Hardwood Floor Refinishing NJ can dramatically change the look and feel of hardwood floors. However, there is a lot to consider when deciding whether refinishing or resurfacing is the right option for your home.
Board repair is a key element of refinishing and is done to ensure the integrity of the floor. It is also important to properly stain and seal the wood as different woods respond differently to stains and finishes.
When refinishing hardwood floors, it is vital that the process is done correctly. A professional will ensure that the floor is evenly sanded, and will remove only the top layer of wood. This will make sure the new finish adheres properly and will not peel away in the future. The sanding stage is very messy and time consuming, and it is often better to hire a professional than attempt to do the work yourself.
Before sanding begins, it is important that all furniture be moved out of the room. This will prevent dust from settling inside the home and contaminating the furniture. The floor should also be swept and vacuumed to remove any dirt or debris. The floor should be inspected for protruding nails, which should be hammered down or removed before sanding. It is also necessary to check that all heat grates are properly covered, so that the sanding process does not damage them. It is also a good idea to cover the HVAC vents, in order to keep dust from blowing through the house.
A large drum sander will be used to sand down the entire surface of the floor, starting with coarse grit sandpaper and working through finer grits until the floor is smooth. If any scratches, dents or gouges are left behind, these can be filled with wood putty and sanded once again until smooth. After sanding, it is recommended that the floor be cleaned again, using a cleaner that will not leave any residue. This is an important step because any dirt or residue will be magnified once the stain is applied.
If you have chosen to stain your refinished hardwood floors, it is important that the stain be allowed to dry completely before being put back in place. During this time, it is best to have everyone wear slippers or socks in the house to avoid tracking up the freshly sanded surfaces.
A final buff with a buffer or sander will be needed to even out the surface and give the floor its finished look. Staining can be done to enhance the natural wood grain, change the color of the floor, or to match a new piece of furniture. A minimum of three coats should be applied, with proper drying and curing times between each application.
Staining
Staining is the process of coloring wood. When done correctly, it adds depth and visual interest to your floors. It can also help conceal minor water or pet stains that may have accumulated over time. However, staining is not an effective fix for severe stains or scratches, which should be addressed by sanding and repairing the damage.
When staining, it’s important to follow the grain of the wood. This will create a more consistent appearance and prevent the color from pooling in the corners or on the edges of the boards. It’s also important to test the stain in a small area before applying it to the entire floor. You’ll want to choose a low-VOC, oil-based stain with a tinting base that allows you to adjust the color.
After the stain has dried, you can apply a polyurethane sealer to protect the finish and give your hardwood floors a beautiful shine. A flooring professional will be able to recommend the right type of sealant for your floors based on your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.
A good quality polyurethane will last for years, but it’s important to allow it to dry completely between coats. You should also wait for several days before moving furniture back into the room. This will help prevent dents and scratches.
Before the refinishing process begins, you’ll need to clear out the room and remove any furniture or rugs. It’s also important to cover any vents and baseboards with plastic sheeting or painter’s tape. You’ll also need to protect any areas of the home that you don’t want covered with stain or polyurethane.
If you’re planning on refinishing your hardwood floors, be sure to gather all of the necessary tools and supplies. It’s also a good idea to make a checklist of all of the steps in the refinishing process. This will ensure that all of the steps are completed properly and in a timely manner. It’s also a good idea for homeowners to wear a dust mask when working with a wood sander. This will help prevent any respiratory problems.
Sealing
Once the floor is completely sanded, it’s ready for staining. The sanding process will likely remove most, if not all, of the original stain, so a new coat will have to be applied before sealing. It’s important to use a penetrating stain to keep the original appearance of the wood intact. A professional will know what products to use and how many coats are required for a perfect result.
After sanding and staining, the final step is applying a sealant to protect the hardwood floors. Sealants come in a variety of finishes, including polyurethane, linseed oil, and wax. Each type of sealant has its own benefits, but all provide a protective layer that helps prevent stains and scratches.
Water-based polyurethane is the most popular finish for hardwood flooring, as it’s easy to apply and quick to dry. This sealant gives the floor a beautiful sheen and is very durable. It also resists scuff marks and dirt, making it very easy to clean.
Before sealing, it’s a good idea to do a smell test. If the product has a strong odor, it may take longer for it to dry. Also, it’s recommended to open a window in the room where you’re working to help with the ventilation process.
While it might be tempting to tackle this project yourself, a reputable hardwood floor contractor will have the right equipment and training to ensure a quality result. DIY refinishing can lead to uneven finishes, misapplication of the sealant, and other problems. Professionals use specialized equipment and application techniques that they’ve honed over years of experience.
Properly sealing your wood floors will protect them from damage and increase their value over the life of your home. It’s a small investment that will pay dividends for decades to come. When done correctly, it will minimize costly repairs, replacements, and refinishing jobs in the future. A well-maintained floor will also make your home more attractive and easier to sell. In addition, a pristine floor will improve the air quality in your home and contribute to your family’s overall health.
Cleaning
Whether you have solid, engineered, or reclaimed hardwood floors, they need regular care to keep them lustrous. To do this, homeowners typically use a vacuum with a hard floor attachment, mop, or clean cloth. Using water or vinegar on your wood floors is not recommended, because the acid can degrade the finish and damage the wood underneath. To find out how to clean your hardwood floors properly, Design Addict turned to Mark Whatley, production manager at Bay Area showroom and contracting company Amber Flooring; and Tommy Sancic, owner of Olde Wood, a custom antique reclaimed and wide plank flooring manufacturer in Magnolia, Ohio.
A good hardwood floor should be swept regularly to remove dirt, dust, and pet hair. While it may seem like a pain, this simple step prevents the buildup of these particles that can dull and scratch the surface. It’s also essential to vacuum frequently and to clean up spills, as these can stain or scuff the floor.
When a hardwood floor is damaged, it can be refinished by sanding and applying a new coat of finish. This process can be time consuming and labor intensive, but it is a much less expensive option than refinishing to bare wood.
To sand a hardwood floor, the contractor will use a drum sander or hand sand the boards to smooth them. Depending on the condition of the floor, this process can take up to a day. After the sanding is complete, the floor needs to be cleaned thoroughly and buffed (to allow for adhesion of the new finish) before a new coat can be applied.
The stain and varnish that is used to protect your wood floors comes in many colors, finishes, and types. Your flooring professional can help you choose the right product based on your aesthetic preferences and lifestyle.
Once the new stain and varnish are applied, your flooring professionals will buff the floors again and apply any trim or molding around the edges of the room. It’s important to remove any furniture or rugs from the room before this occurs, as the dust can linger on unprotected surfaces and create an unsightly mess.