Wooden floors are beautiful with the potential of lasting a long time. However, due to scratches, dents, and other forms of wear and tear due to everyday use, they can quickly lose their shine. One may find themselves in a situation where they would need to refinish wooden floors every time they notice the floors appear to be dull and lifeless. Refinishing is the process of restoring the shine and elegance of wooden floors, making them look like new again.
When to Refinish Wooden Floors
The wooden floors refinishing is dependent on the condition of your floors and how much they are used.
- Visible Scratches and Dents:
The wooden floors are likely to develop scratches and dents in several areas over time, especially in a highly trafficked area. In case the scratches and dents have already become very deep and all over, then floor refinishing should enhance its look. - Faded or Dull Finish:
If the wooden floor appears faded, it is losing its shine as the finish layer has worn out. Refinishing helps restore its former glory through a new protective coating. - Water Damage and Stains:
Water spots or damage from spills can stain the wood. Black spots or patches on the wooden floor show it’s time to refinish, allowing removal of such imperfections. - Certain dull portion:
The wooden floor parts near doors or under furniture can appear dull as the finish can wear quicker and expose bare wood. Refinishing evens out the surface and protects bare wood exposed to additional damage. - Wish for new look:
Sometimes one just wishes to change for a new look. One could refinish it by removing the old finish and applying new finish for a fresh look. - Steps to Refine Wooden Floors
The process of refinishing wooden floors is a laborious process but with the right tools and techniques, one could achieve professional results. - Room preparation
Remove the furniture, rugs, and curtains from the room. Ensure all fixtures and areas surrounding them are covered using plastic sheets to protect from dust or debris protection. - Inspection and repair of the floor
Clean the area, remove all dirt and dust. Before beginning with the sanding operation, look for any loose boards, loose nails and deep scratches on the floor. Replace loose planks, countersink protruding nails, and fill deep gouges with wood filler so that it evens out. - Sanding the Floor
Old finish can be removed and an even surface can be created by using coarse-grit sandpaper. Use finer grits to give a smoothing texture followed by using a drum sander for primary floor area and an edge sander for edges and corners. - Clean the Floor
Sand the whole area completely, and vacuum to remove dust. Wipe the clean floor dry with a tack cloth to leave it ready to apply new finish. - Apply the finish
If one wishes to apply another color on the floor, one may apply the wood stain. Use a clean cloth or an applicator pad for coating and spreading the stain evenly following the grain of the wood. - Apply the Finish
Once the stain is dry, apply the finish. Water-based polyurethane, oil-based polyurethane, or wax may be used. The finish should be applied with a brush or roller, working in sections. Let each coat dry before moving on to the next one. It is recommended that 2-3 coats be applied for maximum protection. - Buff and Final Touches
After drying the final coat, one could buff the floor with a very high finish.
Maintenance of refinished wooden floors
After finishing, the floors should be kept in good condition, as this is what retains their shine and durability. High-traffic areas would require rugs or mats. One should avoid using harsh chemicals. Sweep the flooring regularly to prevent marks of dust and dirt from scratching the floor. Enforcing a no-shoe rule at home can increase the lifespan of refinished floors.
Getting detailed information on how and when to refinish wooden floors helps one choose the right kind of finish after deciding when to refinish them. With refinishing, one can ensure the refinishing and wood looks as bright as a brand new floor and thereby durable to last long. Proper care and maintenance after the refinishing will have the floors looking new, giving value and elegance to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I refinish my wooden floors?
The refinishing time depends on use and condition. One can refinish the wooden floors every 7-10 years on an average. However, in the case of high-use areas, the refinishing may be required every 5-7 years. In contrast, lightly used areas can extend up to 15 years.
2. Can one refinish the wooden floors without sanding?
One can refinish a wood floor on site by screening and buffing without having to sand it down, provided the damage is minor and the existing finish remains intact. One can employ the use of a screening or buffing process. One would first apply a light abrasive to roughen the surface before installing a new finish.
3. What type of polyurethane should I use for finishing?
Water-based or oil-based?
Both water-borne and oil-borne polyurethanes have their advantages and disadvantages. Water-borne polyurethanes dry faster, less odor-producing, and more eco-friendly. However, it might need more coats. Oil-borne polyurethanes are more resistant to scratches, rich colors but take time to dry and give a much stronger smell.
4. How do I prevent scratches on my refinished hardwood floors?
To protect the refinished floors, use furniture pads under heavy items, rugs or mats in heavy-traffic areas, and consider a no-shoe policy indoors. Dirty and gritty dust does not help prevent scratching when you regularly sweep and clean the floor.
5. Can one refinish engineered wooden floors?
It is possible to refinish engineered hardwood floors, but the refinishing depends on the thickness of the veneer layer. Floors with very thin veneers may be sanded lightly, while thicker veneers can be put through a more intense refinishing process.
