How do I know if my hardwood floors need refinishing?
How to Tell If a Hardwood Floor Needs to Be Refinished
- Locate the section of the floor that gets the most daily traffic. This is the area that is most likely to need refinishing.
- Pour a tablespoon of water onto the section of floor and watch what it does. ...
- Wipe up the water with a paper towel if any remains on the surface of the wood. ...
What is the best way to restore hardwood floors?
What Are The Steps To Refinishing Hardwood Floors?
- Clean the Floor with a Hardwood Floor Cleaner. Remove all the furniture, and spray the floor with a hardwood flooring cleaner or your own mix of 10 parts water ...
- Prep the Perimeter. Using 180-grit sandpaper, hand-sand the perimeter of the room and any nooks that the buffer can't reach.
- Scuff-sand the Floor Finishing. ...
- Vacuum and Tack. ...
How to refinish old hardwood floors by yourself?
- Begin by using a drum sander or belt sander with the grain along the length of the boards.
- Always wear a dust mask, safety goggles and ear protection when using a drum sander.
- Work the drum sander back and forth over 3- to 4-foot lengths.
- Use overlapping strokes by at least 1/3 the belt width to remove scratches.
Can You restain hardwood floors without sanding?
You can restain hardwood floors without sanding them. To do this, you will want to scuff up the surface using brass wool and then apply a coat of the new hardwood stain. Do this evenly and it will settle nicely. Remember, this is going to take a bit of time and you will have to be meticulous too.
How do I know if my hardwood floors need refinishing?
Big scratches and dents, gray floorboards and splinters are all signs that your hardwood floors need refinishing....Major scratches and dents. ... Cupping. ... Splinters. ... Gray floorboards. ... Water stains. ... Fading and discoloration.
How long refinish hardwood floors last?
8-12 yearsTypically hardwood floors should be refinished every 8-12 years, but this varies depending on how rough you are with your floors. Some people don't refinish/recoat their floors and are perfectly content leaving them the way they were installed.
Is it cheaper to refinish or replace hardwood floors?
Budget. Generally speaking, it is almost always less expensive to refinish your hardwood floors than to replace them. That's because replacing them involves paying for additional wood, the installation itself, as well as labor costs for tearing up and hauling away the existing hardwood.
Is refinishing hardwood floors worth it?
Refinishing wood floors is a great way to extend the life of your flooring and is cheaper and more environmentally safe than a full replacement. If you're tired of the current look of your floors and want an update, you can refinish your floors to get an entirely new look with much less effort and inconvenience to you.
Can you live in a house while refinishing floors?
Do not live in the home during refinishing. The sanding will cause harmful lung damaging particulate matter to stay in the air for days. Children, pregnant women and the elderly will be most impacted by floor finishing.
How much does it cost to refinish 1000 square feet of hardwood floors?
between $3,000 and $8,000The cost to refinish 1,000 square feet of hardwood flooring averages between $3,000 and $8,000.
Should I remove baseboards when refinishing hardwood floors?
As a general rule, we recommend leaving your base and shoe on when having your floors refinished, especially if it is painted. Depending on how the painters prepped your base, you can actually cause more damage to the base and walls by removing it.
Is oak flooring outdated?
The answer is – no! The oak trim and oak flooring finish (the golden color known in the industry as “honey”) will never come back in style. Today, there are many beautiful versions of stained oak on the market that allow it to appear more contemporary and aesthetically pleasing.
How often should you polyurethane wood floors?
Recoating is just what it sounds like: adding a new layer of polyurethane coating to your floor. Generally, you should recoat every 3-5 years, depending on the amount of use your floors see.
How long does polyurethane floor finish last?
What a new coat of polyurethane does is it adds another layer of protection to your floors, extending the life of the floors usually for another 3-5 years. Doing this every 4-6 years will prevent you from ever having to fully refinishing your floors again.
How much does hardwood floor refinishing cost?
According to HomeAdvisor and Angi the typical price range to refinish hardwood floors is between $600 and $4,000, with the national average at $1,800. This comes out to $3 to $8 per square foot, including materials and labor. Roughly 80 percent of the cost to refinish hardwood floors comes from labor.
How long does polyurethane last on hardwood floors?
about 3-6 yearsA fresh coat of finish will add additional protection to your floors. By adding new polyurethane to your flooring, you can expect it to last for about 3-6 years. If your floors look damaged, scratched, or scuffed, it may be time to add another layer of protective finish sooner.
Are there different kinds of Hardwood Floor Refinishing Services?
As far as we’re concerned, “refinishing” is a multi-meaning term used in the industry. A lot of customers use this term to mean the same thing. So we’ll break it down a little further so that one can understand the differences in services.
But How Often Should You Refinish?
A general rule of thumb is to refinish your floors about once every three years on average. It’ll depend on the type of topcoat that you currently have. Polyurethane finishes which are water-based, have an average lifespan of 3 to 5 years.
How Much Does a Hardwood Floor Refinishing Cost?
Refinishing hardwood floors is a great way to extend the life of your floors indefinitely. The cost to refinish hardwoods is generally between $2 to $5 per square foot. This will vary depending on which services you decide, as well as the type of floor, thickness, and degree of damage.
How Often Should You Refinish Hardwood Floors?
There’s no set answer to this question. It depends on the type of wood you have and how much wear it experiences. Most floors start to show age after about ten years, but floors that get a lot of foot traffic or sunlight may need to be refinished sooner.
How thick is engineered flooring?
Engineered flooring comprises layers of wood glued together, like plywood. The upper layer is a thin (usually 1/16- to 1/8-inch thick) strip of finished hardwood that can withstand being sanded only a couple of times, if that.
Can you sand a floor?
Sometimes people do it unnecessarily, and — depending on the condition of the floor — might actually be doing more harm than good. For example, you can sand away beautiful grain patterns that took years to develop. Often, less expensive and intrusive alternatives may be best.
Do wood floors get better with age?
Knowing when to refinish wood floors isn't as simple as you might think. Like fine wine, hardwood does indeed get better with age — up to a certain point. Eventually, even the best wines sour and wood loses its luster.
How do I know if my hardwood floors need refinishing?
Big scratches and dents, gray floorboards and splinters are all signs that your hardwood floors need refinishing. ...
Is it worth it to refinish hardwood floors?
In almost every case it is preferable to refinish rather than replace hardwood floors. Part of the appeal of hardwood is that it lasts so long. A quality hardwood floor can be sanded down and refinished at least six times, and up to ten times before you need to replace it.
How long do refinished hardwood floors last?
Typically hardwood floors should be refinished every 8-12 years, but this varies depending on how rough you are with your floors. Some people don't refinish/recoat their floors and are perfectly content leaving them the way they were installed.
How often do wood floors need refinishing?
It's commonly accepted that you refinish every seven to ten years. Important note: some hardwood is only 1/4 inches thick. In this case, a refinish could strip away all traces of the floor.
What is the best time of year to refinish hardwood floors?
If I had to pick an ideal time, I would say spring or fall when the indoor temperature is most consistent with outdoor temperature and it's often easy to open the windows (after the work is complete) to help air out the smell faster. But, really, sanding and refinishing hardwood can take place any time of year.
Is it cheaper to refinish or replace hardwood floors?
Refinishing hardwood floors is more cost-effective than replacing them. On average, it costs about $2,000 to $7,000 to replace hardwood flooring (two to three times more than to refinish).
Can I stay in my house while floors are refinished?
If your hardwood floors have been sanded and finished with Bona Mega Clear HD, it is safe to sleep in the home about 2-3 hours after the project is finished, but again, only if there are other rooms that have not been robbed of their furniture – furniture should stay off floors for at least 24 hours after ANY project ...
When Should You Refinish Hardwood Floors?
A solid hardwood plank at least 3/4 inches thick will likely need to be refinished four to six times during its total lifespan. It’s commonly accepted that you refinish every seven to ten years.
How long does hardwood flooring last?
Hardwood flooring is a major investment that should last for many years. Discoloration, scratches, and even signs of water damage can be reversed if refinishing hardwood floors properly. However, there are a few signs (some more obvious than others) to look for that indicate a need for a full flooring replacement, such as:
What happens if you water damage hardwood floors?
If a protective hardwood finish wears off, your floors can become susceptible to water damage. If water soaks into the wood immediately rather than resting on top, it’s likely time for a refinish. Another sign? Water damaged hardwood often turns a shade of gray. The darker the boards become, the more damage is occurring. Once black, your floors probably need to be replaced altogether.
How thick is hardwood flooring?
Important note: some hardwood is only 1/4 inches thick. In this case, a refinish could strip away all traces of the floor. Unsure about how thick your hardwood is? Consider measuring board thickness by removing an air vent in the floor to expose a “side view” of the board.
Can you refinish engineered hardwood?
Since solid hardwood is one piece of uniform wood, it can be refinished more often. Refinishing engineered hardwood should happen less frequently due to its layered construction.
Can you refinish hardwood floors without replacing them?
But heavy traffic and improper care can lead to long-term headaches. Refinishing hardwood floors is a great way to make them look brand new without a complete replacement. Here’s what you should know before getting started.
Can sunlight damage hardwood floors?
Direct sunlight can also negatively impact hardwood floors. Too much exposure to UV rays and your floor can eventually fade and/or become discolored. You can try to prevent this from happening with blinds and shades, but if it’s already too late, a refinish may help restore your floor’s color.
Why are hardwood floors so popular?
Hardwood floors are desirable not only because they are classic and beautiful, but also because they are easy to maintain, durable and allergen-resistant. If you are fortunate enough to have solid hardwood floors in your home, make sure you’re taking care of them properly so they will continue to look good for years to come.
Can you buff out scratches without sanding?
If floors have deep scratches or gouges, the planks will probably need to be replaced rather than refinished. Conversely, it may be possible to buff out light scratches without deep sanding, followed by reapplying the finish. • Clean the floor.
Do hardwood floors increase the value of a home?
Hardwood floors will increase the value and appeal of a home both at point of sale and in the meantime for your family to enjoy. Next > Myths vs Facts: The Truth About Radiant Floor Heating.
Can you wax polyurethane floors?
Polyurethane floors should never be waxed, and wax finished floors need to be periodically buffed to keep the shine. When buffing no longer brings back the shine, it’s time to wax. Polyurethane floors can be lightly damp mopped, provided the water is not allowed to stand.
Can you stain and seal a floor?
Stain/seal – Depending on your floors and your desired result, you’ll apply a stain, seal, or both, and may sand/buff the floors again.
Can you mop waxed floors?
A waxed floor should never be mopped regardless of how wet the mop is . When mopping hardwood floors with a polyurethane finish, use warm water and a small amount of dish washing liquid or wood cleaner. Make sure you are using a damp mop and not a wet one; be sure to wring out the mop well before applying it to the floor.
How much does it cost to refinish hardwood floors?
Hiring a professional to refinish hardwood floors runs anywhere from $3 to $8 per square foot , which typically translates to a final price tag of just under $1,100 to about $2,500, according to the home services website HomeAdvisor. But costs can sometimes run upward of $4,000, the site notes.
How long to wait before putting furniture back on floors?
Plan to wait 72 hours to a week before putting furniture back on your floors, and be aware that the fumes from the poly sealer may be overpowering enough to warrant a night or two spent elsewhere.
What is it called when a floorboard bends?
This isn’t just a cosmetic issue; once scratches enter the wood, your floors become vulnerable to water damage. 2. Cupping . When floorboards bend downward from their edges in a concave shape, it’s called cupping . Not only does cupping look unattractive, it’s evidence of water damage.
What are the signs of water damage on hardwood floors?
Stained floorboards are a sure sign of water damage. While most water stains can be prevented by simply wiping up spills quickly, unaddressed plumbing leaks, air conditioner drips and pet accidents inevitably stain hard wood over time.
How much does it cost to install flooring?
Hiring a licensed contractor to do this job should run between $1.50 to $2.25 per square foot, according to the flooring guide website Home Flooring Pros. If you prefer to do the job yourself, your total cost per square foot should be about $0.75 to $1.50, the site notes.
How much does it cost to rent a sander?
Just renting a sander costs about $50 to $80 daily, the company notes, and you may need more than a single day to finish the work.
Can you sand a wood floor with scratches?
But when the damage becomes widespread and penetrates the poly coating into the wood itself, only a powerful sanding goes deep enough to reveal an undamaged surface. This isn’t just a cosmetic issue ; once scratches enter the wood, your floors become vulnerable to water damage.