Keeping your hardwood floors in good condition will give your home a great look and help you save money in the long run. Whether you’re looking to have your floors refinished or professionally done, there are a few signs you need to know about.
DIY Vs. Professional Refinishing
Whether you decide to do your own refinishing of hardwood floors or hire a professional, there are some essential things to keep in mind. Both options have pros and cons, but determining which is the right fit for you will depend on the extent of your budget, your time, and your desire for professional results.
Typically, the cost of refinishing floors depends on the square footage of the room and the type of wood used. In addition, refinishing hardwood requires extra care, possibly taking longer than expected.
The first consideration to remember is how much time you have available to complete the project. You may need more time to complete the job, or you may need to take time off work or family to complete the project. Hiring Soen Hardwood may be your best option if you have a busy schedule.
Water Damage
Whether your hardwood floor has just been exposed to water or has suffered from a flood, you need to identify the signs of water damage before it gets worse. Move furniture and wet items into a different room. If you can’t, use a dehumidifier to dry the room.
The best way to avoid water damage is to seal your home correctly. Make sure all doors and windows are airtight. Also, check your water heaters for leaks.
The best way to detect water damage is to locate the source. A leaky faucet, broken pipes, or a damaged roof can all cause water damage. If the source is located within your home, you can fix the problem yourself. However, if the source is outside the home, you may need to call in a professional to fix the problem.
Scratches
Whether installing new hardwood flooring or refinishing an existing floor, there are several ways to repair scratches on hardwood floors. The best way to determine which repair methods are suitable for you is to know the type of finish on your floor. Choosing the correct method will ensure that you have a smooth finish that lasts.
The most obvious way to repair scratches on hardwood flooring is to sand the affected area down. Using fine grit sandpaper, sand in the direction of the grain. After sanding the floor, you can use a scouring pad or a foam brush to clean the area.
Another method to repair scratches on hardwood floors is to use a stain pen. Test the stain in an inconspicuous area first. If satisfied with the result, apply the stain to the scratch. Allow the stain to dry according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Gouges
Leaving gouges on hardwood floors can cause the floor to become weakened. A damaged floor should be refinished to repair the damage. Besides, a refinished floor will also help to protect it from future damage.
To repair gouges, it is best to sand the floor. Sanding will reveal the smooth layer of wood below the gouge. Sanding can be done with light sandpaper or finer sandpaper. The goal is to make the gouge less noticeable.
If you plan to do the sanding yourself, rent a sander at your local hardware store. This will ensure that you don’t damage the floor while sanding it. Alternatively, you can purchase a sander at a wood flooring store.
After sanding the floor, you will need to apply a fresh coat of finish. The new coat must match the finish on the rest of the floor.
Discoloration
Often, wood floors turn gray when water seeps through them. If you notice graying on your floors, you will need to refinish them. The discoloration is also standard on hardwood floors exposed to the sun.
When water seeps into the wood, it oxidizes and changes its color. The wood oxidizes at a rate that depends on the species of wood. Light-colored woods will fade, while dark woods will darken.
The UV rays from the sun also cause discoloration. This problem can happen on your floors near windows or large windows. Light can also affect hardwood floors that have furniture and area rugs.
If you notice discoloration on your floors, you can try to remove it by sanding the surface. You can also stain the floor to fix the color. Sanding the area can also help remove splinters.