Without regular maintenance, hardwood flooring will fall short of its typically long life expectancy. Refinishing is one upkeep task where the clear top coat is sanded away and a new protective layer is put in its place. To determine whether now is the time to refinish floors, ask yourself the following questions.

What to Ask Before Hardwood Floor Refinishing

What are the signs refinishing is necessary?

By examining hardwood flooring, you can assess the overall condition of the surfaces. If you see a lot of scratches, it’s time for refinishing. That is because the deep scrapes might have broken through the coating, making the wood underneath vulnerable to damage. Gray marks could be caused by oxidation, which means the coating has worn away in these areas.

Do I need to add value to my home?

If you plan to put your house on the market, restoring the glistening appearance will make hardwood flooring that much more appealing to house hunters. Even if the current top coat is in good shape, replacing it with a satin finish will make your home more desirable to multi-generational families. That is because the surfaces aren’t as easy for seniors and kids to slip on when compared to high-sheen flooring.

Am I willing to relocate while work is underway?

Due to the dust created while sanding, and the smell of polyurethane wafting through interiors, it might be best to stay elsewhere until the job is complete. Consider whether you are willing to move into a hotel or stay with friends or relatives in the meantime.

As refinishers will need to move furniture and other belongings for full access to floors, consider whether you’re also willing to relocate furniture and other valuables to off-site storage or another place for safekeeping. 

What stain color should I choose?

Whether a room has a warm or cool color palette should be considered when choosing a stain. If the hardwood flooring has an orange or red tint, for example, a similar stain will bring out the warm tones. They will become more subdued with a cooler hue.

To benefit from the boost in home value and aesthetic appeal refinished floors provide, contact General's Hardwood Flooring in Webster, NY. With over 16 years in business, the fully licensed and insured flooring contractors will refinish the surfaces and provide more extensive repairs when necessary. To discuss your hardwood flooring needs, call (585) 303-5704. Check out the team’s work on their website.