Hardwood Floor Refinishing Bergen County NJ is a great way to breathe new life into your hardwood floors. Refinishing involves sanding the wood down and then staining it.
Before you start sanding, clear the area thoroughly. You want to remove rugs and furniture so you have ample room to work. Also, vacuum the area to suck up any remaining dust from sanding.
Refinishing wood floors involves sanding down the existing surface, then staining & sealing it. This is a labor-intensive process that can take several days. It is important to do this correctly in order to get the best results. It is also recommended that a professional contractor do this work rather than a homeowner. Professionals have specialized sanding equipment & know how to use it correctly to avoid damaging the hardwood.
Screening is a quicker & less expensive way to renew wood floors. However, it is only useful when the floors have surface damage such as scratches that do not go all the way through to the bare wood. If the wood has been stained or darkened by water, sun exposure, floor cleaning chemicals or other factors, a screening is not enough & refinishing will be needed.
Refinishing is the most thorough method of renewing wood floors & is much more costly than screening. The entire finish layer & top layer of wood is removed with a sanding machine & multiple grit pads. This is done three times, each time using a finer grit. The resulting smooth wood is then vacuumed & wiped down to remove all dust & dirt particles.
It is recommended that you choose a water-based polyurethane for the final coating rather than an oil-based one. Water-based polyurethane stays clear longer & doesn’t yellow with age – something that can happen with oil-based finishes over time. Additionally, a water-based polyurethane will dry faster than an oil-based one so it can be applied in fewer coats.
When it comes to stains, it is best to use a color that compliments the natural tone of your wood flooring. If you are choosing a darker stain, it is often suggested that you add “water popping” to the process. This opens the pores of the wood for more consistent stain penetration & will help your floors look richer.
Be sure to keep in mind that any type of refinishing job creates a lot of dust. It is best to do this in a well ventilated room, or better yet, have someone else do it for you.
Cleaning
Keeping hardwood floors looking new requires a bit of upkeep. A regular cleaning schedule includes daily sweeping or vacuuming and damp mopping twice per week in high-traffic areas. This prevents excess dirt and grime from building up. It also helps maintain the protective coating on hardwood floors, which protects against damage.
Using a wood floor cleaner that is safe for hardwood flooring and contains no vinegar is recommended. You can purchase a commercial product specifically made for hardwood floors or you can make your own. The basic ingredients are water and a natural soap, such as liquid castile soap or gentle dish soap. It is important that the cleaner you choose does not contain any wax, abrasives, or ammonia. It is also a good idea to test any natural cleaners in an inconspicuous area to make sure they are safe for your wood floors.
Stains on hardwood floors can be caused by several things, such as hair spray or furniture polish. They can also be the result of water. Immediately removing any stain from hardwood floors can help to extend the life of your floors and to prevent the need for extensive refinishing work.
You can prevent stains from occurring in the first place by placing floor mats at entryways and a doormat inside to catch any tracked-in dirt. Avoid walking on hardwood floors with heels or cleats, and be careful about bringing in wet boots or shoes from outside.
Having your hardwood professionally cleaned 2-4 times a year is another way to keep them in great shape. The process removes any accumulated dirt and dust, and can also be used to clean out the cracks of older hardwood floors that may have gaps in between boards due to improper installation.
Proper care and maintenance of your hardwood can increase its longevity and decrease the need for frequent refinishing. Regular sweeping, damp mopping, and the use of floor protectors will minimize the need for major refinishing work. You can further enhance your hardwood floors with the addition of a rug or two, which will help to reduce wear.
Staining
Staining is the final step of hardwood floor refinishing and it’s where you really get to customize your floors to exactly how you want them. Before staining you need to sand the floor again using a large drum sander and remove any lingering dust. Once the floor is sanded, it needs to be cleaned again and allowed to dry completely. It is recommended to do three coats of finish and it can take up to 48 hours for each coat.
Stains and dyes are not the same things and it is important to know this difference. A stain is a liquid that is designed to soak into something and change its color. A wood stain will soak into the wood and highlight any existing grain patterns. This is why it’s important to work with a professional and have a clear understanding of the end result you want.
Different types of wood react differently to stains and dyes. Some woods are very porous and can be difficult to stain while others are very hardy and take a lot of pigment with ease. The type of wood and the shade you are going for will also affect how the stain will look.
When applying stain it is best to work in small sections and use a brush, roller or applicator pad to apply the stain. It is also important to wipe off excess stain before it dries, this will help achieve an even color and prevent the stain from becoming tacky or sticky.
Once the stain has dried it is time to seal your new floors. This will protect them from scratches, moisture damage and fading and it will also help prevent the finish from chipping or scratching. It’s important to consult with your flooring professional and/or the product manufacturer to understand what kind of sealer is best for your specific floors and desired level of durability.
This final step is very important as a poorly sealed finished can be marred by furniture and will not hold up to the wear and tear of everyday life. It may take up to a week before you are ready to move your furniture back into the room, but it is well worth the wait to have beautiful, protected hardwood floors.
Sealing
Sealing gives a final touch to the project, and protects the new finish from abrasions and other damage. The sealant also helps keep moisture from damaging the wood and stain. It’s important to get this step right, so that you can enjoy your new wood floor for as long as possible.
Choosing a sealant depends on the type of finish that you want, and how much durability you require. There are both oil-based and water-based options, so you’ll need to decide which is best for you and your floor. Water-based polyurethane has a lower environmental impact and is less toxic than oil-based stains and finishes.
Before applying the sealant, make sure the floors are clean and dry. It’s a good idea to use a shop vac to clear away any dust or debris. If you have parquet floors, be careful not to smudge or disrupt the pattern. Also, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for coverage and drying time. Applying too much sealant can lead to pooling or streaks, and will leave an uneven finish.
A high-quality brush or applicator pad is recommended for applying the sealant, and it’s a good idea to work on one small section at a time. It’s easy to overdo it with a coat of sealant, so be patient and allow plenty of drying time between coats.
You can buy a wide range of different sealants for your hardwood floors, including both oil-based and water-based. Oil-based sealers are harder to clean up, but they provide more protection from moisture and other harsh conditions. Water-based polyurethane is more environmentally friendly, but it may not be as hard-wearing as an oil-based finish.
When sanding your floors, be sure to wear a dust mask and safety goggles to avoid inhaling the grit. You should also remove any pets from the area to prevent them from running on the newly refinished surfaces. It’s also a good idea to cover any doorways with masking tape to prevent sanding dust from entering other areas of the home. Finally, you should wait at least 24 hours to walk on the floor again, and ideally 48.