Hardwood floors are beautiful and durable, but over time, they can become worn out and lose their shine. Refinishing your hardwood floors can bring back their beauty and protect them for years to come. However, refinishing isn’t as simple as just slapping on a coat of paint or finish.
It requires some preparation and careful planning to ensure the best result. In this post, we’ll share some important tips to consider before you start refinishing your hardwood floors.
1. Choose the Right Time for Refinishing
The first thing to think about is when the best time is to refinish your floors. Refinishing can take several days, and you need to plan for the floors to be out of use for a while. It’s a good idea to do this project during a time when you won’t be using the room too much.
If you are refinishing floors in a large home, you can work on one room at a time to avoid inconvenience. Make sure you have enough time to let the finish dry completely, so the floors stay in good condition.
2. Consider Hardwood Floor Refinishing Cost
Refinishing hardwood floors isn’t always cheap, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into financially. The hardwood floor refinishing cost can vary depending on the size of the area, the type of finish you choose, whether to do it yourself or hire a professional.
On average, refinishing hardwood floors can cost anywhere from $3 to $8 per square foot. If you decide to hire a professional, the cost might be higher, but they will do the job more quickly and accurately.
3. Prepare the Room and the Floor
Before you begin refinishing, you need to prepare the room and the floors properly. Start by removing all furniture, rugs, and decorations. Then, clean the floors thoroughly to remove dirt and dust. If your floor has any damage, it should be repaired before you start the refinishing process.
You can fill in gaps or holes with wood filler, and you might need to sand certain areas to make everything smooth. Proper preparation is key to getting a smooth, even finish.
4. Choose the Right Finish
The type of finish you choose will affect the look and durability of your hardwood floors. You can choose between oil-based finishes, water-based finishes, or polyurethane finishes. Oil-based finishes give a rich, warm look, but they take longer to dry and have a stronger odor.
Water-based finishes dry faster and have less odor, but they might not give as deep a shine as oil-based finishes. Polyurethane is a popular choice because it is durable and easy to clean.
Conclusion
Refinishing hardwood floors can be a rewarding project that brings new life to your home. By following these five tips – choosing the right time, considering the cost, preparing the room and floor, sanding thoroughly, and selecting the right finish – you’ll be able to get the best results.
Whether you decide to do the job yourself or hire a professional, the effort will pay off with beautiful floors that last for years.