Hardwood Floor Refinishing Bergen County NJ is like a magical makeover for your hardwood floors, giving them new life and adding precious years to their lifespan. However, it’s not an easy DIY project and hiring a Bona Certified Craftsman is recommended.
Refinishing involves sanding your hardwood flooring down and applying a new finish to it. It also involves repairing any water damage that may have occurred over the years.
Refinishing hardwood floors is a major undertaking that can take several days and requires the use of special equipment. The process starts with sanding the floor down to remove the old finish and any dirt or debris that has built up over time. This step can be messy, but it is necessary for a smooth surface. It is also important to address any water damage issues before beginning the refinishing process. This includes repairing any warped or swollen boards, removing any water stains, and ensuring the wood is thoroughly dry before beginning the refinishing process.
The next step in the refinishing process is applying a new coat of finish to the floor. This will protect the floors and give them a new, fresh look. It is important to choose a quality finish, such as polyurethane or polyurea. Once the floors have been buffed and finished, they will need to be allowed to cure for a few days before they can be used again.
While refinishing hardwood floors can be a messy, time-consuming project, the results are worth it. Not only do they add a beautiful, timeless look to any room, but they can also increase the value of your home. If you are considering refinishing your hardwood floors, it is important to find a professional who is experienced with this type of work. Look for a flooring expert with an NWFA certification, which means that they have taken and passed a rigorous exam and have extensive experience in the field.
Hardwood floors are known for their beauty and durability, but they can wear down over time with heavy foot traffic and everyday activity. Regular sweeping and cleaning can help to mitigate some of the problems, but major scratches, gouges, or dents are often best addressed by refinishing. If you are concerned that your floors are in need of refinishing, contact your flooring experts at BCC for an assessment.
Once the refinishing is complete, it’s time to stain your hardwood floors. This is a great opportunity to make your rooms unique and match your décor. It is a good idea to talk with your floor guys before starting this step, so they know what kind of stain you want and have samples on hand for you to try out. It is also a good idea to test your stain on a small section of your floor before making a final decision.
Sanding
Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any home. However, they are not immune to the effects of time and daily wear and tear. When you notice that your wood floors are starting to look dull, scratched, or scuffed, it is time to refinish them. This is a simple process that can greatly improve the overall appearance of your floor.
First, you will need to sand the surface of your hardwood. You will need to use a large drum sander, and be sure to wear appropriate safety gear. It is also important to sand in the direction of the grain to avoid damaging your floors. Next, you will need to clean the wood thoroughly before applying a new finish. If you have pet stains or old varnish, these will need to be removed before the floor can be refinished.
When sanding, be sure to get into corners and crevices as well. This will help prevent splintering when you apply the stain and varnish. It is also a good idea to sand the edges of the boards, as this will help them adhere better to the finish. You will also need to clean the sanding dust off of your floor periodically, as this can be very messy.
Before you begin the sanding process, be sure to remove any furniture that you want to keep in your house. You will also want to cover any doors and windows with plastic sheets to keep dust from blowing into the rest of your home. Once the sanding is complete, you will need to vacuum and mop the floor thoroughly. This will ensure that your new finish is as clean as possible.
When choosing a stain, it is important to choose one that is low in VOC (volatile organic compound). You will also need a clear varnish that will protect the hardwood from moisture and UV rays. There are a number of different types of varnish, so be sure to research them carefully before making your final decision. Also, it is a good idea to purchase a lambswool applicator, which will make it easier to apply the finish and help prevent streaking.
Staining
Once the sanding is complete, you can apply stain if you choose to do so. Staining can completely change the look and feel of your floors. If you’re unsure of what color to use, try looking in magazines or online for inspiration. You can also take a trip to your local big box hardware store and browse the floor isle for ideas. Then take a small sample of the stain home and test it in a small, inconspicuous area.
Darker colors are typically more popular for wood floors, but lighter stains can be just as beautiful. It’s important to choose the color carefully and consider how it will look with your existing furniture. If your refinished hardwood floors have significant scratches or gouges, darker stain colors may camouflage them better than lighter ones would. However, these flaws are usually not a good reason to refinish your floors, as the damage can usually be corrected with resurfacing or repairing.
When applying the stain, it’s important to work with a brush or rag and follow the direction of the wood grain. Be sure to wipe off any excess stain. Then let the stain dry. Once the stain is dry, you can move your furniture back into the room and enjoy your newly refinished hardwood floors!
If you’re not sure about sanding and staining your own floors, it might be wise to hire a professional. A professional will have the tools and knowledge needed to do the job properly, resulting in beautiful floors you’ll be proud of. However, this can be a costly investment, so make sure you weigh the pros and cons of hiring a professional.
When considering whether or not to hire a professional, be sure to factor in the cost of materials. The refinishing process can create a lot of dust, so it’s important to have a vac and masks on hand to prevent contaminating the air in your house. You’ll also need to purchase stain, sandpaper, and a buffer. It’s also a good idea to budget for the time it will take to finish the project, as you’ll need to allow for drying between coats of polyurethane.
Sealing
A good refinishing job will restore your hardwood floors to their original beauty and add value to your home. But, as with any flooring material, there will come a point when it is time for replacement rather than refinishing. In this case, resealing can provide added protection to your hardwood and extend the lifespan of the finish and your investment.
The process of resealing involves applying a top coat of protectant to your hardwood floor, much like you did when the finish was initially applied. The sealant will help keep moisture from damaging the wood, and it will also enhance the color of your floor and bring out the grain patterns. Sealant can be either an acrylic or polyurethane coating, which will be applied to the surface of your wood flooring.
Typically, you will apply two coats of the protective product to your hardwood floors, giving each coating at least one hour to dry between applications. Before you reseal your floors, it is important to ensure that the room is well ventilated and that you are wearing personal protective equipment, as many sealants emit harmful vapors.
It is also a good idea to remove all your furniture from the area in which you are working. Leaving your furniture in the middle of the room will create an obstacle for the sanding machine, making it difficult to maneuver the machine and could result in irreparable damage to your hardwood floors. If you cannot remove your furniture, you should cover it with a sheet or plastic and secure it with tape.
Once the floors have been resealed, they should be left to cure for several days before you can return your furniture to the room. Refinishing your hardwood floors is a labor-intensive task that can take four to seven days to complete, but when done properly, it will provide a beautiful look to your home and extend the life of your existing finishes.