Considering there are several forms of enhancing older floors, this procedure entails complete sanding to bare wood. Other forms of improving your floor appearance can be found at the page links near the bottom of this article.

When Should I Have My Floor Refinished?

Most consumers seek a total refinish when worn or bare spots begin to appear, or scratching has become too much to handle. In some cases a color change is desired, or many just may want to change the sheen level of the finish, or convert from a waxed finish to a less troublesome maintenance type finish.

When to have the work done depends on your expectations. While most people can live with the everyday abuse wood floors get as scratches, dings, and dents lead to adding character, others prefer that sleek contemporary look. In that case, refinishing every five years may suit your needs.

Find Hardwood Floor Finishers Near You
What Happens When They Refinish My Floors? Dust?

This depends largely on who is doing the work. Some of the better professionals that care more about your indoor air quality have invested in dust extraction systems. Others may just have a bag attached to their sanding equipment which is not considered a good way to keep airborne dust out of your house.

Dust extraction systems take care of an enormous amount of dust and older finish materials that would otherwise linger in your home for months after the floor finisher leaves. Without it, you're likely to incur extra costs by calling in someone to clean the home top to bottom. Labor costs from guys that have this equipment will be higher, but what is more important?

For those that may not like the higher cost, chances are great you'll be living in a dust storm until the finishers leave. Dust can find it's way anywhere; into kitchen cabinets, heating and cooling system vents...everywhere unless you protect everything during the work. If costs are an issue, insist to the refinisher that he tape off rooms, cover drapes, and call in that cleaning crew once the work is done. Poor dust control may also have an effect on the final appearance, not to mention everyday health.

Maybe the finisher did a great job of insuring the final coat was free of dust particles, but floor finishes need time to cure. He may leave a flawless job, but let's say the kids come home from school and other fine dust particles are stirred up. You now have a not so perfect finish job.

When Is It Safe To Move Furniture Back In?

Some finishes will take longer to cure, but friendlier water based finishes will take the least amount of time. Conditions can vary and depends on relative humidity within the home or conditions outside if you want to speed up the odor removal with an open house. Any experienced floor finisher can better evaluate when it is safe to do so. You may also want to ask them about area rugs and when it is safe to use them.

How Long Does It Take?

We've based the following on how long the work should take. Included is one 400 square foot, square room with furniture moved and ready to go for the finisher. Water based finishes should take two days, while oil based finished three.

Related Pages:

• Potential Alternatives to Refinishing - Screen & Recoat Floors
• Labor Costs and Hardwood Floor Refinishing
• Hardwood Floor Finishes. Water Based Or Oil Based?
• More On Dust Control
• How Many Times Can My Floor Be Sanded?

 Added November 21. 2008

View the Clarke Sanding video overview that deals with:

• Can my floors be refinished?
• Tips to determine what kind of floor you have. Solid, engineered, age.
• Types of sanding machines. Advantages and disadvantages. From the professional versions to easier DIY products.
• Hand tools if you're determined to handle the job yourself.

 

Last Updated on Friday, 20 January 2012 13:20