This will help ensure that the stain adheres and doesn’t pull up any of the existing finish.
When it comes to deciding on a stain, it is a good idea to choose one that will complement the overall design of your home and that will blend well with any existing furniture or accent pieces. It is also a good idea to keep in mind that different species of hardwood react differently to stains. This can result in the grain of the wood appearing blotchy if a stain is applied that does not work with the specific characteristics of the hardwood.
After the stain has dried, it is a good idea to apply a polyurethane top coat. This will help to protect the floor from future damage and will add a bit of shine to it as well.
When applying the polyurethane, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application. A lambswool brush is generally the best tool to use, as it will leave a much smoother finish than a rag or towel would. It is also a good idea to wait a few hours before walking on the floor to allow it to fully dry.
It is also a good idea to stain over the top of any major scratches, dents or gouges that cannot be repaired by trowel filling after sanding. This will help to disguise these imperfections and will make the repair process easier for your contractor.
Sealing
If your hardwood floors are dingy and scratched, refinishing can help. But it can only go so far. Sealants can add much-needed protection from daily wear and tear, reducing the amount of time it takes to get them back to looking like new again.
Before sealing your floors, make sure that the room is well-ventilated and that you have on a dust mask to protect yourself. Many wood finish products emit harmful vapors, so you want to avoid breathing them in.
Choose the type of sealer that will work best for your floor. There are a variety of options, from oil-based to water-based polyurethane. The best choice for your floors will depend on what they are made of, how much foot traffic they receive, and how easy it would be to stain them in the future.
Penetrating sealers (such as tung oil) soak into the pores of the wood, helping to prevent scratches and other damage. They are not as durable as other finishes, however, and a coat of wax is often applied over the oil for extra protection.
Oil-based polyurethane has a sheen that is more attractive than other types of finishes, but it can yellow over time and may require more frequent reapplying than other products. Water-based polyurethane, on the other hand, doesn’t yellow as fast and can last for up to 10 years before it needs to be reapplied.
Whatever product you use, test it out on an area of your floor before applying a full coat. Make sure that it doesn’t give off a strong chemical smell and that it isn’t too thick or thin for your taste. It is also a good idea to test the color of your floor with the sealant before you apply it to the entire surface.
As you consider your options for refinishing or recoating your hardwood floors, take the time to do some research and find a reputable contractor that will provide excellent results. Look for a company that is licensed and insured in your area, and check the Better Business Bureau to see how their customers have fared. It is best to hire a contractor that specializes in hardwood flooring. These professionals are familiar with the process of sanding, staining, and sealing and can complete it quickly with minimal interruption to your home life.
Installation
Hardwood floors are a great addition to any home. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also add value to your home and can make it more appealing to potential buyers. However, hardwood floors can become damaged over time and may need to be refinished or resealed.
Refinishing and resealing are the two most common types of hardwood floor repair. These services protect the flooring from moisture and sunlight and can enhance the color of the wood. Refinishing is more expensive and takes longer than resealing, but it can restore your hardwood floors to their original beauty.
When choosing a contractor to refinish your hardwood floors, make sure they have plenty of experience and are licensed and insured. Ask for references from previous clients and check their online reviews. A contractor with good reviews should be able to provide you with an estimate within 48 hours.
The type of wood used for your floors is another important factor to consider. Solid hardwood can be refinished multiple times over its lifespan, but engineered wood may need to be replaced sooner than solid wood. Additionally, you should take into account your local climate. If the humidity is high, solid wood will swell and shrink with it, which can lead to cracks and splits. Engineered wood is less sensitive to changes in humidity and will stay more stable.
Refinishing your hardwood floors will increase their longevity and make them more attractive to prospective buyers. A professional can help you choose the right stain color for your home and make your hardwood floors look brand new again. You can even use a product like Rejuvenate Wood Floor Restorer to refresh your floors without the need for sanding.