Hardwood Floor Refinishing Bergen County NJ is one of the most affordable renovation projects for your home. It can also extend the life of your hardwood floors.
If your wood floors are worn and scratched, it’s probably time to refinish them. But before you do, it’s essential to understand the process.
Cover any vents to prevent sanding dust from entering other areas of your home. Place plastic tarps over any appliances and fixtures to protect them from sawdust.
Hardwood floors are durable and add a rich, luxurious look to any room. However, everyday wear and tear can create scratches, scuffs, and blemishes that reduce their beauty. When refinishing hardwood floors, the goal is to bring back their natural luster and protect them from future damage.
A professional flooring contractor can make the process of refinishing your hardwood floors as smooth as possible, with minimal disruption to your daily routine. They can help you decide if your floors need to be completely refinished — down to the bare wood — or simply sanded and restained. They can also advise you on the best color and stain options for your floor.
The first step in refinishing hardwood floors is to clear the room of furniture and other obstructions. Then, vacuum the floor and mop it with a soft-bristled brush. It’s also a good idea to cover ducts, vents, and doorways with plastic sheeting to prevent dust from blowing into other rooms. This is an extremely dusty job, so it’s important to keep your family and pets away from the work area.
Once the room is clear, you can begin sanding the floors with a drum sander. A newer floor that has never been refinished may only need a single pass with the sander, but old floors or those with thick layers of finish will require multiple sandings. Start with 36-grit sandpaper and move to higher grits as needed, depending on the condition of your hardwood floor.
After sanding, the floor will need to be cleaned once again before moving on to staining. Then, you can apply a water-based polyurethane to the entire floor or to just one section, depending on your preference. Polyurethane is available in a variety of finishes, from matte to glossy. It will provide your hardwood with some protection against stains, but it should be reapplied regularly to maintain its protective qualities.
When choosing a stain color, test it in an inconspicuous area of your floor to determine how well it hides imperfections. If you’re not happy with the results, it’s easy enough to change the color with a different stain. Be aware, though, that a solid hardwood plank at least 3/4 inches thick can only be refinished four to six times during its lifespan.
Sanding
Hardwood floor refinishing is an excellent option for anyone who wants to give their home or business a fresh, updated look. While the process is time consuming and can be messy, if done properly it will add a unique and timeless touch to your property.
The first step in the refinishing process is to thoroughly clean the floors. This should include sweeping and vacuuming to remove any dirt or debris from the surface of the wood flooring. The floor should also be wiped down with a damp cloth or mop to get rid of any remaining dust particles. This will help ensure that the final coat of finish will adhere to the wood flooring.
Once the floor is fully cleaned, the next step is to sand it. This can be done with a manual or power sander depending on the size of the room and the amount of work to be done. It is important to follow the National Wood Flooring Association’s sanding guidelines for the best results. This may take one or more days to complete and can be quite noisy.
After the sanding is completed, any nail holes and gouges should be filled in with a color-matched wood filler. This can be purchased at any hardwood or home improvement store. It is also possible to use some of the sawdust from the sanding process, mixed with white glue, to create a paste that can be used to fill in these areas. This will need to be allowed to dry completely before the refinishing process is started.
While the sanding process is occurring, it is important to cover all items in the room that are not being refinished with plastic tarps to protect them from dust. It is also a good idea to tape off outlets and any gaps under doors to prevent dust from leaking into these areas.
Once the sanding is completed, it is important to vacuum again and then wipe down the entire floor with a microfiber or tack cloth to remove any last bits of dust. This will also help to prepare the floor for the next phase of the refinishing process.
Staining
Choosing the right stain is one of the most important decisions that you can make when it comes to refinishing your hardwood floors. Many people make the mistake of skipping this step in an effort to save money, but it can ultimately lead to disappointing results and even damage that cannot be repaired. If you are unsure of which color to choose or how much stain to apply, we recommend hiring a professional who is an NWFA certified hardwood flooring expert.
This person will be fully trained on the use of Bona’s full line of products from dust-free sanding to finishing, and can help you find the look that best suits your lifestyle. They can also walk you through the refinishing process from start to finish, providing advice and support every step of the way.
Once the sanding phase is complete, it’s important to take several hours to thoroughly clean the room and remove all of the debris from your floors. This will ensure that the final coat of topcoat adheres properly and isn’t marred by any dirt or dust particles.
During this time, it’s a good idea to tape off the doorways to prevent dust from entering other parts of your home. You should also remove all furniture, drapes and other decorations from the room to avoid sanding or staining them. If possible, try to keep pets out of the work area as well to avoid them running across wet or damp floors. It’s also recommended to open windows and use a fan to help circulate the air and reduce the strong odor that is generated during this process.
When you are ready to begin the staining process, it’s recommended to work in small areas (3-4 square feet at a time). Begin by using a rag to wipe away any access stain and then apply the first coat as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow it to dry completely before applying a second coat.
Once the final topcoat has dried, it’s a good idea to lightly sand the floor again with 220-grit sandpaper and then vacuum or sweep the floors to remove any remaining dust. You should wait at least 24 hours before walking on your newly refinished hardwood floors, and ideally wait up to 48 hours before moving any furniture back into the room.
Finishing
Hardwood floor refinishing creates a beautiful look and increases the value of your home. Whether your floors are scratched, scuffed or discolored, refinishing them will restore their beauty and give your home a fresh new look. However, refinishing isn’t something that should be attempted without the proper knowledge and skills. If done incorrectly, it could damage the floors and cost you more in the long run. The best way to refinish hardwood is to hire a professional who has experience in doing this type of work. The right contractor will know how to sand and refinish wood floors properly, which will help ensure that your finished product is both durable and beautiful.
Before beginning the refinishing process, make sure that you clear the room and remove any furniture or other objects from the flooring. Also, cover vents and doorways with plastic sheeting to protect ductwork and adjacent rooms from sawdust. Vacuum the floors to remove any remaining dust and dirt. Once the sanding and staining have been completed, you can begin to apply your choice of finish. Depending on the type of finish you choose, you may need to apply several coats. Make sure to allow sufficient time between each application for the wood finish to dry.
When choosing a finish, it’s important to consider your lifestyle and the appearance you want for your home. A polyurethane finish is an economical choice and durable enough for everyday use. It also comes in both water-based and oil-based formulations to suit your needs and preferences. Oil-based finishes, on the other hand, are slow-drying and may smell more strongly.
Once the final coating is applied, it’s important to keep pets and children off of the hardwood flooring for the remainder of the day. The coating will need to dry completely, which can take up to 24 hours.