Hardwood flooring provides a natural, rustic beauty to your home, and over time, it can experience considerable wear. However, floor refinishing restores the surface to a like-new appearance. If this interests you, below are answers to some of the most common questions that homeowners have about the process.

What You Should Know About Hardwood Floor Refinishing

What is it?

Refinishing involves sanding down your existing floors to remove a thin layer of the finish and wood. This eradicates shallow scratches and chips that contribute to a cloudy appearance. After this, your flooring contractor will use a buffer to even out the wood and provide a smooth surface. Finally, they sweep all the debris before staining the floor and applying a new finish. 

When should I do it?

Floor refinishing is perfect if your hardwood has any scratches, scuffs, or blemishes. It’s also a cost-effective option if the stain and finish on your floors doesn’t match your current aesthetic. Since refinishing involves applying a new stain and finish, you can change the color of your flooring and update your home’s appearance.

What if my floor has considerable damage?

Refinishing can’t handle all damage. If your flooring has broken boards or liquid stains, you’ll need to consult your flooring contractor for advice. Often, they will install new boards to replace damaged ones. For dark spots, you can either replace the boards or use a darker stain that will conceal the area.

How long does it take?

The process will take a few days from start to finish, but it depends on the amount of flooring that you want to update. Oil-based finishes take 24 hours for each coat to dry and you will have to avoid the floors for three to five business days. 

How do I prepare for it?

First, move your furniture off the hardwood, keeping it in other parts of your home or a storage unit until the process is over. Then, you may want to stay elsewhere until the job is complete, as you cannot use the flooring during the process. Your contractor may have other suggestions to prepare, so check with them, too.

If you need floor refinishing, contact Carl Bohlmeyer Floor Sanding in Lincoln, NE. With over 50 years of experience, they’re experts in hardwood sanding and refinishing. They’re fully licensed and insured, are locally owned and operated, and offer free estimates. View a gallery of their past projects online. Call (402) 423-7225 for an estimate.