Repairs, Refinishing & Recoating Home

Hardwood floors have the purpose of making the areas they are installed in look more sophisticated and also add some old style charm. One thing you should be concerned about is how to properly care for them. As long as the surfaces are regularly maintained, hardwood floors are durable, and can last longer than any traditionally carpeted floor.

Numerous aspects can contribute to the deterioration of your hardwood floors. Humidity can cause floorboards to expand and contract which may also cause gaps and squeaks in floorboards and squeaky stairs. Another factor is wear which can cause damage to hardwood floors. If you don’t take care of your floor, you can end up with dents and scratches in your hardwood floors. Mishaps and accidents can also cause floors to become damaged and in need or repairs.

Dents and scratches can be so deep that it’s necessary to replace the floorboards. Squeaky hardwood floors need attention as well. Loose floorboards or cracks in the boards should be taken care of too.

Another struggle is deciding when a floor needs recoated or refinished. Hardwood floors can go years without needing any special attention outside of the mandatory cleaning.

There are a few noticeable differences in recoating and refinishing which, once understood, may help you make the decision the right decision for your hardwood floor. Each option will give you the same result: a stunning and long lasting hardwood floor.

When recoating a floor, you need to take the finish off of the floor and bring it down to its last known stain color. The next step is applying a new layer of stain as well as finish. Use recoating if you’d like to update the look of your floor or make minor repairs. Removing scratches, filling gaps, or patching a hardwood floor can be reasons for recoating a hardwood floor. This process will also restore the shine of the hardwood floor and remove any discolorations.

Recoating is a clear-cut method which involves a thorough cleaning and light sanding of the floor that has the purpose of removing the previous finish. After you’ve finished sanding, another thorough cleaning will prevent bits of sawdust and dirt in the new stain and finish.

On the other hand, refinishing can include a bit more work. Some homeowners wish to have their floors professionally refinished rather than to do it themselves. Refinishing involves the same thorough cleaning process, but when it comes to sanding, the floor is prepped with a more intense sanding process. The goal is to get the wood down to fresh unstained wood in order to apply new stain and finish.

You might ask yourselves why would anyone refinish when they could simply recoat? The answer lies in the condition of the hardwood floor. It is necessary to refinish, if the floor has deep scratches, damage, or has even been waxed. A waxed floor cannot be recoated due to the fact that the newer urethane finishes will not adhere to the floor properly. In case of deep damaging, the floor will need to be repaired. This may involve pulling up portions of the floor. A recoating of the repaired sections won’t always match the existing stain and finish.

It is important to take good care of your hardwood floor in order of keep it beautiful. A hardwood floor that has received the attention it deserves, will add value to your home and reduce the number of times it needs recoating or refinishing.