Tips On Floor Refinishing

Floor refinishing can rejuvenate tired flooring. Floors are made of different types of timber including oak, pine, maple, and bamboo. Over time, the finishes fade due to the shininess wearing away, spills of water or other liquids creating stains, scratches and general traffic patterns. There are different ways to bring back the luster. Here are some things to think about:

-Professional vs. DIY: Many do-it-yourselfers decide to tackle this rejuvenation on their own. It’s a big messy job, however, and requires finesse. A homeowner also needs to be strong enough to manipulate heavy sanders and tools. For DIYers, doing a simpler technique called “screening” might be a preferable option.

- Screening: This process addresses the polyurethane finish but not the actual wood. Instead of sanding away the surface of the timber as is done in traditional floor refinishing, this method uses screens which are a type of sanding disk. This is an appropriate method for lumber that is still in good shape and just needs more of a sprucing up. A floor polisher would be used instead of a drum sander. Floor polishers are available for rental at the local tool rental shop.

- Sander: Using a drum sanding device, all will be removed down to the bare timber. You can rent this machine as well. Professionals charge two or three dollars per square foot and will do prep and clean up. All of these costs should be taken into consideration when thinking of doing it by yourself. Operating this machine takes practice. Some tips for success include moving steadily in order to reduce the chance of taking out an accidental hunk. Pushing it too slowly and starting it up gently will curtail damage to the floors.

- Sweep up: All of the sawdust must be thoroughly cleared from the space before the finishing coats of polyurethane are applied. It will be necessary to sweep and vacuum not only the floor but the walls and baseboard region. A damp mop may also help to get every last speck of dust of the rooms.

- Polyurethane: Polyurethane is quite durable and comes in oil and water based versions. Water cleanup is always easier but the product is often more expensive and takes a bit more skill to apply. The water based types dry faster so errors are harder to correct. Oil based varieties are quite odiferous and can even make inhabitants feel ill if there’s not proper ventilation. At least two coats of this product will be needed to form a durable surface. It’s important to read the directions on the can for the specific brand.

Floor refinishing can make a big difference in how a home looks. It can also add to the floor’s longevity. Many homeowners now use reclaimed lumber to create brand new floors from old whiskey barrels, buildings or fencing. This is a great idea in terms of recycling. Bamboo is also a popular earth-friendly choice because it grows so quickly. Hiring a professional can make the process go more quickly and look wonderful. If a person is handy around the house, he or she might be able to handle the task, as well.