Hardwood flooring is one of the most popular flooring choices by many homeowners today. Not only does it add the classic ambiance to your home, hardwood floors are also very durable and can last for a very long time. And while they may show signs of aging such as discoloration and dullness over time, it isn’t permanent and you can fix it by refinishing.
If you are planning to have your old hardwood floor refinished, here are the things you need to know to achieve that perfect refinishing and make your floor look like new again.
- Finish options
There are actually three types of hardwood finish that you can choose from – polyurethane finish, varnish, and penetrating sealer. The polyurethane finish can be used as oil or water-based. It provides a lustrous appearance and a plastic-looking finish to your floor. Thus, making it a perfect finish to use in the living room and in the kitchen where there is high traffic and moisture. If you are looking for a matte-glossy finish, then varnish is the best option for you. Varnish is also more durable. However, it tends to darken over time. The third option is the penetrating sealer which gives your hardwood floor a natural looking finish.
- Costs
The typical cost of hardwood flooring refinishing is around $3-$8 per square foot depending on your location and the type of finish that you want. The more complex the refinishing work you want to be, then the higher the cost will be. Interestingly, the bigger your space is, the more you can save on the cost per square foot. While others would like to have their hardwood floors sanded, it is not always needed especially if the damage or the wear and tear has not reached the actual wood yet. If sanding is needed, you may also need to seal the floor after sanding to prevent the open wood surface from absorbing moisture. Then let your floor dry up for about 48 hours before putting your things and furniture back.
- DIY or hire experts
Many homeowners would consider refinishing their hardwood flooring by themselves to save cost. If you are planning to DIY it, make sure that you are well prepared and well-skilled. Improperly installing the belt on the sander will not just lengthen the refinishing time, but it can also damage your floor. You might also like to test the refinishing process on a certain spot first and see how it goes. And don’t forget to wear socks within the 48 hours after refinishing your hardwood floor to prevent it from the possibility of warping and shifting.
However, if you are totally not confident with your DIY skills and you don’t want to risk damaging your floors, then it is best to leave the refinishing task to the experts. Refinishing hardwood floors is not a simple process and can be labor-intensive. The good thing with hiring professional services is that they have the right equipment to use and have the expertise to finish the job with ease.
