Hardwood Floor Refinishing Bergen County NJ is an important and time-consuming process that can make your hardwood floors look like new. Refinishing can also prevent the need for expensive repairs or replacements in the future.
Before refinishing your wood floors, you should prepare the room by moving all furniture and houseplants. It is also important to clear the room of dust and debris. Vacuuming is recommended between each refinishing step to maintain a clean work area.
Whether you’re installing new hardwood floors or refinishing existing ones, proper preparation is essential for both. If not done correctly, installation and refinishing will be more difficult, and your floors may not perform well or last as long.
Before you begin refinishing or installing hardwood, clear the room and remove all furniture and decorations. You should also protect any walls, windows and doors that are exposed to the work area. You will also want to build a dust containment system and wear appropriate clothing and safety gear. If you’re a moderately handy homeowner, the prep process can be relatively quick and easy.
The condition of your wood floors is a key factor in determining when it’s time to refinish them. If the boards are visibly worn and have major scratches, gouges or dents, it’s probably time to refinish them. The type of finish on the floor can also affect longevity. Oil-based finishes can wear down much faster than water-based ones.
If you’re not sure whether refinishing or resurfacing is the right option for your home, consult with a professional flooring expert. They can help you understand the differences between the two processes and make recommendations based on your floor’s condition and your budget.
Refinishing involves sanding down the boards, which can take two to four days depending on the size of the room and the condition of the wood. Once the sanding is complete, the floors will be stained. This step can take one to two days and should be allowed to dry before you return to the room.
You can refinish your hardwood floors by yourself with the right tools. You’ll need a power sander and a drum sander, as well as a vacuum and dust extractor. You should also use a low-VOC finish, which will minimize indoor air pollutants and reduce your risk of developing health problems such as asthma and bronchitis. It’s also a good idea to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, as there will likely be guidelines for how long your materials should acclimate to the environment before you begin working with them.
Sanding
When a professional is working on your hardwood floors, they will use a dust containment system and take other precautions to protect the rest of your home. They will also have special equipment for sanding, so that the majority of the dust will be trapped in the machine and not dispersed throughout your home. If you’re tackling the refinishing process yourself, be sure to lay down a tarp in the room where your work is being done and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter or dust attachment to get as much dust out as possible before you start sanding.
Sanding the floors to remove the old finish is a labor-intensive job, but it’s one of the most important steps in refinishing. The process requires careful attention to detail so that you don’t end up with uneven boards or deeper scratches, which can be difficult to repair. Using a buffer or hand-held pole sander with a fine 120-grit sandpaper will create the smoothest surface possible.
After sanding, the floor should be thoroughly cleaned again to remove any remaining dust or dirt that may interfere with the final result. Then, a new coat of finish can be applied. The finish helps to protect the floors from water and daily wear and tear, while adding a hint of color and shine. Most floors will benefit from two or three coats of finish.
Before applying the finish, you will need to buff again with a buffer or hand-held pole grit to remove any minor scratches caused during the sanding process. Buffing will ensure that the new finish is able to bond effectively with the wood.
Once the floor is completely buffed and dry, it’s ready to be sealed. Most people choose a polyurethane sealant, which will help to protect the wood from water and everyday wear and tear. It’s a good idea to apply several coats, and it’s important to allow each one to dry fully before walking on the floors or moving furniture back into the room. Polyurethane is available in oil- and water-based formulations, and you can choose between a matte or high-gloss sheen.
Staining
Hardwood floor staining is one of the most dramatic and lasting changes you can make to your home. It’s also an important step in refinishing, since it protects the wood and adds a pop of color. Staining is a time-consuming process, but it’s worth the effort to bring new life to your old hardwood floors.
Before you start the staining process, be sure to thoroughly clean your hardwood flooring. This includes dusting, vacuuming, and cleaning the corners and edges. You should also wipe the boards down with a damp cloth. This will remove any remaining dust and debris and ensure that your finish adheres to the wood evenly.
It’s also important to choose a high-quality stain, especially if you’re doing the work yourself. There are a variety of oil and water-based stains, each offering different finishes and colors. Choose a stain that suits your style and matches the rest of your home’s décor.
When you’re ready to start the staining process, it’s best to work in small areas at a time. This will minimize the amount of stain you use, and it’ll also allow you to cover the surface area more quickly. It’s also a good idea to wear protective gear while you’re working, including gloves, goggles, and a respirator mask. Staining can produce strong fumes that are harmful to your health, so be sure to ventilate the room properly and open windows if necessary.
Once you’ve finished staining, wait a day or two for it to dry. Then, apply a coat of polyurethane. Polyurethane is an important final layer that helps protect the stained wood from scratching and fading. It’s a good idea to use a low-VOC polyurethane, which will emit fewer indoor air pollutants.
Refinishing hardwood floors can be a complicated project, but it doesn’t have to be expensive if you hire a professional. A reputable hardwood flooring company can guide you through the entire refinishing process from start to finish, saving you both time and money. However, refinishing can be dangerous for DIYers without proper training and equipment. If you’re not comfortable with tackling the project yourself, hiring a pro is a smart choice.
Finishing
Refinishing your hardwood floors takes a certain amount of skill and patience. A professional wood flooring contractor will have the experience and tools to complete the job quickly and efficiently, leaving you with a gleaming floor that will last for years to come. They will also know how much stain is needed and the best color to apply, as well as the type of finish that will last the longest. If you decide to do the refinishing yourself, be sure to read up on the process and take all precautions to avoid any dust or debris getting into your home. Many homeowners choose to put down a tarp or seal off the room completely to prevent this. It is also important to vacuum frequently to remove all of the fine dust particles that will be generated during the refinishing.
Once the sanding is done, it is time to stain the hardwood floors. The best type of stain to use is a low to no-VOC finish, as this will be better for your indoor air quality. This will also help your floors last longer, as they will not be exposed to harsh chemicals that can wear down the floor over time.
When applying the stain, be sure to follow the instructions on the label and let it dry for a few hours before moving back into the room. Once the stain is dry, it is a good idea to vacuum again to remove any remaining dust that may have settled. After that, it is a good idea to wipe down the hardwood with a damp cloth or mop, just to make sure that there is no dust or residue left behind that could mar the final product.