Everything You Need to Know About Hardwood Refinishing

Hardwood Finishing

Hardwood floors look beautiful, but over time they begin to show nicks, dents, and scratches, making them look aged and worn out. The good news is you can breathe new life into worn-out hardwood floors by refinishing them.

Refinishing Levels

There are two levels of refinishing wooden floors. The first is buffing or screening, which restores the damaged topcoat and surface blemishes. The second level involves sanding or refinishing, which can remove deeper imperfections and allow you to change the color of the floor with a new or custom stain.

Types of Hardwood Floor Finishes

The two most common types of stains are water-based and polyurethane. While the end result is identical, be sure to consult with your property manager prior to choosing between water-based and polyurethane. Most condominium buildings require homeowners to use water-based stains due to the high odor and fumes that polyurethane puts off.

Consider the Sheen and Color

When choosing a stain color, it is important to consult with a contractor who can provide color samples that you can view on your floor in your home’s natural lighting. Different woods absorb color stain differently, so the color you see on the outside of a can may not be the end result you are looking for once applied. The right contractor can also mix a custom color that would best suit your design aesthetic. Lastly, you will need to consider the level of sheen. When choosing between satin and high gloss, for example, consider your activity level. A dark hardwood floor with a high gloss will tend to show more dust and footprints than a natural oak floor with a satin finish.

Who You Should NOT Hire

Just because you rented a 110-volt sander one time for a job around your house, doesn’t make you an expert. You cannot get quality results with rentable sanders like you can with an expert hardwood floor refinisher. In the end, you’ll likely end up wasting your time and money.

Professional hardwood finishers use powerful 220-volt equipment to get results. More than likely, if you attempt to use these sanders, you’ll end up damaging your floor. To make sure this does not happen, look for pros who are certified and specialize in hardwood finishing. Remember – a new floor costs much more than a refinished floor.

Who You Should Hire

In Chicago, Areté Renovators outshines their competition. Serving residents in Streeterville, West Loop, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, River North, Gold Coast, Old Town, and Roscoe Village, they have over 20 years of experience in refinishing wooden floors throughout Chicago, as well as remodeling, design, real estate, and construction. They always keep an eye on current market trends and use the best products at competitive prices. Get in touch with us today for a quote at 773-610-4551.