At Flooring Solutions, we understand that hardwood flooring refinishing can be a tedious and sometimes daunting process, but we take this responsibility seriously. We appreciate the value and beauty of hardwood floors and want you to experience it too. That's why we work so hard to ensure that your home is prepared for the process and that you are as well.
In this article, we will explore the process of hardwood floor refinishing and help you determine if your hardwood floors can also get their very own facelift!
The Sanding and Refinishing Process
Refinishing your floors can be the secret weapon you didn't know you were looking for! While the process is not quite as easy as waving a magic wand over your floors, it gives the "WOW" factor after completion. Sanding and refinishing hardwood floors involves removing the old finish, sanding the wood to a smooth surface, and applying a new finish. The process requires specialized equipment and skills to achieve the desired results. Here are a few of the steps involved in the hardwood floor refinishing process at Flooring Solutions:
1. Measure and Access Your Floors:
A flooring specialist will come to your home to assess the condition of your floors, measure them, and determine the scope of work needed to custom sand your floors. This step is crucial in determining if your floors can be sanded and finding out what you want to change or keep the same about your current hardwood.
2. Agree on the Scope of Work:
Once the above measurement and assessment is complete, you and a flooring specialist will agree on the scope of work and expectations. This will include specific action items such as preparing your home, providing the temperature and humidity requirements your home must be in, and introducing stain and finish selections.
3. Determine Stain Color:
You'll typically determine the stain color needed on site, considering the convenience and light of your home. A flooring specialist is typically highly skilled in guiding you through many colors and finishes. Inspiration photos and samples can be highly beneficial, so look at home improvement sites like Pinterest or Architectural Digest.
4. Prepare the Room:
Before the sanding and refinishing process begins, all furniture items must be out of the home. This is where most homeowners have to make the crucial choice of staying in the home during the project or temporarily leaving for the duration. We also ensure optimal temperature and humidity.
5. Project Begins:
As the sanding and staining process begins, we understand seeing your home wrapped in plastic and taped off can feel overwhelming. But it is all to ensure the safety and cleanliness of your items. It's usually best to vacate your home for the project's duration, as it allows the crew to work seamlessly, but we understand if that cannot happen.
Can All Hardwood Be Sanded and Refinished
Determining if your current hardwood flooring can be sanded and refinished might feel a bit like playing detective. There are exceptions to the rules; not all hardwood floors can be sanded and refinished. So what flooring types are ready for sanding and refinishing?
Engineered hardwood, in particular, typically cannot be resanded. However, there are exceptions, and it's essential to determine if your engineered hardwood is sandable. On the other hand, solid hardwood and unfinished engineered hardwood can be sanded and refinished.
At Flooring Solutions, we don't expect you to be able to determine this on your own. Our Flooring Specialists can typically determine this from one in-home consultation, and most often without having to take up or mess with any of your flooring. Schedule a free consultation to get started!
How Many Times Can You Sand and Refinish Hardwood
While sanding & refinishing is an immediate facelift for your home, it's still important to keep track of how many times your floors have had this process done to them. Hardwood floors can be sanded and refinished 4-5 times on average during their lifetime. However, several factors may reduce the number of times you can refinish your floors. For example, if your floors have water damage or run out of wear surfaces, you may need to replace some planks.
You may wonder what your hardwood floors might look like if they have water damage or run out of wear surface. Water-damaged floors will likely have a "hump" in them or give the appearance of the wood peaking up from the edges. Sometimes, you can find dark, almost black spots that do not come out (no matter how often you sweep, mop, or scrub). If your hardwood has run out of wear surface, that's a bit harder to determine. But some clues can be deep scratches, extremely uneven surfaces, or if the wood's true color underneath is peaking through.
How Long Does It Take to Sand and Refinish Hardwood
This age-old question is one of the most common questions we receive, and for good reason. How long are you going to be out of your home? That's incredibly important! So, let's set the stage. Let's say you have 1,000 square feet awaiting transformation the sanding and staining duo usually takes about four to five days. On the fourth and fifth days, that's when you'll likely see the biggest transformation happen, as your new floors will be uncovered and you can see your final stain color.
The time it takes to sand and refinish hardwood floors depends on several factors, including the size of the room, the condition of the floors, and the type of stain & finish you select. Before starting your project, you will need to consider these things, and your flooring consultant will likely walk you through this process. If you're wondering how to select your stain color and what finish options you have, we've got you covered with Hardwood Floor Stain & Refinishing Options to Consider.
Hardwood Floor Refinishing: Is It Right for Your Hardwood Floors
Before you take the plunge on sanding & refinishing your floors, you're likely wondering if you'll be glad you did or if you'll regret the process. But knowing what to expect during the process can easily take away that stress and provide you with a timeline and how to prepare your home best. When you take the time to consider the age and condition of your floors, your budget, and the inevitable inconvenience of not using the room for several days, it can help you determine if this is really the right choice for your hardwood.
Our flooring consultants aren't interested in simply "selling you a new floor." Sanding and refinishing is an excellent decision that grants your hardwood floors a second chance, and we love being able to provide that for you. That's why we diligently roll our sleeves to prepare your home for this transformative process.
If you are ready to restore your hardwood to its natural beauty, hardwood floor refinishing is a great way to do so, and extend its lifespan. However, working with a professional is essential to ensure that the process is done correctly and that you achieve the desired results. If you need clarification on whether sanding and refinishing is right for your floors, consult with one of our flooring specialist who can assess your floors and help you get started!
