Hardwood flooring refinishing is a process that involves removing the old flooring and refinishing it. This process takes several steps and requires careful preparation. Before starting the project, you must clear the area of all dirt, stains, and dust. You can do this by yourself or hire a professional. However, hiring a professional is better if you do not have the time to do it yourself.
If you have hardwood floors, flooring refinishing will involve several sanding stages to remove the old finish. The roughest sandpaper removes the old finish and penetrates the bare wood. Next, you can apply a new finish to the floor with polyurethane, which comes in water-based and oil-based varieties. This will make your floor smooth and inviting to potential buyers. The final step involves applying a new stain or lacquer. If you plan to sell your home soon, you can perform this process yourself. However, hiring a professional is better to ensure you get a good finish and attract buyers willing to pay your asking price.
Before staining a floor, it is essential to wear protective gear, including a mask to protect your eyes from the harmful fumes of the finishing agents. It would be best to use a clean rag and mineral spirits to remove any excess dust. Use a damp cloth to remove excess stain, as a dry rag may mar the finish. Oil-based cleaners can also affect the adhesion of the final layer.
To begin refinishing a hardwood floor, you will need to sand the area first. Several finishes take 24 hours to dry, so you’ll want to sand your floor thoroughly before applying the new finish. Use 220-grit paper or #000 steel wool. If you have holes or other imperfections, fill them with wood filler. Once you’ve done this, the new finish can be applied. You’ll have a beautiful floor that looks great when you’re finished.
Maple floor refinishing can cost up to $8 per square foot. It requires more work and time to sand and stain than other materials, and the darker colors of maple are more prone to stains. Make sure to hire a professional to do the job, so you don’t end up with a mess. This project can take all weekend. The costs are comparable to the cost of hiring a professional. If you’re not confident with DIY flooring refinishing, you should hire a professional.
After hiring a professional flooring refinishing company, you need to prepare the surface. Preparing the area will determine whether or not the finished product looks good. Removing any shoe molding (also known as quarter-round) that may be attached to your hardwood floors is essential. You can use a molding bar to remove it if necessary. Please don’t use a large crowbar or another tool to remove it, as this will damage the molding. If the molding is stubborn, you can try using a putty knife to remove it.
Wood floor refinishing can add significant value to your home. It is a very appealing option for prospective buyers. Refinished wood floors will help you set a higher price if you want to sell your home. Depending on the room size, this process can take anywhere from three to five days. For this reason, hiring a professional flooring refinishing company is best. You should also know how to prepare the area for refinishing.
If your flooring is damaged, you must fix it before refinishing. Otherwise, the polyurethane won’t protect your floor against water damage or structural problems. You should also clean all furnishings and area rugs before refinishing. Once the floors are ready, you’ll probably want to make a home cleaning checklist. Don’t forget to remove and clean area rugs and drapes. You’ll feel much better about your home after completing the process.
Hardwood floor refinishing may not require sanding, depending on the area and the wood type. However, if you can still see the wood underneath the finish, you can skip the entire refinishing process. This method is called screening or buffering. These two processes remove the top layer of polyurethane without destroying the wood underneath. Screening and buffering will cost you about $1 to $2.50 per square foot, depending on the size of your home.
Before applying a new finish to hardwood floors, you must prep the floor properly. This step can include sanding, staining, and sealing. For more durable finishes, you can use oil-based polyurethane. This is available in various colors and finishes. Water-based polyurethane dries faster than oil-based polyurethane. You can choose the best finish by choosing a matte or high-gloss finish.