If you have a residential property or commercial property with old hardwood floors, it may be time to refinish or reseal the surface. Refinishing your hardwood floors is an important aspect of maintenance so that the wooden boards can last for many years. Sealing products penetrate the wood to keep it from cracking and prevent moisture damage. Sealing varnishes are then applied to give the wood shine and to protect it from external damage, like dents or scratches.
You can refinish your floor with DIY methods or hire a flooring service to do it for you. Take a look at what this process involves so that you know what to expect.
How Do You Know When Your Hardwood Floors Need Refinishing?
Obviously, if there are any major scratches, splinters, stains, or fading/discoloration, it's probably time to refinish the floors. However, you can do a quick water droplet test to examine your floor's conditions. Fill up a small cup of water, dip your hand in it, and then splash a few droplets on the floor. If the water droplets immediately soak into the wood, then that means the previous sealer has faded and the wood fibers need refinishing. If the water droplets sit on top of the varnish, then you may not need refinishing services just yet.
How Does the Refinishing Process Work?
Flooring services refinish hardwood floors by using a drum sander to sand down the topmost layer of the floor. These professionals then apply a fresh stain and varnish over the existing wood. If the wood is incredibly damaged, then refinishing may not be enough, and old boards may need to be replaced with new ones.
How Much Will it Cost?
Costhelper reports that refinishing can cost between $1 to $5 per square foot. The price depends on a number of factors, such as the area's accessibility, the size of the floor, the required prep work for extensive damage, etc. You also have to factor in the price of labor. Some people may cut costs on labor by doing the project themselves, but you may still need to factor in the costs of renting equipment, such as a floor buffer or sander.
Why Do You Need to Know the Previous Sealer's Type?
Before you apply a new finish, you need to know which type of sealer was previously applied. Not all sealers are compatible with one another; for example, polyurethane treatments are not compatible with oils or waxes, so you'd have to sand down the previous finish all the way to the hardwood before application. If you aren't sure which type of sealer you have, consider the look of the hardwood. Polyurethane finishes cannot be easily scraped and look like plastic films. Waxes and oil sealers tend to have a gummy residue when lightly scraped.
Reach out to a company like Flooring By Design for more information.
