Hardwood floors need a coat of finishing product to protect them from daily wear and tear. Hardwood Floor Refinishing Bergen County NJ will provide this new coat and make your old hardwood look like new again.
Refinishing typically costs between $3 and $5 per square foot of floor, excluding repairs, carpet removal, relocation of furniture, and cleaning. There are ways to save money on refinishing without compromising quality by getting multiple estimates and being prepared for the project.
While wood floors are gorgeous on their own, they need a layer of finishing products to protect them from everyday use. Eventually, that finish wears down, and it’s time to reapply it. That’s what refinishing is all about: removing the existing layer of finish, sanding the hardwood floor, and then reapplying it with a polyurethane or alternative wood finish.
Before beginning the refinishing process, it’s important to understand what type of wood you have in your home. Different species of wood have unique grain patterns that can be difficult to tell apart. This is especially true if your flooring has an older finish or was installed in a home that previously had a different type of finished wood. To determine what kind of wood you have, look at the grain pattern and color. If you have mahogany floors, the grains will be swirly. If your flooring has an S-shaped pattern, it is probably maple.
When refinishing hardwood floors, you will need to sand the entire surface multiple times with progressively finer grades of sandpaper. This will remove any scratches, nicks, or other imperfections in the floor. Once the wood is sanded, you will need to vacuum the entire surface. It’s also a good idea to tape off areas of the room that are not being refinished with painters’ tape, as well as cover outlets and gaps under doors.
Most people will use a drum floor sander to sand their hardwood floors, but some will choose a hand sander or even a palm sander. It’s important to be careful during this step, as sanding too aggressively can damage the floor. It’s also a good idea for homeowners to wear a dust mask while sanding.
If you’re going to stain the floors, it’s a good idea to do that before sanding. This will make it easier to keep the color consistent throughout the room. If you’re using a water-based stain, let it dry for 24 hours before sanding again.
While refinishing is a messy project, it’s a satisfying one when completed properly. A good rule of thumb is to hire an NWFA-certified professional who has a proven track record. This will help ensure that your project goes smoothly.
Staining
Staining is a crucial step that can make or break the appearance of your floors. If done poorly, it can leave behind unsightly pockets of beading and spotting.
Stains come in a variety of color options, and it’s important to choose the right one for your specific flooring. Water-based stains are easy to use and dry quickly, while oil-based stains offer richer colors and excellent durability. Many contractors also use gel stains for precise coloration and to create decorative effects.
Before staining, it’s important to fully clean the hardwood floors. This removes any debris or hair that could mar the final finish, and it helps ensure the stain adheres properly. You’ll want to use a microfiber or tack cloth dampened with mineral spirits.
Once the stain has dried, it’s time to protect the surface with polyurethane. This is a clear sealer that prevents dirt, dust, and other environmental pollutants from damaging the floor’s natural beauty. It’s important to apply several coats of polyurethane, and the floor should be buffed and vacuumed between each application for stronger adhesion.
While refinishing isn’t an exact science, it is possible to hire a contractor who can consistently deliver excellent results. Look for a contractor with years of experience and a track record of satisfied customers. You should also check the contractor’s licenses, insurance, and certification to work in your area.
Be sure to ask about the contractor’s sanding techniques and whether they use a vacuum-equipped “dustless” sander. This will significantly reduce the amount of dust that is left behind, though some will still remain and need to be cleaned. Once the sanding is complete, the floors are stained in any chosen color, and 2-3 coats of polyurethane are applied. The floors are buffed, vacuumed, and wiped between each coat for stronger adhesion. This is a time-consuming process, but it’s essential for a beautiful finished product.
Polyurethane
When it comes to protecting your wood floors, there are many options. ZAR offers a wide range of polyurethane finishes that will keep your wood floors looking beautiful and protected for years to come. We offer both oil-based and water-based polyurethane, and which one you choose depends on the needs of your space. Considerations include color, odor, dry time, number of coats needed, and health and safety considerations.
While not as popular today as in the past, a penetrating oil finish can add beauty and depth to your floors without adding high shine or gloss. Penetrating oils, usually tung oil, soak into the pores of the wood and help prevent scratches or other damage to the floor’s surface. A protective wax is often applied over the oil to add a layer of strength and protection.
Water-based polyurethane is typically lighter in color, dries faster, and emits fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than an oil-based finish. This makes it a good choice for spaces that will be occupied or used frequently, such as a living room, bedroom, or office. It’s also less likely to emit a strong odor, making it a better choice for homes with children or pets.
Both water-based and oil-based polyurethane offer excellent durability, and both will help protect your floors from scuffs, scrapes, and stains. We recommend that you let your floors dry for a day after you apply the last coat of polyurethane. This allows you to move your furniture back on the wood and gives the floors a chance to fully cure before placing rugs or walking on them.
Once the floors have cured for a day, you can start using them as normal. It’s important to remember that a hardwood floor still needs to be vacuumed or mopped regularly to remove dust and dirt.
If you’re not sure what type of flooring you want or need, please contact us. We’ll be happy to advise you on the best option for your space and lifestyle. We can help you find the look that’s perfect for your home and then provide the care and maintenance your floors need to stay that way for years to come.
Installation
Hardwood floors look stunning in any home, and they can last a lifetime if they’re cared for properly. But like any flooring, they can start to lose their luster over time, especially in high-traffic areas where people wear shoes or pets run around on a regular basis. Fortunately, it’s easy to give your wood floors a new lease on life by refinishing them. Refinishing will help remove scuff marks, creeks, and loose boards from your hardwood, and it can also be used to add color or a darker stain.
The first step in refinishing your hardwood is to sand down the existing surface. This is a messy job, and it’s important to wear proper safety gear. A large drum sander is typically used, and you’ll want to ensure that you have plenty of room to work before getting started.
Once the sanding process is complete, it’s time to apply your new finish. Most homeowners choose to use oil-based finishes, but you can also opt for water-based finishes. Regardless of which type you choose, it’s essential that you allow your floors to dry completely before placing furniture back in the room. This will usually take seven to ten days, depending on the type of finish you select.
Before you begin the refinishing process, it’s important to know what kind of wood your flooring is made from. This will determine which stain or finish to use. Solid hardwood comes unfinished and can be stained at home, or you can purchase prefinished wood. Your installer can advise you on the best option for your home.
It’s also a good idea to consider your local climate when choosing a stain or finish for your floors. Solid hardwood swells when it’s humid and shrinks when the humidity drops, so you’ll want to choose a product that can handle these fluctuations. Some engineered floors are better suited to this type of climate, while others can’t adjust to the changes as well. Your installer can explain the differences between engineered and solid hardwood to help you make the right choice for your home.
