Whether you are looking to renovate an old home or just spruce up your present abode, refinishing hardwood floors is certainly a wonderful way to make your space look and feel brand new. But hardwood floor refinishing can be a daunting task, however with the right tools and know-how, it’s a job that almost anyone can do.
This article will walk you through the basics of refinishing your hardwood floors. From choosing a finish to sanding and staining the wood. We will also be discussing tips for refinishing hardwood floors and review some frequently asked questions.
So if you’re ready to give your flooring a new lease on life, keep reading.
What All You Would Need For Refinishing Hardwood Floors?
Before you can refinish your floors, you’ll need to gather a few basic supplies. This includes:
- A finish of your choice (opaque, semi-transparent, or transparent)
- A sanding block
- 120, 150, and 220-grit sandpaper
- A dust mask
- A respirator
- A vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment
- Stain (optional)
- Paintbrush (optional)
Choosing a Finish
The first step in refinishing your hardwood floors is to choose a finish. There are three types of finishes available: opaque, semi-transparent and transparent.
- Opaque finishes are the most durable, and are best suited for high-traffic areas. They come in various sheens, from matte to high gloss, and can be used on any type of wood.
- Semi-transparent finishes are less durable than opaque finishes but offer more protection against scratches and wear than transparent finishes. They also come in various sheens and can be used on any type of wood.
- Transparent finishes offer the most natural look and are best suited for wood with a light color or subtle grain pattern. They offer the least protection against scratches and wear and should only be used in low-traffic areas.
Sanding & Staining
Once you’ve chosen a finish, it’s time to start sanding. Begin by using 120-grit sandpaper to remove the finish and the old sealer from the wood. Be sure to wear a dust mask and respirator while sanding, as this will create a lot of dust, and you don’t want to inhale it.
After the first coat of sanding is complete, switch to 150-grit sandpaper and repeat the process. Finally, use 220-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface of the wood.
If you’re going to be staining your floors, now is the time to do it. First, use a paintbrush to apply the stain in even strokes, making sure to cover the entire surface of the wood. Be sure to read the instructions on the bottle carefully, as each type of stain requires a different amount of time to dry.
Once the stain is dry, apply a coat of polyurethane sealer. Be sure to read the instructions on the bottle carefully, as each type of sealer requires a different amount of time to dry as well.
Tips for Refinishing Hardwood Floors
- When sanding, be sure to use a sanding block to avoid gouging the wood.
- Always wear a dust mask and respirator when sanding.
- Vacuum the floor frequently as you work to keep the dust under control.
- Stain the wood in even strokes, making sure to cover the entire surface.
- Be patient and allow each coat of finish or sealer to dry completely before applying the next one.
- If you’re not happy with the results you can always sand the floors again and start over.
Keep in mind refinishing hardwood floors is never gonna be an easy job. When doing this type of job many things can go wrong. Hiring a professional may be a good idea if you’re not an expert refinisher. Professionals will have more experience with these types of projects than your average do-it-yourselfer.
And when it comes to hardwood floor refinishing, no one is better than Supreme Hardwood Floors. Supreme Hardwood Floors is a family-owned and operated business in Austin, TX. We are a full-service wood flooring retail, installation, and refinishing company.
We strive to provide our clients with outstanding service from start to finish. We are pleased to offer the best hardwood floor refinishing results that you can ever imagine.
Why Choose Refinishing For Your Wood Floors?
1. Lower Cost
Not only is refinishing your wood flooring cheaper than replacing it entirely, but you get to keep the original character of your floors.
2. Simplicity
If your floors have seen better days and are now covered in scratches, the protective top coat has worn away, and it’s time for a touch-up!
3. New Look
If your floors could use a refresh, refinishing or restoring them is a great option! Our customers often tell us how happy they are with the results – it’s like having brand-new floors all over again!
How Much Does It Cost To Refinish Hardwood Floors?
When refinishing your hardwood floors, one of the most important questions you’ll need to ask is how much it will cost. The price can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of your floors, the type of finish you choose, and the quality of the equipment you use.
Be sure to get in contact with Supreme Hardwood Floors experts at (512) 288-5545 to get a better idea of the average price in your area.
What Factors Affect The Cost Of Wood Floor Refinishing?
1. Materials
The success of your refinishing project rests heavily on the quality of the materials you use. Some essential tools, like sandpaper, nails, and edgers, can be rented for around $100 daily. Other contractors may include the cost of these items in their initial quote.
2. Coating
The price of the coating you use is also an essential factor. Oil-based polyurethane usually costs around $25 a gallon, while water-based products cost more at about $40 per gallon. Water-based finishes are pricier because they dry quickly, so that you can see results faster than oil-based options.
3. Labor
Although professional floor refinishing may cost more initially because of the labor cost, it will pay off in the long run. Your floors will be worth more if you sell your house, and they’ll last longer too.
How Long Does It Take To Refinish Hardwood Floors?
It can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to refinish your hardwood floors, depending on the size of the room and the level of difficulty. In general, here are the basic steps that are needed to get done:
- Removing all furniture and other objects from the room.
- Sanding the floors until they’re smooth.
- Applying a coat of finish (either polyurethane or wax).
- Letting the finish dry completely.
- Reapplying if necessary.
Now that you know what is to be done to refinish your hardwood floors, it’s time to get started! Just be sure to plan ahead and allow enough time for the project to be completed and don’t hesitate to ask for any assistance related to refinishing.
Refinish Your Floors With Top Industry Professionals
Hardwood floors are smooth and aesthetically pleasing, but they also increase the value of your home. Over time, hardwood floors can become scratched and damaged from everyday wear and tear. If your once beautiful hardwood floor has now lost its luster, don’t fret! Supreme Hardwood Floors offers professional floor refinishing services that will make your floors look brand new again.
If your wood floors have seen better days and you need to decide whether to replace them or give them a facelift, call Supreme Hardwood Floors. We specialize in caring for all kinds of hardwoods, no matter how scratched up, cracked, or tarnished. We can often make them look brand new with sanding and waxing. You might be surprised at how much life your old floors still have in them!
Whether your hardwood floors need improvement or minor repairs, we can help you refinish them to bring back their original beauty.
Happy refinishing!
FAQ – Hardwood Floor Refinishing Near Me
Can You Repair A Section Of A Hardwood Floor?
Repairing a section of a hardwood floor is possible, but it depends on the extent of the damage. If it’s just a small section that’s been scratched or nicked, you may be able to fix it by sanding and refinishing that specific area.
However, if the damage is more extensive (e.g., a big hole or a section that’s been warped or cupped), you’ll likely need to replace the entire floorboard.
How To Cover Deep Scratches In Hardwood Flooring?
If you have deep scratches in your hardwood flooring, you can try to cover them up by using wood putty or filler. Once it’s dry, sand it down and then refinish the floor.
If the scratches are too deep to be filled, you may need to consider replacing the floorboards.
Do Hardwood Floors Add Value To A Home? If So, Why?
There are a few reasons why hardwood floors can add value to a home.
- First, they’re durable and long-lasting, so they’ll likely still be in good condition years after other types of flooring have worn down.
- Second, they’re a sign of quality and luxury, so they can make a home more attractive to potential buyers.
- Finally, they’re relatively easy to maintain, which is a bonus for homeowners who don’t want to spend a lot of time cleaning.
Can You Install Hardwood Floors Over Linoleum?
It’s possible to install hardwood floors over linoleum, but it’s not always recommended. If the linoleum is in good condition and is securely glued to the floor, it should be okay to install hardwood floors over it.
However, suppose the linoleum is old or peeling. In that case, it’s not a good idea to install hardwood floors over them because they may not be secure and could come loose over time.
What Are The Best Methods To Sand A Wood Floor?
There are a few different methods you can use to sand a wood floor:
- Hand sanding: This is the most labor-intensive method, but it also produces the best results.
- Machine sanding: This is a more efficient option, but it can’t get into all the nooks and crannies like hand sanding can.
- Screening: This is a newer technique that uses a series of screens to sand the floor quickly and evenly.
Whatever method you choose, always start with coarse sandpaper and work your way up to more acceptable grades. Be sure to sand in the direction of the wood grain for the best results.
Why Do Hotels Use Carpet Instead Of Wood Flooring?
There are a few reasons why hotels often use carpet instead of wood flooring.
- First, the carpet is softer and more comfortable to walk on, essential for people walking around all day.
- Second, it’s more durable and can withstand much wear and tear.
- Finally, it’s easier to clean and doesn’t require as much maintenance as wood flooring.
How Much Does Hardwood Floor Refinishing Cost?
The cost of refinishing hardwood floors varies depending on the size and condition of your floors, as well as the type of finish you choose.
Generally, expect to pay anywhere from $2 – $5 per square foot for a basic refinish. If you’re hiring a professional, be sure to ask for an estimate before hiring them.
For more information regarding the cost of hardwood floor refinishing at Supreme Hardwood Floors, please visit our website or simply give us a call at (512) 288-5545.
Schedule Your Hardwood Floor Refinishing Today!
Floor Refinishing from our experts can save your floors if they have become warped, scratched, dingy, dented, loose, or uneven. Keep in mind that this process uses heavy machinery and harmful chemicals; it is not recommended for those without experience.
Incorrectly using refinishing machines can cause permanent damage to your floors, such as scratches and holes. It is best to leave the job to the professionals at Supreme Hardwood Floors to avoid any stressful accidents. We guarantee customer satisfaction! Please contact us today for more information on our hardwood floor refinishing services.
At Supreme Hardwood Floors, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality services and competitive rates. Our exceptional customer service and skilled craftsmen make it easy to repair, refurbish, or restore your floors.
