Hardwood floors from SOEN Hardwood Floor refinishing are durable and can take a beating from snowy boots, dogs, and muddy soccer cleats. With proper care, however, they can be restored to their original luster. In this article, we will discuss some essential facts about hardwood refinishing.
Cost
Whether you decide to do the refinishing yourself or hire a professional, the cost of hardwood refinishing depends on many factors, including the number of coats, the type of hardwood, and the color that you want to add. It usually takes a few hours or a day to complete the job. Typically, you should pay a contractor 30 percent of the cost upfront and the rest after the project is complete. The contractor should also be insured and bonded. This will protect you from liability claims in case of an accident while working in your home.
The cost of hardwood refinishing can also vary greatly depending on the size of the room. Smaller rooms are often more challenging to refinish because the equipment is large and difficult to maneuver in tight spaces. You might even need a specialist to refurbish a small room. Fortunately, you can usually negotiate a lower price if you have multiple rooms that need refinishing.
Time
Refinishing hardwood floors requires a lot of time. Several factors affect the length of the process. For instance, the weather in your area will affect how long it will take to refinish your floors. Then, you will need to search for a reliable sanding contractor.
Before you begin refinishing, you must ensure your floors are dry. This is critical because the floor sealant may have been damaged by real scratches, making it vulnerable to moisture damage. Another warning sign is a sun-bleached floor, characterized by an uneven coloration. A dull gray hue on a hardwood floor is also an indication of moisture damage.
In addition, you need to decide what season is best for refinishing your floors. Usually, the best time to refinish your floors is before the summer or before the winter season. The refinishing process will restore small gaps, but if they are more prominent, it’s probably time to replace the floor.
Safety
One of the most critical aspects of hardwood refinishing is the safety of the work. When using solvent-based products, the refinisher should keep the area well-ventilated and away from fire hazards. He should also carry a fire extinguisher on the job site in an emergency. Other potential risks include wood dust, old finish, and rags used to apply the stain.
The safety of hardwood refinishing projects is crucial for the health of homeowner and their family. The finish must be non-toxic, so it should not contain any VOCs. While it is not necessary to use a dustless refinishing system, it is recommended. Using a dustless system will help reduce the risks of exposure to hazardous materials. It will also ensure that the old finish is removed and the dust bag is emptied after each day’s work.
The safety of hardwood refinishing depends on the type of stain and finish used. While some colors, like those caused by spills and pets, can be covered with darker paint, others must be replaced. Deep scratches, gouges, and cracks can also require refinishing. In these cases, the refinisher must remove the existing finish, sand the affected wood smoothly, and then reshape it.
Efficacy
Hardwood refinishing is an effective way to improve the aesthetic appeal of a home. It adds value to the house and is attractive to potential buyers. Refinished wood floors also reduce the risk of splinters in a home, which can lead to severe injuries. Hardwood refinishing minimizes the risk of these hazards by up to 75%.
The first step in hardwood refinishing is sanding the floor to prepare it for staining. It is essential to apply the stain evenly to the floor and to wipe off any excess. Once the stain has completely dried, you should apply three coats of polyurethane. This step is essential for the wood finishes final appearance and long-term durability. It is recommended to use oil-based polyurethane because it is more durable than water-based varnish. However, oil-based varnish requires more time to apply and dry.
The process of hardwood refinishing is a moderately complex DIY project, but the rewards can be huge. Hardwood floors add value to a home, and the National Association of Realtors says that 54% of home buyers would pay more for homes with finished hardwood floors. For this reason, refinishing your hardwood floors is a great investment in the future of your home.
