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hardwood-floor-refinishing - faqs

A floor can make or change a home. It’s a big investment that adds to a property’s value and aesthetic. For many homeowners, choosing the right floor is stressful, and refinishing an existing floor can be just as big a job. There’s price, scheduling, lifestyle disruption, and the finished product to consider. Talking with professional hardwood refinishing contractors and other flooring experts is a great way to relieve some of this burden.

At SCV Floorsmith, we proudly serve homeowners in South Barrington, Naperville, and throughout the Chicagoland area, bringing our deep expertise and commitment to quality to every project. We understand that choosing the right flooring and maintaining it over time are crucial decisions for your home. To assist you in making informed choices, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions we receive about hardwood floor refinishing.

 

hardwood-floor-refinishing - faqs
hardwood-floor-refinishing - faqs
hardwood-floor-refinishing - faqs
hardwood-floor-refinishing - faqs
hardwood-floor-refinishing - faqs

What is hardwood refinishing ?

Refinishing is the process of sanding, cleaning, staining, and adding a protective coating to existing hardwood floors. Hardwood has a long lifespan and can last for up to 100 years if treated properly. Even still, it takes a beating with everyday wear and tear. Refinishing makes the floor look shiny and bright again.

Hardwood can be refinished up to 8 times in its life but likely won’t need to be refinished the first time until about 20 years after installation. Some factors that contribute to the need for refinishing include fading due to sunlight, scuffing caused by people and furniture, scratches from pet nails, water damage, and even just the peeling of the protective coating. Age and the thickness of the wood planks also contribute to their ability to be refinished. If the planks are too old or thin, they may need to be replaced instead.

How long does the hardwood refinishing process take?

Hardwood refinishing timelines are completely dependent upon the size of the job and the depth of repair required. Refinishing a small front porch could be done in under 24 hours, for example, while a 1,000-square-foot space may take three to four days to finish. Talk with your hardwood floor refinishing professional to get a quote on time and cost before committing to a project.

What are the costs associated with hardwood refinishing?

The cost to refinish hardwood floors fluctuates from house to house. It depends entirely on the size of the space, the type of wood, the finish you select, and the running rate for labor. The more employees required to finish a job, the more it’s likely to cost. Overall, you can count on an average price of around $3 to $8 per square foot.

Can all types of hardwood floors be refinished?

Not all wood floors are equal, and it’s important to point out that while most hardwood can be refinished, prefinished, or engineered, hardwood isn’t as thick. You may not be able to refinish engineered wood the same way you would solid wood.

How does refinishing affect the look of my floors?

Refinishing your hardwood floor involves removing the top layer of wood. Any grooves, dents, scratches, and the finish will be gone. This means the color will change, and the thickness will reduce. If your floors have been finished before, you may not be able to finish them again or as many times as you would have liked in the future. On the upside, you can customize the refinish with a new stain and protective coat.

Is it necessary to leave the house during the refinishing process?

Yes. In most instances, you can expect your house to be disrupted at least for the time it takes for dust to clear and stain and protective coatings to dry (Possibly 2 to 4 days). This isn’t true of all finishes, however, so consult with your refinishing service. Oil-based finishes are the worst for fumes and can be a health risk. Proper ventilation is important during the refinishing process.

How can I prepare my home for hardwood refinishing?

The best way to prepare your home is to clean the floors and clear the room of any debris that might get in the way. Carpets, rugs, and furniture need to go, but you may also want to consider removing anything on the walls that might get knocked down in the process. Both to protect your belongings and the workers.

What maintenance is required after refinishing?

Try not to use any liquid cleaners on the newly finished floor for as long as possible. Sweeping with a soft-bristled broom is best. Cleaning chemicals and water can disrupt the curing process and weaken the seal of your top coating if it isn’t yet dry.

How do I choose the right professional for hardwood refinishing?

Before choosing a team for the refinishing process, consider things like:

  • Floor refinish cost: Get a quote on price and timeline and ask questions about their recommendations for refinishing or replacement.
  • Experience with hardwood types: See what services are offered and how much experience they have with floors like yours.
  • Reviews: See what other locals are saying about the business you’re considering and have them come to view your home in person.

No matter which business you go with, it’s always best to seek professional advice when refinishing hardwood. An expert can provide you with resources and options you may not have otherwise.

Still Have Unanswered Questions About Refinishing?

We understand—refinishing your hardwood flooring is a significant decision. It’s an investment in your home’s appearance and value, and you want to make sure it’s done right. A poorly refinished floor can disrupt your entire interior aesthetic, but with the right guidance, you can achieve beautiful results.

For more detailed information and to explore your options further, visit our hardwood refinishing page. It’s a great next step to ensure you’re making informed decisions for your home.

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