Hardwood Floor Refinishing Process
Don’t be afraid of a hardwood floor refinishing project. If you talked to someone who did this on their own, or hired out the job, you may have heard stories of “dust everywhere”. That doesn't have to be the case. I use a system that contains 99.99% of the dust. Also, before I apply the liquid finish I completely clean that room(s) to eliminate all sanding particles.
Refinishing:
When I visit your home to look over your project and give you an estimate, I will explain every step of the process and the options available. Whether your project needs a complete sand down, or a light buffing, polishing and refinishing, you will know on this first visit what to expect. The finishes I use are water-based and you will NOT have to leave your home for any time period.
The actual sanding process:
The length of the process will vary from project to project. On my initial visit I will be able to give you a timeframe for the length of the project. I will determine that timeframe based on size of rooms, number of rooms, and scope of the project. Regardless, you will know how long the project will take before I start. Most projects are completed in 1 to 2 days.
Refinishing:
When I visit your home to look over your project and give you an estimate, I will explain every step of the process and the options available. Whether your project needs a complete sand down, or a light buffing, polishing and refinishing, you will know on this first visit what to expect. The finishes I use are water-based and you will NOT have to leave your home for any time period.
The actual sanding process:
- I go over the floor to find any nails or carpet staples which may be protruding.
- Baseboards can remain on walls or be removed, depending on scope of the project. (see the separate page on baseboards)
- Your floor is sanded 3-4 times starting with 24 or 36 grit sandpaper finishing with 120 grit
- I will fill any large cracks with custom putty that contains your own floor’s sanding dust to ensure the best match possible.
- The entire floor and room is cleaned for any dust that escaped the dust collection system to ensure a clean and smooth finish.
- I tack cloth the floor to remove the tiniest particles left behind by the vacuum.
- At this point the floor is ready for sealing, usually 3 coats are applied. After each of the first 2 coats are applied, the floor is lightly buffed in preparation of the next coat.
The length of the process will vary from project to project. On my initial visit I will be able to give you a timeframe for the length of the project. I will determine that timeframe based on size of rooms, number of rooms, and scope of the project. Regardless, you will know how long the project will take before I start. Most projects are completed in 1 to 2 days.
