A floor’s finish is one of the most visible and important aspects. Not only does a fresh coat of paint or varnish make a room look new, but it can also protect and preserve the floor for years to come. But sometimes, the finish on a wood floor can be damaged or worn away due to use and abuse.
The good news is that a damaged floor can be repaired rather than replaced in most cases. In fact, many homeowners choose to refinish their floors when they begin showing signs of wear. Here are our tips for repairing and maintaining wood floors to give them a new lease on life.
What is refinishing?
The term “refinishing” refers to the process of applying a protective layer of paint or other material over a floor to restore the color and appearance of an old or damaged surface. Sanding is often performed as part of the process before the new coating is applied, but sanding is not always necessary.
In most cases, there is no difference in appearance between sanded and unsanded floors, and sanding can be done by hand or by machine. Other refinishers can even be applied to the surface without the need for sanding.
What are the benefits of refinishing a wood floor?
Repairing a damaged floor is a great way to refresh the look of your home while preserving the value of your existing flooring. It’s also a great option for concealing minor imperfections that you might not want to replace with an entirely new floor.
Some common repairs include removing deep scratches or gouges, treating cracks or chips in the wood, and applying a new coat of stain to match different colors of wood flooring. Because all of these repairs are completed at the surface of the floor, your new finish will look the same whether it’s applied over bare wood or an existing layer of finish.
Finished floors can also add significant value to your home if you’re planning to sell it in the future. So even if you’re not planning on making any repairs right now, it’s still a good idea to get a general idea of the condition of your floor so you can plan for any repairs that might be needed down the road
When should you consider a refinished floor?
Your flooring probably looks great now, but you may want to consider refinishing it if you are planning to sell your home soon or if you notice that the floor is starting to look dingy and worn. Refinishing is also good if your floor has sustained significant damage, such as water damage or damage from pets or furniture. A fresh coat of paint can quickly cover up any damage and help you sell your house faster.
What is the cost of refinishing hardwood floors?
The cost of refinishing a hardwood floor depends on the size of the room and the materials and tools required for the job. Most homeowners pay between $4 and $7 per square foot to have new coats of stain and paint applied to their floors. The materials typically cost between $2 and $5 per square foot, and professional labor is usually charged on an hourly basis.
Professional companies usually charge between $20 and $40 per hour for labor, plus the cost of any supplies they use, such as stain, paint, strippers, sanders, and other equipment.
How do you choose the best type of hardwood flooring?
When choosing your hardwood flooring, it’s important to consider your needs in terms of durability and maintenance. For instance, if you plan to move in the next few years, you probably don’t want to invest in hardwood that’s difficult to transport and very expensive to replace if it breaks or is damaged during the move.
You also want to consider your family’s needs when choosing a type of hardwood. If you have small children, you probably don’t want flooring that can easily scratch or be damaged when dropped.
On the other hand, if your home is in a high-traffic area and you’re likely dragging furniture in and out a lot, you’ll probably want some hard flooring that’s easier to care for than carpeting.
Conclusion
Hardwood floors are a great choice in nearly any setting because of their durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. However, they are also relatively high maintenance and can be difficult to keep clean if they are not properly sealed and maintained. Before you install hardwood floors in your home, you’ll want to take some time to familiarize yourself with the care and maintenance required to keep the wood looking its best.
