Hardwood Floor Refinishing

Hardwood flooring has long been favored by homeowners due to its durability, aesthetic appeal, and timeless charm. However, these floors can lose their luster and sustain damage as time passes. This is why many homeowners turn to refinishing services to restore their floors to their former beauty. The process of refurbishing wood floors requires meticulous execution of various essential steps, each of which is important in achieving a stunning and long-lasting finish.

Assess the Condition of the Floors

The initial step involves a thorough assessment of the floor's condition. We visit your home and carefully inspect the floors for gaps, cracks, stains, scratches, gouges, or any other signs of damage that require repair or resolution before the restoration can commence. In cases where significant damage is present, such as severe water damage or warping, we may recommend replacing certain portions or planks of your floor.

Our team will also confirm what type of floor you have so we can ensure the appropriate refinishing approach. Some synthetic materials are made to look like hardwood, and cannot be refinished, while engineered wood floors are made up of a thin layer of veneer on top with a cheaper material underneath, and can be refinished only once or twice depending on the thickness of real wood that remains. Solid hardwood floors are the best candidate for refinishing and can withstand multiple refinishes during their lifespan. 

Prepare the Space

Before the wood floors can be refurbished, furniture needs to be removed and the existing base shoe molding needs to be removed. Then our crew prepares the space by placing plastic over areas that won’t be refinished in order to protect them.   

Sand the Floors

The next step entails sanding the floors.  Sanding removes the top layer of the floor's finish and any surface-level scratches or imperfections that may have accumulated over time. This process involves many stages that need to be executed carefully.  We begin with coarse-grit sandpaper and gradually progress to finer-grit sandpaper to ensure the creation of an even, smooth, and level surface.

Apply Stain

After the sanding process is completed, it is time to apply a stain to the floors, that is, if you so chose. Some high-end woods like cherry, maple, or mahogany have beautiful natural colors and don’t need stain, or even take stain very well.

If you have a more common wood type, like white or red oak,  then you can decide if you want to leave the finish natural or if you want to change the look with stain. This is where you have the opportunity to exercise your creativity and choose from a wide array of stains and finishes. Simply altering the stain color of your flooring can significantly transform the look of your home. Our technicians will guide you through your choices, providing samples to help you compare and make an informed decision.

Protect the Floor with a Coating

The final step is protecting your newly refinished wood with a coating, or a sealer, that will extend the lifespan and appearance of your floor. There are various finishes to choose from, ranging from glossy to matte or satin, depending on your personal preferences, and this will allow you to achieve both traditional and modern aesthetics.  Our team will help you decide on which is best for your type of hardwood and your preferences. Typically two base coats of sealant are applied first, then we apply a topcoat polyurethane sealer at the end. 

Dry Time

Once the stain and finish have been applied, the floors need ample time to dry. It is crucial for homeowners to allow the newly finished floors to dry completely before resuming normal household activities. The drying duration can range from several hours to an entire day, depending on the type of finish used and the humidity levels in your home. During this period, we emphasize the importance of keeping the floors free from foot traffic, pets, and other potential sources of damage.

Choose a Professional Contractor

In addition to the aforementioned steps, there are a few other factors to consider when restoring your floors. It is essential to collaborate with a professional flooring contractor to ensure the job is executed flawlessly from the start. Reputable companies specializing in real wood flooring possess the necessary tools and expertise to sand, stain, and finish the floors with precision, resulting in a breathtaking and long-lasting outcome.

Proper Care and Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance are also crucial for prolonging the lifespan of your newly finished floors. You and your family should avoid wearing athletic shoes with cleats and high heels, furniture pads should be used to protect against damage, and regular cleaning.  Establishing a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule is highly beneficial. This includes sweeping, dusting, or dry mopping as needed, weekly vacuuming, and promptly addressing spills or high-traffic areas with a damp cloth. Additionally, it is recommended to clean the floors with a damp mop and an appropriate hardwood floor cleaning solution only on a seasonal or occasional basis. An excessively wet mop can damage the sealant and cause the flooring to buckle.

The entire process involves a series of carefully executed steps, including thorough inspection, preparation, sanding, staining and finishing, and allowing the finish to dry. By enlisting the services of professionals and providing proper care for the floors after refinishing, homeowners can relish the beauty and longevity of their floors.