Hardwood Floor Refinishing Bergen County NJ is a do-it-yourself project that can make your home look brand new. It requires a lot of effort and patience but is worth it in the end.
During the refinishing process, you will need to keep your doors and windows open to reduce the odor of polyurethane. You will also need a good vacuum machine to clean up the dust.
Hardwood floor refinishing is an excellent way to give your home a fresh new look. It also protects your floors from damage and keeps them looking beautiful for a long time. While refinishing your hardwood floors takes some effort and money, it’s definitely worth the investment. However, there are many things that need to be taken into account before you begin this project.
One important step in the refinishing process is to determine what type of wood your floors are made from. This can be done by examining the grain. For example, if your floors have a swirly pattern, they are probably mahogany. If your floors have a curly pattern, they are most likely maple. It is important to know what type of wood your floors are made from because different types require different refinishing techniques.
Another important step is to decide whether your floors need a full refinish or if a resurface or recoat would be more appropriate. A resurface is a simpler process that involves roughing up your floors with a sanding screen and then applying a new protective covering. It’s less expensive than a full refinish and will take care of light stains, minor scratches, and discoloration. However, it’s not as effective at addressing major scratches and gouges.
Before you start sanding your floors, it’s important to clear the room of any furniture or other objects. You should also cover any vents or doorways with plastic sheeting to protect them from dust and sawdust. This will help prevent them from getting dirty and making the work area more difficult to clean up once the project is finished.
Depending on the severity of the damage, you may also want to consider hiring a professional flooring contractor for the job. They have the experience and knowledge to ensure a flawless result. They can also advise you on whether a refinish or resurfacing will be more effective at treating the problem and give you an idea of what to expect from the project.
The refinishing and staining process is a lengthy, messy and time-consuming project. If you don’t prepare your home adequately, it can turn into a much bigger and more expensive endeavor than necessary.
Sanding
Before you begin refinishing your hardwood floors, you must sand them down to remove the old finish. This will make the boards smooth and ensure that your new stain will stick properly. During the sanding process, you should wear a dust mask and protective goggles to protect yourself from the fine particles of sand. Also, be sure to open all windows and doors in the room where you’re working to improve ventilation. You should also remove all rugs, furniture and wall items like pictures and curtains to protect them from the dust. You can use plastic or painter’s tape to cover any sensitive wall items like thermostats and wall unit air conditioners.
The first pass of sanding should be done with a random orbital or belt sander loaded with 80-grit sandpaper. This will remove the majority of the existing finish and leave the floor ready for staining. After this pass, vacuum the floor thoroughly and inspect it for any areas that may need additional sanding. These areas will likely be the corners of the room and the edges around any fireplaces or radiators. If necessary, sand these areas with a power hand sander that is loaded with 30- to 40-grit sandpaper. Be sure to sand the edges of each board as well to avoid splintering and create a more consistent look.
Sanding alone can’t resolve very deep scratches, gouges or stains in hardwood floors. If you have these types of damage on your floors, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional wood flooring specialist before proceeding with refinishing. They can advise you on what repairs are possible and how they should be managed.
Once the sanding is complete, it’s important to vacuum the floor to remove any remaining fine dust particles that could contaminate the stain. This is also a good time to sweep the floor and dust mop it as needed. This will help to ensure that the floors take the stain evenly and looks great once it’s dry.
During this stage, you’ll want to experiment with different stains on small areas of the floor to see what color and tone you prefer. Then, once you’re happy with the results, it’s time to stain the entire floor.
Staining
Once the sanding process is complete, it is time to apply the stain. Stain is used to change the color of hardwood floors and enhance the wood grain. There are water based and oil based stains available, and the selection will depend on the look you want to achieve. Before you begin applying the stain, it is a good idea to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. This will help you avoid mistakes such as using too much or failing to wipe off the excess properly. It is also a good idea to test the stain in an inconspicuous area before proceeding.
One of the most difficult decisions to be made during this process is color selection. A solid hardwood plank at least 3/4 inches thick can on average be refinished four to six times in its lifetime, and it is crucial that the right color choice is made the first time around.
Staining is a messy, labor intensive job and it is essential that you follow all the proper safety precautions to prevent accidents. Wear a mask to protect yourself from the fumes, and work in a well-ventilated room. It is also a good idea to get help from family members or friends to assist with the staining process. It is also important to take regular breaks from the staining task, as fatigue can lead to mistakes.
After the stain has dried, it’s time to seal the floor with polyurethane. This will protect the floor and keep it looking new. It’s a good idea to choose a high-quality product that will provide long-lasting protection.
It is recommended that you wait 24 hours before moving furniture back into the room. Then, let the finish dry for another day or so. This will allow the finish to cure completely before you walk on the floor or allow children and pets to roam the space. Depending on the type of polyurethane you choose, it may require sanding between coats to achieve a smooth finish. If this is the case, sand with 320-grit abrasive to ensure that the second coat adheres properly.
Sealing
The last step of hardwood floor refinishing is applying a sealant. This can be either polyurethane or wood oil. Both will protect the new finish and help prolong its life. Whether you use an oil or water-based product, you should only apply one coat per the manufacturer’s instructions. Once again, make sure to let the floor dry between coats and keep rugs off until it is fully cured.
Refinishing is a very time-consuming and labor-intensive project. If you’re a homeowner, it’s best to schedule this work for the summer, fall or spring. Also, consider hiring professional refinishers if you don’t want to deal with the dust and fumes. Even with the best sanding equipment and containment systems, the process can introduce significant amounts of dust into your home. This can lead to a variety of respiratory problems, including asthma and allergies.
When refinishing wood floors, it’s important to use only quality products that are designed for this type of surface. You’ll need a high-quality drum sander, and you may want to invest in a vacuum that can attach to the sander. You’ll also need a good set of brushes, as well as stain and varnish. Choose a stain that is low or no VOC and has a tinting base so you can adjust the color intensity.
It’s a good idea to have a utility knife handy, and you should wear a mask when sanding. You can also opt to use a chemical stripper in place of the sanding process, but this is an expensive option and should only be used when absolutely necessary.
A final note about refinishing hardwood floors – it’s always worth the effort, but you should also have a regular maintenance program in place to prevent the need for refinishing. This should include buffing and occasional renew oil applications. By implementing this maintenance plan, you can extend the lifespan of your hardwood flooring and minimize the need for costly replacements in the future. For more information about the importance of maintaining your wood floors, check out our article Should You Repair Or Replace Your Hardwood Floors?
