How Hardwood Floor Refinishing Works
Hardwood Floor Refinishing Bergen County NJ involves removing the existing finish layer and then sanding to remove scratches and discoloration. A stain may be applied. Then the floor is refinished with polyurethane.
Engineered wood floors can also be refinished, but they require a thick enough veneer to avoid sanding through it to the plywood below.
Hardwood floor refinishing is a lengthy and time-consuming project, so it’s important to plan. Whether having the floors professionally sanded and refinished or taking on the project yourself, prepare your home by moving any furniture, disconnecting electronics and covering up wall art. Since sanding and staining create a lot of dust, the better you can keep it from infiltrating other areas of your house, the happier you’ll be with the results.
You’ll also want to gather all of the equipment and materials you need for refinishing hardwood floors, including a large drum sander, sandpaper in various grits, brooms and dust pans. It’s important to read the refinishing instructions for your particular flooring type to ensure you’re using the right sander and applying the sanding process correctly.
The first step in refinishing wood floors is to remove any existing finish. If you’re using a drum sander, make sure to wear appropriate safety gear and have plenty of space to work in the room. After the sanding is complete, vacuum and sweep thoroughly to remove any dust, dirt or debris remaining on the surface of the hardwood.
Before you apply a new finish, use a moisture meter to test the subfloor for proper moisture levels. If the level is too high, your floors may need to be sanded down and resealed before being refinished.
Depending on how old your hardwood floors are, you may be able to skip the sanding and opt for simply recoating them. This is the quickest and easiest option for refinishing wood floors, but it’s only suitable for those with existing finish layers that are intact. If the stains, scratches and dents extend down into the wood, a recoat is not enough to restore them. This is also not an option for floors that are bare or have been refinished in the past with a water-based finish, as these don’t hold up as well to the wear and tear of a hard wax or polyurethane coat. Talk to a professional to find out what the best option is for your specific hardwood flooring.
Sanding
Hardwood floor refinishing involves sanding down the existing finish and the top layer of wood, eliminating deep scratches, gouges and stains. It’s a labor-intensive process that can take several days to complete, but it leaves your floors looking like new again. During the sanding phase, it’s important to use proper safety equipment, including a respirator and gloves. You’ll also need to cover all doors with plastic sheeting to prevent dust from migrating into other rooms.
A large drum sander is usually the best choice for sanding hardwood floors, as it can provide enough power to remove a good amount of the old finish without removing too much of the wood grain. However, this type of sander can create a lot of dust, so you’ll need to sweep and vacuum the entire floor and surrounding areas frequently to reduce this amount of debris.
You’ll also want to make sure that you’re using a low or no-VOC finish, as these will have fewer indoor air pollutants than regular finishes. When choosing a color for your stain, it’s often best to experiment on a small portion of the floor before applying it to the whole surface. This will help you get an idea of how the color will look once it’s fully applied and will allow you to correct any mistakes before they become permanent.
Once you’ve stained your hardwood floors, you’ll need to let them dry thoroughly before applying a coat of finish. There are a variety of finishes available for wood floors, including polyurethane and wax. Polyurethane is the most popular and durable option, as it provides a clear, glossy surface that resists stains and scratches. It’s available in both water-based and oil-based formulas, and can be brushed on with a standard paintbrush.
If you want your floors to shine even more, consider adding a third coat of polyurethane. This is a time-consuming task, but it will make your hardwood floors shimmer and shine for years to come. If you’re unsure whether you need to add another coat or not, it’s always safest to ask your flooring professional. They’ll be able to advise you based on their years of experience and what they see in the field every day.
Filling
If your wood floors are in need of being refinished, you will probably want to hire a professional. These contractors work with hardwood floors all day, every day and have a good understanding of the ins and outs of refinishing. They will know how much grit to use and how long it will take for the finish to dry. They will also have the tools and equipment to get the job done quickly, with little or no dust.
The first step is to sand down the floors. This is done with a large drum sander and requires the proper safety gear. Once the sanding is complete, the floor is swept clean and vacuumed to remove any remaining dust. Then the floors are mopped with a mild degreaser and a damp cloth.
Next, if the gaps between floorboards are visible, they must be filled. There are many methods for doing this. One option is to “full trowel” the floors, which involves spreading filler across the entire floor and then sanding it off to create a smooth surface. However, this method has its drawbacks. It can make the boards appear uneven, and it may not provide as much structural support.
Another way to fill gaps is to insert a color-matched acrylic filler. These strips are very fine batons of the same species and color of your wood flooring and provide a much more stable and attractive finish. This solution also does not require sanding at the end, but getting the color right can be challenging.
Finally, if the gaps between floorboards can’t be filled, it is recommended that you replace them with face-grain wood plugs. These are made of the same species of your floor and blend into the floor beautifully. They are also a fraction of the cost of replacing a whole board.
Once the floor is fully dried, it can be re-stained. When staining, it is a good idea to work on small areas at a time. This will prevent the tannins from reacting with the new finish and causing discoloration. It is also a good idea to apply several coats of finish to ensure that your floors are protected.
Finishing
When the sanding phase is complete, it’s time to move on to the finishing stage of your hardwood floor refinishing project. First, you’ll want to do one final wipe down with a clean lint-free or microfiber cloth. This will ensure that all of the heavy dust and sanding debris is removed before you apply your finish.
Then you’ll have to decide whether or not you want to stain your floors. Staining provides a great opportunity to add some color and contrast to your flooring, as well as give it a more customized look and feel. For example, you may want to match your floors to a certain piece of furniture or other fixture in your home.
Generally, there are three kinds of finishes that you can use for your floors: polyurethane, varnish, and acid-cured. Polyurethane is the most common and is available in a wide range of lusters, from matte to high-gloss. It’s also a good choice for high-traffic areas because it is extremely durable.
Another option for your floor is a clear varnish, which can be either water or oil-based. Like polyurethane, it is very durable and offers a nice shine. It is typically less expensive than polyurethane and is a popular choice for homeowners looking to protect their floors without having to spend the money on a full-scale refinishing project.
Finally, a penetrating sealer is an excellent way to get a natural-looking finish for your floors. This type of finish allows you to show off the wood grain and naturally beautiful color of your hardwood floors. However, it’s important to note that penetrating sealers don’t provide as much protection as a polyurethane or varnish coating.
When you’re deciding on the best type of finish for your flooring, it’s recommended that you consult with a Bona Certified Craftsman to make sure that your floor will look great and last long. The type of finish you choose will depend on a number of factors, including your budget, the current condition of your flooring, and the desired look and color of your floors.
