Restoring Your Wood Floors By Refinishing Them
Hardwood floors with visible wear or staining may benefit from the resurfacing process. This restoration work can eliminate the cosmetic problems that the hardwood may have developed.
Assess The Benefits Of Resurfacing Hardwood Rather Than Replacing It
Resurfacing hardwood floors is an alternative to having them replaced. The replacement process can be drastically more costly than resurfacing. Additionally, it can also be far more disruptive for your home. Removing the previous floors can take several days, and installing the new flooring planks may also take considerable time. In contrast, the resurfacing process will be less time-consuming and lengthy. Rather than replacing these floors, resurfacing will involve sanding away the finish and top layer of the flooring.
Prepare Your Home For The Hardwood Flooring Resurfacing
The hardwood floors must be prepared for the resurfacing process before work can begin. Homeowners may assume this will be limited to clearing the room of furniture, but it can also involve performing some basic repairs to the hardwood floors. Over time, gaps and cracks may have formed in these floors. Filling them may be necessary to ensure the sanding equipment can provide even results. Luckily, wood putties and resins are easy to use and effective at filling these areas.
Hardwood Floors Will Have To Be Resealed After The Resurfacing Process
Following the resurfacing process, the hardwood floors need a coating of sealant. This coating acts as a protective barrier for the hardwood. As a result, sealing hardwood floors will give them better durability and stain resistance. These sealants are often applied in multiple layers. This process can maximize the protection they provide but can add to the time needed. Each layer must be at least partially dry before adding the next. While these coatings can dry very quickly, they still need a few hours between them. As a result, sealing these floors may take a couple of days to complete.
Know The Limitations Of The Results Hardwood Resurfacing Can Provide For Your Floors
Resurfacing hardwood flooring can restore years of wear and tear. However, there are limits to the type of benefits that resurfacing hardwood can provide. For example, resurfacing flooring is typically suitable for minor surface damage and stains. However, it is not able to address major structural damage. This damage could include deep cracks and rotted or warped planks. When your floors have suffered these structural problems, replacing them may be required. Hardwood flooring contractors can complete an assessment and explain your options.
Contact a company such as Santeliz Hardwood Floors LLC to learn more.