Hardwood Flooring Refinishing
Refinishing and sanding your hardwood floors are necessary to preserve their quality and beauty. Any refinishing is done solely to enhance the woods natural color and protect it from the elements. The best time to sand and refinish your hardwood floors is when you move into a new house or apartment — since all the furniture, rugs, etc. need to be removed from the area during the process. Proper refinishing should last about 10 years. However, high traffic rooms will need to be done more often.
There is no substitute for the durability and beauty of a real wood floor. For every room in your home there is a hardwood floor that can add beauty, warmth and value. Hardwood flooring has stood the test of time in durability and is easy to maintain. With its superior strength and beauty, a real wood floor is one home investment that truly last a life time.
Pre-Finished Hardwood Floors
These are the new main stream products in hardwood flooring. They can be acrylic impregnated, engineered, or solid. They have a tough factory finish, which is the main reason for its popularity. They are also extremely easy to install and eliminate the need for messy sanding. Most pre-finished floors done within the last ten years are urethane finished. Test this by placing a couple drops of water on an obscure area. If the area turns white after 15 minutes, you have a waxed finish. Older floors are likely to have shellac or varnish finishes. Unfortunately, these do not work well with the newer urethane finishes and must be completely removed if you want a urethane finish. There is also likely to be some amount of aluminum oxide in the newer pre-finished floors.
Unfinished Hardwood Floors
These come in solid and engineered, and both must be job site finished. They come in varying lengths and widths. Sanding and finishing can take anywhere from a few days to a week depending on size, stain, and number of top finish coats. Generally, the finishes are oil or water based. Our first priority is to protect the beauty of your home so whether you have finished or unfinished floors, we section off other areas and furniture to prevent sanding dust from spreading throughout your home. Our expert technicians also use dust containment systems to limit the amount of dust in the air. And with refinishing, it is important to have as little air flow as possible in the area as airborne particles can become embedded into the newly applied finish. Something as simple as foot traffic or turning on the air conditioner/heating system can kick up dust. So, it is better to allow more time to dry to avoid problem areas in your floors.
Hardwood Flooring FAQ
Should the amount of traffic in the room really affect my choice of wood?
Yes! The finish and the color will be affected by the amount of foot traffic in the room. Darker colors show wear sooner than natural colored wood like oak or maple. High traffic areas require extra attention pertaining to re-coating; apply 1 or 2 coats every 6-18 months. Glossy finishes are not recommended. These areas will also require “screening” (light sanding) as a step in your maintenance program.
What color will work with my space?
Darker colors make your spaces seem smaller and show wear quicker, while lighter or natural colors give an open feeling to the room. Oak and maple are two of the most popular options. You also want your floor to compliment the existing decor and personality of your room. Darker colors will work best in formal and traditional spaces. Lighter colors look great with a country, casual, or contemporary interiors.
Do I need to have a sample?
Yes. You need a sample to compare with the other materials and surface colors in the space. You shouldn’t just rely on the word of the builder or designer, having a sample enables you to get an idea of what the entire room will look like before you install the flooring.
How do hardwood floors fare against other flooring surfaces?
It outlasts nearly every other flooring, and outperforms them all.
How do I care for my hardwood floors?
Sweep regularly, high traffic areas will need special attention, or use the hardwood setting on your vacuum cleaner. You should purchase a wood floor cleaning kit to keep your surfaces in the best possible condition.
How long will the job take?
The process through delivery to finishing and clean-up can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks. It is an arduous task, it is better for the job to take longer than for it to be done poorly.
Does hardwood flooring increase my home’s value?
Yes, all home improvements can. Research shows that 90% of real estate agents think homes with hardwood floors sell faster.
Are hardwood floors environmentally friendly?
Yes. Wood is both renewable & recyclable, and because wood floors do not collect dust and allergens, many leading health associations agree that wood floors are a perfect choice for a healthy home.
If you’re thinking about including hardwood floors in your new or existing home or business, contact us! We can provide you with a list of hardwood flooring options and a written estimate.