As your hardwood floors age, the finish wears. When the finish wears to the point the floors no longer look good, you will likely want to consider refinishing them. As a hardwood floor refinishing company, we’ve helped homeowners through this process by answering their questions before, during, and after the process. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get.
Can I Change the Color of My Floors?
This depends on the process you choose for refinishing. If we simply do a screening and refinishing (sometimes called a buff and re-coat), the color will need to remain the same. The screening only removes the topmost layer, leaving the bulk of the color in the wood. However, if we do a total refinish where we sand the floors down to the wood, then yes, you can change the color to make it lighter or darker. You could also have the opportunity to choose a completely different finish.
Is There Any Way to Repair a Damaged Section While Refinishing the Floors?
Yes! One the benefits of a total refinish is that we can remove damaged sections and replace them with the same species and grade of wood. In order to give the repairs a more natural appearance, we may have to remove other boards neighboring the damage.
How Long Does the Process Take?
This depends on the process and the size of the area we’re refinishing. Remember, there are two hardwood floor refinishing processes. A screening will take less time than a total refinish, no matter how big or small the area. Timing will also depend on whether you choose a water- or oil-based polyurethane or other protective coating. Drying time between coats varies across the coating types. We can give you a good idea of our timeline during your free estimate.
When Can I Walk on My Newly Finished Floors?
If you choose water-based products, you can generally walk on the floors in socks within two days. Ideally, you should wait several days to a week before putting your furniture back or before wearing shoes indoors. Don’t place your area rugs for at least four weeks and, when you do, be sure to use a quality felt hardwood floor pad not a rubber one.
What Do I Do with My Furniture?
You have a few options. Since you’re not likely to stay in your home during the refinishing process, you may be able to move the furniture from hardwood floor areas to areas we are not working in, such as carpeted spaces. Another option is to rent a portable storage unit and leave it in your driveway during the process. If you’re going to be gone and have room in your garage, that’s another option. We can’t work around furniture, and, since we don’t recommend placing it on the floors for at least several days, you will need to find a place for it for the duration of the refinishing.
Seer Flooring offers both screening and total hardwood floor refinishing. We’d be happy to provide you with a free estimate for your floors. We can also refinish some engineered wood flooring depending on the wear layer. If you’d like more information or if you want to schedule an appointment, call us today at (727) 469-7963.