Installing a Hardwood floor at home is more than just for floors; it’s pure elegance and beauty in its most classic form. However, some changes are necessary to keep up with their charm after some time. If you are looking for some hardwood flooring refinishing as a homeowner, or to get inspired as an interior designer or simply looking for some work to do for yourself as a DIYer, then this in-depth guide on hardwood floor refinishing is what will help you out every step of the way.
Why Refinish the Hardwood Floors?
Conserve Beauty and Value
Hardwood flooring install or repair is one thing that always attracts extra money whenever a house goes for sale. Defects on the floor such as scuffs, scratches and other wear and tear actually are preventable through regular refinishing which ensures one does not lose value on that investment.
Strengthening the Surface
Scratches, dents and dullness often set into the hardwood floors over time. Wood floor refinishing is more than strengthening the uppermost essence of the floor but is a way of prolonging the lifespan of the same due to a fresh coat being placed on it.
Improvement of Resale Value of a House
When selling a house, a well treated hardwood floor will certainly increase the probability of purchasers appreciating the house. Homeowners appreciate the durability and reusability of refinished hardwood floors thus making it a smart home renovation advice.
Re-finishing of Hardwood Floors
Refinishing is the last step where the top or the surface layer of the hardwood flooring is removed through sanding in order to eliminate any irregularities prior to placing a new coat. It’s not quite an easy finish and quite a hard task after doing it for the first time, but all which is required is the correct skills and preparation.
Examining Your Floor
Before moving forward, please check the condition of the floor. Look for signs of deep scratches and water and/or stains. If the damage seems to be quite considerable, you may have to seek the help of a specialist.
Choosing the Appropriate Finish
The finishes vary in their structural attributes and the benefits they bear:
Oil-based Polyurethane: quite tough and comes out with a tinge, however, it dries up quite slowly.
Water based Polyurethane: fast drying, less toxic but comparatively, less resistant than oil refined alternatives.
Hardwax oil: however has a natural matte appearance and is extremely low maintenance making it suitable for people who are particular about the environment.
How to Refinish your Hardwood Floor
Step 1: Preparing the Environment
Clearing the Room: remove all the objects such as the furniture, carpets, and other decorative pieces on the walls. Make sure that the area is clean from any obstructions.
Cleaning the floor: tiles should be swept and mopped to remove any dust and dirt.
Cover the Damages: where you see bubbles or areas damaged, fill them with wood putty and allow them to dry.
Step 2: Sanding
Start Sanding: Make sure that when sanding you wear protective clothes and do not forget to put a dust mask, to be safe. While drum sanders can be used for sanding large areas while an edge sander is used on the corners. Spine level sandpaper is used to begin and progressively fine sandpaper is employed.
Vacuum Thoroughly: After sanding is finished, vacuum the whole area that was divided into slabs to get rid of any dusty particles that were left.
Step 3: Staining (Optional)
Apply Stain: Using a wood stain may be exerted to improve the color of the floor or to enhance it further. It is important to follow the drying instructions provided by the manufacturer while staining.
Step 4: Finishing
Choose Your Finish: Choose and apply evenly, a chosen finish or lacquer coat derived from the objective parameters of housing and personal choice.
Allow to Dry: Every touch to the coated or lacquered floor must be avoided until the coating is fully dried in which period usual commercial addresses vary between 24 to 48 hours.
Buff the Floor (If needed): If a more horizontal surface is desired, one can buff the floor which is light-sanded depending upon the finish used on it.
Maintenance Tips
In order to protect or restore the beautiful appearance of your painstakingly refinished hardwood floor, take the following measures:
Regular Cleaning: In addition to cleaning the soiled areas, it is advisable to mop the floors using plain water or a wet mop sheet with a cleaner meant for the floor surface.
Protect from Scratches: Place felt pads beneath any furniture legs and chairs to prevent scratching of the floor surface and do not wear high heeled shoes on the floor.
Control Humidity: Try to maintain the amount of humidity inside the house to a certain level preventing wood from swelling and also from crashing.
Making old wood floors look good again might be intimidating, but with the right mindset and method one can achieve even dramatic outcomes.For more interesting information visit Is it Worth it to Refinish Hardwood Floors? | Robar Flooring
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