How Do I Know if My Hardwood Floors Need Refinishing?

Some of the biggest issues with hardwood floors that homeowners usually face are whether their floor needs refinishing. Does my hardwood floor need refinishing?, we'll try to answer that here. The first step towards successfully refinishing your hardwood floor is determining exactly what kind of hardwood floor you own. This may sound simple, but there are actually several different types of hardwood flooring that masquerade as hardwood when in reality are only partially or completely made from particleboard or other manmade materials, and each of them needs a different refinishing method. Want to learn more about Hardwood Floor Maintenance Tips? Click Here

How Often Do Hardwood Floors Need Refinishing?

If your floors are at least ten years old, they probably need refinishing. However, this depends on several factors, including natural wear and foot traffic. While the average floor will show signs of aging after about 10 years, simple wear and tear can lead to a more premature need. If you are unsure, call a professional to come assess the condition of your flooring.

The condition of your hardwood floor will determine how often you will need refinishing. If the finish has lost its sheen or is dull, refinishing is the only option. On the other hand, if the finish is only slightly worn, you may be able to screen and recoat the surface. The screen and recoat process are less costly and less invasive. The most common sign that your floors need refinishing is a large number of scratches. These can wear through the wood stain. You may also have unsightly scratches that are hard to hide with rugs. While most scratches can be removed with simple sanding, larger gouges or dents may need the replacement of entire boards. And remember, there are plenty of reasons for refinishing.

When Should Hardwood Floors Be Refinished?

There are a few methods available for hardwood floor refinishing, but they all are somewhat similar. Most people use an "old-fashioned" rubbing pad or a putty knife to remove the dirt from the surface of the hardwood floor. Once the hardwood flooring is cleaned, the area is rinsed with clear water. Then, a thick coat of wood floor restoration product is brushed over the floor. Finally, a heavy-duty vacuum is used to suck up the water and dry the floor. If you're wondering what the cost of refinishing hardwood floors is click the link.

If think your floors will need refinished then you can get a free assessment by contacting Keystone Hardwood Floor Care, Inc and we are a local floor refinisher. A lot of people who perform hardwood floor refinishing will offer you a free wet-sanding inspection of your floor prior to the refinish. The look of a good refinish is not that hard. In fact, the most difficult part of learning how to refinish hardwood floors is actually removing the old wax coating.

Common Mistakes People Make With Hardwood Floors

Some people have tried sanding the floor after it has been stained. While it may smooth out some of the scratches, it won't make them go away. Sanding hardwood floor refinishing products may dull some of the edges, but it is very hard to remove the deep-seated dirt that has ground in overtime. The best way to avoid having to sand after applying the refinish is to always start with an even coat. If the finish dulls quickly after being applied, you can buff it out by using wood floors repair tool.

Sanding hardwood floor refinishing sander's are usually only used on the edges. After applying the coat of hardwood floor refinishing product, the sander is used to slowly remove the majority of the existing finish. Some people recommend using steel wool on hardwood floor refinishing sander's wheels to help remove any remaining dust or dirt particles from the blades.

One option that some people choose to try when sanding is to use a shop-vac to suck up all of the excess dust and dirt before sanding. You'll need to look for one that has a buffer and dust collection ports. The buffer adds an extra measure of holding power, especially when it comes to removing and dusting away the final coat of hardwood floor refinishing. Another advantage to adding a shop-vac is to ensure that you get rid of any debris in the floor and improve its ability to absorb future coats of finishing material. It is important to note that this option can actually cause damage to the floor if the sanding begins to pull away from the finish.

Should I Refinish or Replace my Hardwood Floors?

You can use a business card to check the thickness of your floorboards. This can help you measure the thickness of each board. Then, you can measure the thickness of the board from the top to the groove of each board. If your boards are damaged by water, they will need refinishing. If the damage is significant, they will need to be replaced. If the problem has not been addressed, you can use a business-card test to determine if your floor boards need refinishing.

As far as cleaning the floor is concerned, this is usually the best way to restore its new look and luster. There are specific cleaners that can be used for hardwood floor recoating that do a great job of cleaning and are non-abrasive to your hardwood flooring. These products are best used right after the refinishing process has been completed. They contain oxygenating elements that encourage the growth of new cells and fibers, which will in turn make your floor look brand new and shiny.