Hardwood Floor Refinishing
How To Add Value To Your Home
Homes with fresh hardwood floors look amazing. The color, the glow of the finish, the way the light shines on flawless hardwoods really adds a wow factor. It doesn’t matter if you are inviting potential buyers, or just family over for the holidays, everyone is going to love your newly installed floors. There’s one issue, newly installed hardwood floors are going to cost you. It can be an expensive job. The good news is there is another option, hardwood floor refinishing.
According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NAR) hardwood floor refinishing has the best return on investment for your home improvement projects, followed closely by new hardwood floor installations. See this graph below:
Hardwood Floor Refinishing: What to expect
Assessing the Condition of your Hardwood Floor
Before we start our hardwood floor refinishing process we have to know where we are starting at. One of our the members of Our Team will come out to your home with a no pressure consultation. We’ll be honest and let you know the condition of your current floors and when and if refinishing needs to happen. Chances are if the floor is full of scratches and had lost that stunning glossy shine you get with hardwood, then you might already know the answer. But we can at least give you a straight forward price.
Preparing Your Room for Hardwood Floor Restoration
Removing Furniture, Appliances, and Carpets
Once your project start date is set, the furniture, appliances, & carpets need to be removed. In some instances even the curtains need to be removed. We’ll let you know during our estimate process what you can expect.
After that we remove trim and shoe moldings, cover doorways and ducts, and get the floors ready to be inspected.
Inspecting your Floor for Areas of Damage
One of the things that sets us apart is we go over all the damaged areas of your floors and discuss what you can expect from refinishing. Refinishing is not the same process as a new installation, so if parts of the floor needs to be replaced, results may very, but more often than not we can make a damaged spot look new again.
When we say No Gimmicks,
We Mean It!
Our Hardwood Floor Refinishing Prices:
$1.25 – $3.50 / sq ft
This is not a guarantee of a specific price. If there are problems with the floor outside of refinishing it can affect the price, but nearly all of our refinishing jobs fall into this range.
Hardwood Floor Refinishing
If you decide you want to go with us we will set a date that makes the most sense to you and get started.
Here is what that process is going to look like.
Choosing the Right Finish
There are a lot of options for floor finishes. Water and oil based polyurethanes, waxes, shellac, varnish. There are even more options for colored stains, moisture and uv protection, water resistance, gloss or matte finishes, cured topcoats. A lot of options and combinations to consider, we can help guide you what might look best to restore your hardwood floors.
Sanding the Floor
Depending on the type of floor we will need to use a 40 or 60 grit belt on an upright floor sander and run that parallel to the floor grain. This part of the process is essential to get right, any mistakes could make the floor worse or damage your walls. That’s why it’s best to trust a professional.
Repairing Damaged Areas
Replacing Damaged Sections
Some sections of older hardwood floors are likely to have some damage. Replacing damaged sections requires careful attention to detail. We remove the damaged section of the floor. If the damage is too severe, we may need to replace the entire plank. If the damage is minor, we can replace just the damaged section. Once the damaged section is removed, we will measure the area and cut a new plank to fit. We make sure to use wood of the same type and quality as the original. When we install the new plank we use wood glue to secure it in place. Last we sand the area.
Filling In Holes and Cracks
Cracks in your floor happen over time, wood naturally moves over time. Holes can happen with damage. We use a putty knife to fill the hole or crack with wood filler that matches the color of the floor. We have to allow the filler to dry completely before sanding the area with fine-grit sandpaper. Once dry and sanded we use a cloth to wipe away any dust to complete the repair.
Enhancing the Appearance of Your Hardwood Floors
Adding Color with a Dye
To add color to the dye for your hardwood floors, we will need purchase a dye that is specifically designed and labeled for use on hardwood floors. You can find these dyes in a variety of colors for different kinds of hardwoods. Once we have the dye, we will need to mix it with a bonding agent and water. Once the dye is mixed, we apply it to your wood floors with a brush or roller, making sure to use even strokes to ensure an even coat of color. Allow the dye to dry completely before applying a sealant.
Staining Your Floors
We start by applying a wood conditioner to the floor to ensure even absorption of the stain. Once the conditioner has dried, we apply the stain of your choice with a brush or rag, working in a circular motion to ensure even coverage. We have to allow the stain to dry for at least 8 hours before applying a sealer.
Sealing Your Floors
Sealing your hardwood floor is important. By sealing the floor after staining it will keep them looking great and protecting your floors from damage. Depending on the type of sealant you choose, we may need to use a brush or roller to apply it. We will need to allow the sealant to dry completely before walking on the floor.
Maintaining the Quality After We Refinish Your Hardwood Floors
Less Moisture Damage
Moisture damage can be prevented by taking a few simple steps. Use doormats or area rugs near entryways to help keep moisture and dirt from entering the home. You might want to use a dehumidifier to keep the air in the home dry if you often have humidity problems. Make sure to clean spills right away to prevent moisture from seeping into the wood. Finally, using a wood floor cleaner that is specifically designed for hardwood floors can reduce moisture damage on your floors.
Regular Cleaning
After we refinish your hardwood floors, it’s important to clean them to protect the new finish. Vacuuming the floors to remove any dirt and debris can protect from scratches. Use a damp mop to clean the floors with a mild detergent and warm water. Don’t use too much water as this can damage the wood. Once the floors are clean, dry them with a soft cloth and apply a wood floor cleaner to protect the finish. For best results, using a microfiber mop to apply the cleaner. Finally, buff the floors with a soft cloth to give them a fresh, glossy finish.
Prevention of Damage
The BEST way to prevent damaging your floors is taking off your shoes, especially boots or shoes with a deep heel where rocks can hide. Use furniture protectors such as felt pads or rubber cups under furniture legs to prevent scratches. It is also important to avoid using cleaning products that are harsh. Harsh cleaners can damage the finish. Regular sweeping and vacuuming helps to remove dirt and debris that can scratch the floors. Also, avoid dragging furniture or other heavy objects across the floor, this can cause deep scratches.
What about Resealing the floor?
If you really want the new floor look to last, you should reseal your hardwood floors every two to three years. This will help to protect the wood, as well as prevent dirt and moisture from getting into the wood. When resealing, make sure to use a sealer that is designed specifically for hardwood floors. Sealers will help to keep your floors looking new and help them last longer. The more frequently you reseal, the less often you’ll need to refinish your hardwood floors.
We Offer 2 Types Of Services
Classic Hardwood Refinishing
Refresh Your Older Floors so that they Look Brand New Again.
Hardwood Restoration
Durable and Timeless, Can Be Refinished Over and Over Again
Let The Flooring Rebel Team Help Your Floors Shine
Let one of our team members come out and provide some information about helping you meet your flooring needs.
