WHEN TO REFINISH WOOD FLOORS
Hardwood flooring has become a more popular choice in homes across America and if your home has them, it’s important to make sure that your floors are properly cared for and maintained. A brand new finish on wood flooring will last a long time, typically 7 to 10 years, however only with the proper professional cleaning and maintenance. If you’re not sure when the last time your wood floors were refinished here are some ways to determine if it’s time to call in the professionals.
First, check the wood in high traffic areas of your home for example, the entry way, hallways, stairs and so on. If the wood looks scratched, dull and worn, chances are you need to have it refinished. Some floors may only need to be buffered and recoated with a new layer of finish, while others may need to be sanded down.
Floors that need to be sanded will have very deep scratches or gouges. Sanding helps to restore the floor to one flat level, removing those deep scars. Because sanding is more labor intensive this will likely be a more costly process than if you were to simply have your floors buffered and resealed. Also keep in mind that sanding removes layers of wood, meaning that a hardwood floor can be sanded only a few times before it becomes too thin.
If you decide that you’re in need of a refinishing professional, it’s important to understand the process and how long this will take to complete. Refinishing floors can be a messy process, but at Tom Saint Painting and Restoration, we take precautions and will move and cover your furniture with plastic so that it stays clear of dust. We also work hard to create as little dust as possible, by utilizing vacuums and other strategic methods.
After the final coat of finish is applied to your floor, it’s best to let it cure for 24 to 48 hours before walking on it. Area rugs should not be replaced over the floor for up to 4 weeks so that the floor has a longer time to cure.
For more information about refinishing your hardwood floors contact us to get a quote.