If your hardwood floors are scuffed, scratched, or show signs of water damage, it’s time to consider refinishing. Hardwood Floor Refinishing Bergen County NJ will bring back the shine and repair any deep gashes or dings.
Refinishing is a time-intensive process. It requires clear rooms and the removal of furniture, so plan ahead! A professional will be able to advise you on the best solution for your home.
If your floors are starting to look dull or scratched, you may want to consider refinishing them. The process involves sanding down the wood and then applying a new coat of stain or varnish. This can revitalize the appearance of your hardwood floor and help it withstand the rigors of daily life.
Before beginning the refinishing process, it is a good idea to do some research on your flooring. There are many different types of wood, and refinishing requires a specific type of finish for each. Using the wrong product could damage your floors and cause problems in the future. You should also be sure that you have the right equipment for the job. You will need a floor drum sander and a floor edge sander, as well as a vacuum cleaner with a dust collection bag. It is also important to have the right supplies, including a high-quality stain and varnish with low levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
You should also clean your hardwood floors thoroughly before starting the refinishing process. This is not only a good idea from an environmental standpoint, but it will also ensure that no dirt or dust is left behind on the finished product. Family Handyman suggests sweeping and vacuuming the area, as well as wiping down surfaces with a microfiber cloth or tack towel dampened with mineral spirits. This will remove any residue left behind from sanding and allow the final coat of stain or varnish to adhere properly.
Once you have cleared the space, you should move any furniture from the room that is to be refinished. This includes any area rugs that are in the space. It is also a good idea to relocate any appliances, such as the washer, dryer, and refrigerator, as well as extinguish the pilot lights on any gas heaters. This will protect these items from potential damage from sanding dust and will prevent any accidental spills on the surface of the floor while the refinishing process is taking place.
Before refinishing your hardwood floors, you should determine whether they are made from solid or engineered wood. Engineered wood typically has a thinner veneer and will not stand up to refinishing as well as solid hardwood. If you are not sure, try looking for the brand name and model number on your engineered wood flooring or a receipt from when it was installed. You can also consult a flooring expert to determine the type of wood in your home.
Staining
Staining is a major decision because it affects the overall look of your hardwood floors. The color will be a permanent fixture, so it’s very important that you choose wisely. If you’re not happy with the end result, it can be very difficult to correct it. If you apply a stain and then decide that you don’t like the look, you will have to sand the entire floor again and start over. That can be very costly and time-consuming.
It’s a good idea to do a test stain in an inconspicuous area before you begin. This is the only way to be certain that you will get the exact color that you want. It’s also a great opportunity to make sure that the stain will cover any scratches or chips that might be present in the wood. This step is especially important if you’re using a rental sander because these machines can leave cross-grain scratches that will be much more noticeable once the floor is stained.
Once the stain is dry, it’s time to protect your investment with a polyurethane sealer. This is a fairly simple process, but it’s very important that you take your time. You should use a high-density foam roller and, if needed, a small brush to get into hard-to-reach corners and other areas of the room. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying the sealer.
This is the only way to guarantee that you will have a durable, long-lasting finish on your hardwood floors. If you skip this step, the finish will quickly wear down, making your floors look dull and dirty.
Staining your hardwood floors can be a challenge, but it’s one that is well worth the effort. Just be sure to plan ahead and take your time, and you will have beautiful hardwood floors for years to come. If you’re unsure about how to sand and stain your own floors, contact a professional flooring contractor for help. They will be able to guide you through the process and give your home the fresh, new look it deserves.
Sealing
After the stain has had a chance to set, it’s time for the wood floor sealer. Like the stain, this can be either oil-based or water-based, and it should be a high-quality professional product that is specifically designed for hardwood floors. A sealer helps to even out the surface of the wood, prevent tannin bleed and side bonding, increase durability, and protect the new finish against water damage.
When applying the sealant, you’ll want to follow the grain of the wood again and use a roller for an even application. You’ll also need to be careful not to get any of the sealant on other surfaces, and you should open any windows necessary to avoid unwanted fumes during this process. After the first coat of sealant has dried, you’ll need to lightly sand again with a fine grade of sandpaper, such as #220. It’s important to wear a respirator during this step as well, as the sealant and sanding dust can be harmful to your health.
Once the second coat of sealant has been applied and dried, it’s a good idea to do a smell test again. If the odor of the varnish or sealant is too strong, you may need to choose another product that has lower odor levels.
Prior to the development of polyurethane finishes, wax was the hardwood floor finish of choice in many homes and is still popular with do-it-yourselfers. Wax is available in both liquid and paste forms, and it can be colored with wood stain to add a little extra color or character. Wax can be buffed with a buffing machine or with a cloth, and it will need several coats to achieve a smooth, shiny finish.
Once polyurethane was developed, it quickly became the hardwood floor finish of choice due to its durability and ease of maintenance. Water-based polyurethane can be used in the same way as oil-based polyurethane, but it dries much faster and gives off fewer harmful fumes during application. Before choosing a water-based polyurethane, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions and safety data sheets carefully.
Cleaning
After refinishing hardwood floors, it is important to take the proper steps to keep them looking good. This will prevent the need for a full sanding and refinish in a few years. Regular cleaning and a coat of polish will help preserve the look of the wood. Homeowners can use a hardwood floor cleaner that is low-VOC to clean the floors on a daily basis.
Regular scrubbing and damp mopping will remove the dirt that builds up on the surface of hardwood floors. Vacuuming is also a necessary step. Many homeowners use a robot vacuum or a standard vacuum cleaner to get the job done. This will ensure that all of the dust and debris are removed.
It is a good idea to remove shoes indoors to avoid tracking in dirt, grime, and mud. Area rugs can be placed in areas of high traffic or frequently used rooms to minimize the amount of wear on the floor. Avoid using cleats or boots on the floor because they can cause scratches. It is also a good idea to put pads under furniture that sits on the hardwood flooring, which will minimize stains from water spills.
When choosing a contractor to work on hardwood floor refinishing, it is essential for homeowners to read reviews and get multiple estimates before making a decision. A reputable company will have a proven track record of satisfied customers and will be able to answer questions that homeowners may have. It is also a good idea for homeowners to find out whether the contractor will charge extra for moving furniture out of the room, which can be a large part of the overall cost.
The amount of time between refinishing the floors will depend on several factors, including the lifestyle of the homeowner and the frequency of traffic on the floors. Most experts recommend that a floor be refinished every five to 10 years to maintain the beauty of the hardwood floors.
While a traditional sand and refinish can be an expensive project, homeowners can reduce the number of times they need to hire a professional for this job by keeping their floors in great condition. This can be accomplished by keeping up with routine maintenance, avoiding the use of furniture sprays (which contain oils and waxes) that will degrade the polyurethane on the floors, and cleaning regularly using a low-VOC hardwood floor cleaner.