Monday, 23 June 2014

How To Go About Hardwood Floor Refinishing

By Sherry Gross


There is something timeless about wooden flooring that simply cannot be matched by other materials. It is elegant and it bespoke class and style. Yet it is rather easy to clean and as an added plus, hardwood floor refinishing is a definite option when it becomes damaged or scarred. Most other materials will have to be replaced when they reach the end of their lives.

When it is time to do some maintenance on wooden flooring it is necessary to decide whether it can be done personally or whether it would be better to hire a professional. Even do it yourself aficionados often leave this type of job to those that are both experienced and qualified to do it. There is a need for specialist equipment and there are a number of things that require special skills.

Anyone of a mind to do the job themselves should keep in mind that mistakes are not easy to correct. Streaking and staining can easily occur and unprofessional sanding can most certainly cause permanent damage to the surface. Stains are notoriously difficult to apply evenly and it is necessary to keep going once started. Yet many DIY enthusiasts love this type of challenge and it is certainly possible to save about half the cost by doing it personally.

Because damage to wooden flooring can be very difficult and even expensive to repair it is very important to hire a contractor that has experience in this type of job. They must also have the correct equipment and they must be able to provide references. Too many consumers are embarrassed to ask for references. In addition, a written quotation should be given and the contractor must be willing to provide a warranty.

It is also important to remember that this type of work is disrupting and that it may cause a lot of dust. The contractor should be able to provide a time frame within which the job will be finished and he should be kept to it. House owners should also make sure that the responsibility for cleaning the property is contained within the quotation.

If the job is going to be done personally it is important to try and finish each room in a single day. Once the floor has been sanded, it should be sealed and stained immediately in order to avoid moisture build up. It is strongly recommended that professional equipment is hired. It is especially vital to use a sanding machine that vacuums the dust as the work progresses.

It is also important to choose the finish carefully. Many people use varnish because it is versatile and it is available in different lusters. Varnish also offers the advantage that it is easy to repair small nicks and marks. Most professionals use polyurethane, either water or oil based. Penetrating sealer can also be used, but it is important to remember that it is not as durable.

Homes featuring wooden flooring exude style and beauty. These floors are easily cleaned and they need only occasional maintenance. When maintenance is due, however, the use of professionals is strongly recommended. Wood blend in with all types of furniture and fittings and decorators therefore love them. Areas experiencing high traffic are easily protected with rugs or runners.




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