Once your floors start to appear dull, scratched, or lifeless, it may seem like the only solution is to replace them. But what if there were a way to bring back the original luster without paying the cost of full replacement? Enter floor refinishing. This vital home improvement step can rejuvenate your floors, and save you time and money.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!If you’re a D.I.Y.’er seeking a weekend project or a homeowner deciding whether to hire a professional, this guide to floor refinishing will go through everything that you need to know.
What Is Floor Refinishing?
Floor refinishing is the practice of erasing visible wear and tear on wooden floors by buffing, sanding, and resealing part or all of the affected area. It is a great method for eliminating surface scratches, stains, or imperfections while restoring the floor to its original luster and durability.
With floor replacement, you are putting in a new floor; with refinishing, we are working with a surface you already have, making it a greener and more consistent choice.
Advantages of Refinishing Over Replacement
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Save Money
Refinishing is much cheaper than purchasing new floors and paying someone to install them. On average, it can cost between $3 and $8 per square foot to refinish hardwood floors, while replacing hardwood floors can range between $12 and $20 per square foot… or more.
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Preserve Materials
While refinishing, you’re reusing the materials you already own, so it’s an environmentally friendly option. This is particularly important when dealing with older hardwood floors that are made of good quality wood that cannot be found in newer installations.
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Enhance Aesthetics
Refinishing is not just about functionality; it’s also about the look of your floors. And with choices that include custom stains and matte, satin or gloss finishes, you can give the floor a look that complements yours.
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Increase Home Value
Those homes with beautiful hardwood flooring always stand out in a potential buyers mind. Rejuvenating your flooring increases your home’s value and salability.
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Extend Floor Lifespan
What refinishing does is refresh your floor’s protective coating, making it resistant to wear and tear for another five to 10 years, or more.
Tools and Materials Needed
What you will need in this guide:
Tools
- Sanding machine (drum or orbital)
- Edge sander and hand-holding sanding gadget
- Shop vacuum or broom
- Paintbrush and roller
- Bucket and clean rags
Materials
- Sandpaper (36, 60, 100 grits)
- Wood stain (if you want it to be a different color)
- Oil, or water based polyurethane for floors
- Wood filler(Some gaps or holes will have to be filled in.)
Pro tip: If you’re a DIYer, you can take the edge off the process by renting a floor sander and an edge sander at most hardware stores.
Refinishing: Fashion The following is an easy how-to on refinishing hardwood flooring.
Prepare the Room
Take all the furniture, rugs and fixtures such as baseboards or molding out of the room.
- Close doors and windows to prevent dust from spreading.
- Mop the floor properly to wipe the floor of any dust and dirt.
Repair Damage
Fill any gaps, cracks or holes with wood filler. Let it dry to solid and then sand it smooth.
Sand the Floor
- Begin sanding with a 36-grit sandpaper to take off the old finish coat.
- Work up toward finer-grit sandpaper (60, then 100) so you have a smooth finish.
- After you have sanded the majority of the floor, the edger will work to sand the edges, corners, and other pesky spots.
👓Safety Tip: Use glass and mask to prevent yourself from The dust.
Clean Up Dust
Dust well with vacuum or broom. Wipe the floor with a clean, slightly damp cloth to collect any left over particles.
Apply Stain
If you are staining your floor a different color to renew it, use a wood stain and apply it featured with a lint-free cloth or roller. Apply a small even application, work a small section and do not overlap. Make sure to let it dry completely before you continue.
Seal the Floor
Apply a polyurethane finish with a brush on edges and a roller on larger surfaces. Water-based finishes dry faster and are less toxic; oil-based finishes provide a richer sheen.
Brush on 2-3 coats, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.
Cost and Time Estimation
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Costs
The cost of the refinish depends on the size of the space and materials used, but Grady said that DIY refinishing typically runs homeowners between $500 and $1,200.
Professional refinishing services will cost $3,000 to $8,000 for an average-sized home.
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Time
A DIY refinishing job will take 3-5 days (plus drying time for the finish). If you want to leave the work to the pro’s, they can knock it out quickly over a weekend, 2-3 days.
How to Take Care of It After Refinishing
Follow these easy actions to lengthen the life of your refinished floors:
- Protect high-traffic areas with rugs or mats.
- Do not slide furniture across the floor. For furniture legs, add pads of felt.
- Clean often with a soft mop or a hardwood floor vacuum.
- Avoid harsh chemicals. Reach for wood-safe cleaners instead.
Caring for Refinished Floors With the proper upkeep, your refinished floors can look great and last for years.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping Repairs
Small cracks or damage may become larger if they are ignored before sanding.
Over-Sanding
Sanding it too much can harm the wood and fragile your floor.
Ignoring Dust Cleanup
The slightest bit of dust causes blemishes in the finish.
Rushing Drying Times
It’s very common for professionals to apply another coat between 8 and 48 hours, and the sealer can peel or not work properly and leave an uneven surface if applied too soon.
Using the Wrong Tools
- Inappropriate sanders or finishes can ruin your results.
- This might take some time, but patience will allow you to avoid both headaches and added expense.
DIY Refinishing vs Professional Refinishing
DIY Refinishing
- Best for small, contained areas.
- Great if you’re handy and have time to learn how to do it.
- Huge savings on hiring professionals.
Professional Refinishing
- Recommended use on large, damage-prone floors.
- Provides the expertise for perfect results.
- Faster response time for on-the-go homeowners.
If you’re still not sure, professionals frequently have consultations to help you choose: what could it hurt?
Resurrect Your Floors
Floor refinishing is a quick, cost effective solution to worn-out, dirty floors. It will improve your home’s curb appeal, cost less than replacement and add value.
Whether you get involved in the project yourself or hire professionals, it’s an investment with multiple returns. Need help deciding? Call or contact us for expert advice and a free consultation. There’s no need to wait any more – make the first step to gorgeous and renewed floors!
