Audrey 
Hardwood floors are a classic, elegant addition to any home, but over time they can become scratched, dull, or discoloured. Refinishing your hardwood floors can bring them back to their original beauty and lustre, and give your home a fresh, updated look.
The refinishing process typically involves sanding down the existing finish to remove any scratches, stains, or other imperfections. Once the surface is smooth, a new stain and protective finish are applied to give the floors a refreshed appearance. The entire process can take anywhere from a few days to a week, depending on the size of the area being refinished.
When Refinishing is the Best Option
Refinishing your hardwood floors can be the best option when it’s beyond quick fixes. If you have dry and grimy floors with deep scratches and wide gaps, refinishing may be necessary. As this is a lengthy and labour-intensive process, it could take a weekend or more to complete if you are refinishing less than 500 square feet. Sanding, patching, staining, and top coating will all need to be done in order to get the job done properly. If you don’t want to do this yourself, there are many professional flooring contractors in Edmonton that can help you out! No matter what route you choose for your hardwood floor refinish project, make sure that you plan out every step carefully to ensure that it turns out exactly how you wanted!
Things to Consider When Refinishing Hardwood Floors
Refinishing hardwood floors is a great way to restore the natural beauty of your floors, but there are several things you should consider before starting. First, determine if refinishing is really necessary. If the floors are just slightly dry and grimy with minor scratches and little gaps, then a quick fix may be enough. However, if the damage is more severe then refinishing may be the best option. Secondly, plan out every step carefully in order to get the job done right; this includes sanding, patching, staining, and top coating. Finally, if you don’t feel comfortable tackling this project yourself then hire a professional contractor who can do the job for you. Refinishing your hardwood floors will take some time and effort but it’s worth it when you see the final result!
1. Make Sure Your Floor Isn’t Just Dirty
If you want to give your hardwood floors a refresh, start by making sure they’re not just dirty. Even if the surface has been swept and mopped regularly, dirt and mud can still get trapped in the nicks and crevices of the flooring, giving it an aged, dull appearance. To avoid adding more scratches to the wood’s surface, use a soft bristle broom when sweeping, and mop with a microfiber cloth and non-foaming cleanser. Avoid using abrasive cleaners as these might add even more damage to the flooring. A deep clean is often all that’s needed to bring hardwood floors back to life without having to sand them down!
2. Decide whether you want to DIY or hire a contractor
When it comes to refinishing hardwood floors, you have two options: DIY or hire a contractor. If you’re looking to save money and take complete control over the project, then DIY is an ideal choice. However, if you’re pressed for time or the task seems too complicated to handle on your own, you may want to consider hiring a professional. Contractors typically have the right equipment and expertise to get the job done quickly and correctly. They can often finish projects in days that would take inexperienced DIYers weeks or months to complete. Additionally, they can provide valuable advice on how best to approach the project based on their knowledge and experience. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether DIYing or hiring a contractor is the best option for your particular situation.
3. Sanding Isn’t Always Necessary
Sanding hardwood floors isn’t always necessary. Many companies make products that can give hardwood floors new life without any sanding. Rust-Oleum’s Wood and Laminate Renewal Kit is a great example of such a product; it covers nicks and scratches, giving your floor a fresh new look all without the need for sanding. It’s important to make sure you clean your hardwood floor thoroughly before applying these types of products, however, as dirt and grime may be visible beneath the surface afterwards. All in all, refinishing hardwood floors doesn’t have to involve sanding if you don’t want it to – just be sure to do your research beforehand!
4. Pay Attention to the Time of the Year
When it comes to refinishing hardwood floors, one of the most important things to consider is the time of year. When filling in gaps and cracks in the wood, you’ll need to make sure you’re doing it when the weather is consistently warm and the wood is at its most expanded. This way, when summer arrives and temperatures rise, your packing material won’t be pushed back out as the wood expands. It’s also important to keep an eye on seasonal changes because extreme temperature variations can cause further damage if not taken into account. If done incorrectly or during the wrong season, your efforts may be for nothing in the long run. Doing it right will ensure a smooth finish that will last you many years.
5. What You Need in a Finish or Stain
Choosing the right finish or stain for your hardwood floor can be an important decision that should not be taken lightly. Dark stains may look beautiful and modern, but they will not hide dirt well if you have pets or kids. A glossy finish might also seem attractive, however, a satin finish is much less slick and therefore safer for everyone in the house.
When selecting a finish or stain, consider durability as well as aesthetics. Some finishes may look great but won’t stand up to foot traffic or furniture movement over time. Make sure you choose a product with a good reputation for lasting through many years of wear and tear. Additionally, consider factors like UV protection if you are refinishing hardwood floors exposed to plenty of sunlight.
When researching products, ask yourself questions about the application process too—is it a simple one-step process? Do you need multiple coats? How long does each coat need to dry? Will you need professional help or can you do the job yourself at home? Asking these questions beforehand will help ensure that your refinishing job is done correctly and efficiently.
In conclusion, when selecting a finish or stain for your hardwood flooring project, make sure to consider factors such as durability, UV protection, and ease of application when making your final decision.
6. How Much You’re Going to Spend
Refinishing is a great way to bring them back to life, but it’s important to understand the costs involved before diving in. In this article, we’ll break down the expenses you can expect when refinishing your hardwood floors, so you can make an informed decision that fits your budget.
DIYers can expect to spend between $1.50-$5.00 per square foot, depending on the condition of the floor and the supplies needed. If you don’t feel comfortable tackling the job yourself, hiring professionals is recommended and will cost between $1,070-$2,490. This cost may seem pricey upfront but in the long run, it’s worth it as hardwood floors that are properly refinished can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance.
Summary
Refinishing hardwood floors is a great way to restore their natural beauty and add value to your home. Before you start, assess the condition of your floors, prepare your space, and gather all necessary tools and materials. Sand, fill, stain, and finish your floors for a smooth, even finish. And if you’re not comfortable tackling this project yourself, hire a professional to ensure your floors look their best. With these tips, you’ll have beautiful, refinished hardwood floors in no time.
