Hardwood floor refinishing is a process that rejuvenates the appearance of your floors, making them look new again. Over time, hardwood floors can become dull, scratched, or damaged, but refinishing can restore their beauty and luster. Hardwood floor refinishing services are an affordable way to increase the value of your home and improve the overall look and feel of your living spaces.

Why is wood floor sanding and refinishing often more economical than replacing the floor?

Floor sanding and refinishing is often more economical than replacing the floor because it is typically less costly than installing a new floor, especially if the existing one is in good condition. Refinishing involves sanding down the top layer of the wood to remove any scratches, dings, or other imperfections and then applying a new finish. This process can make the floor look fresh and extend your floor’s life. In addition, this is one of the easiest, most cost-effective home improvements you can make and can increase your home’s value.

Additionally, refinishing the floor allows homeowners to change the color or finish of the wood, giving the room a new look without the cost of installing a new floor. Additionally, when you refinish your hardwood floor, you can keep the original flooring, which is often more expensive than other types of replacement flooring.

Finally, if the floor is in good condition, the only thing left to do is to sand the surface, then add a new coat of finish, which is less costly than pulling out the old floor and installing a new one.

If you do decide that a new floor is the way to go, check out Palmetto Flooring Gallery for amazing deals and expert installation.

Process of Hardwood Floor Sanding and Refinishing

Preparation and assessment of the floor

Before the refinishing process begins, we assess the floor to determine the condition of the wood, the type of finish currently on the floor, and any potentially problematic issues. The floor will then be cleaned and prepped for sanding.

Sanding and buffing the floor

The next step is to sand the floor with progressively finer abrasive grits. This process removes the top layer of the finish and smooths out any imperfections in the wood. After sanding, we buff the floor to remove any remaining dust and debris. Palmetto Floor Sanding uses the latest generation dustless sanding machines, so the clean-up is less stressful.

Staining and finishing the floor

Once the floor is prepped, the staining process can begin. If you want, we can alter the tone of the wood with a stain or other treatment (like lightening). After staining, we apply the appropriate finish. This is the final step, which will seal and protect the wood. And in case you wanted to know…

What types of coatings are available for refinishing wood floors?

There are several types of coatings available when you order floor sanding and refinishing:

Polyurethane is by far the most common finish for wood floors because it is durable, long-lasting, and provides a high-gloss finish. It comes in both oil-based and water-based formulas. Oil-based polyurethane is more durable and resistant to scratches, but it has a strong odor and takes longer to dry. Water-based polyurethane dries quickly and has less odor, but it is not as durable as oil-based polyurethane. More than 50% of our floor restorations are finished with oil-based poly.

Wax is a traditional finish for wood floors and provides a natural, warm look. It is easy to apply and maintain but requires regular reapplication to maintain its shine. This is a rare finish for us but is an interesting alternative for period-accurate floor and home restorations.

Oil is another natural finish that is easy to apply and maintain. It provides a warm, natural look and is ideal for floors exposed to a lot of foot traffic.

Shellac is a fast-drying, non-toxic finish ideal for floors exposed to a lot of foot traffic. It provides a hard, durable finish and is resistant to scratches, but it can yellow over time. Shellac is really old-school and is a fantastic finish.

Varnish is another traditional finish for wood floors. It is durable and long-lasting, but it can be challenging to apply and may require multiple coats.

It is best to give us a call if you have any doubts about which finish is the best choice for your home or space.

Clean-up and post-refinishing care:

After the refinishing process, the floor will be cleaned and inspected for final touch-ups. The homeowner gets a set of detailed instructions on how to care for the floor going forward.

Types of Hardwood Floor Sanding and Refinishing Services

Full refinishing:

A full floor sanding and refinishing service is recommended when the floor is in poor condition, has severe scratches or wear, or if the homeowner wants to change the color of the floor. This process involves sanding down the entire floor to bare wood and applying a new finish.

Screen and recoat:

This type of service is recommended for floors that are in good condition but just need a fresh coat of finish. This process involves lightly sanding the floor and applying a new coat of finish. This process is faster and less invasive than full refinishing.

Spot repair:

This type of service is recommended for floors that have specific areas that need attention, such as deep scratches or water damage. This process involves repairing the specific area, and then blending it in with the rest of the floor.

Staining and color change:

This type of service is recommended when the homeowner wants to change the color of the floor. This process involves applying a new stain to change the color of the floor, and then applying a new finish.

Factors to consider when choosing a hardwood floor refinishing service

Experience and reputation of the company

Refinishing hardwood floors correctly takes experience. We provide references on request and can say without reservation that we know what we’re doing and will make your floor the best it can be. If we can’t fix it, we’ll let you know and will get you set up with new floors with your choice of materials.

Cost

The cost of hardwood floor refinishing services can vary depending on the size of the area, the condition of the floor, and the type of finish used. It’s important to obtain a detailed estimate from the contractor before any work begins.

Quality of work

It’s important to choose a contractor who has a good reputation for quality work and customer service. Ask for references and check online reviews to get an idea of the contractor’s work.

Type of finish used:

The type of finish used can affect the durability, appearance, and maintenance of the floor.