Unlike laminate floors, genuine hardwood can be repeatedly sanded down and refinished whenever it starts to show signs of deterioration. Therefore, with the right care, your hardwood floors could last a lifetime. If you’re considering this transformative service, use the following answers to learn more about the hardwood floor refinishing process.

4 FAQ About Hardwood Floor Refinishing

How do I know when my floors need refinishing?

After years of exposure to sunlight, hardwood floors will start to fade. Once the fading is concentrated in areas of excessive natural light, you should consider refinishing. In high-traffic areas—such as hallways, mudrooms, and family rooms—your floors might show scuff marks, dull spots, or even splintering planks. These flaws can be eliminated with hardwood floor refinishing.

How does the process work?

First, your contractors will use high-powered sanders to remove any remaining finish from the top of your hardwood floors. If your planks are warped or splintering, they might also need to sand down the wood itself to reveal a fresh, smooth layer. They’ll then clean the floor by vacuuming or sweeping up dust and wood particles, followed by a thorough dry mopping. Next, they’ll add a fresh stain to the wood to reach your desired shade. Once the pigment has dried, they’ll protect your hardwood floors with a clear coat of sealant.

How long will it take to cure?

While every project differs, most stains need at least 12 hours of drying before the clear coat can be applied. Then, your contractor will recommend steering clear of hardwood areas for anywhere from 24 to 72 hours. This will allow the new finish ample time to dry, or cure, before it can withstand foot traffic. However, you’ll want to wait at least one week before moving heavy furniture back into the room.

How will they keep my home clean?

As they grind away the previous finish and some of the wood, the refinishing process can generate plenty of dust and debris. That’s why contractors take the time to seal off the entrances to the area where they’re working with plastic sheets. They also use vacuums while sanding to pick up most of the dust the sander churns up. The remaining dust will be picked up by sweeping or dry mopping before the stain is applied.

If your floors could benefit from refinishing, reach out to Hardwood Rescue of Chesterfield, MO. They have over 17 years of experience rejuvenating floors in St. Louis, Eureka, Kirkwood, Ladue, and the surrounding areas. No matter what type of wood you have or finish you have in mind, you can rely on their A+-rated team to deliver stellar results. Learn more about their services online, or call (636) 532-5476 to request a free estimate.