Sanding & Refinishing Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are beautiful and timeless but over the years can show signs of wear and tear. Fortunately, hardwood floors can be restored to their original appeal through a process known as sanding and refinishing. What exactly does this process entail, and how do you know if it’s the best option for your floors? 

Sanding and refinishing are processes used to restore the appearance and durability of hardwood flooring. They involve stripping away the old finish, smoothing the wood surface, and applying a fresh finish coat to restore the wood’s natural elegance and protection. Sanding removes the top layer of wood. It uses a sanding machine to eliminate scratches, dents, stains, and old finishes. After sanding, the floor is buffed to remove dust or debris, ensuring a smooth surface. It is possible to change the color of the wood by applying a stain before the finish. Staining enhances the grain of the wood and can give your floors a completely new look. After sanding, the floor is covered with a new coat of protective finish, such as polyurethane, oil-based, or water-based finishes. This enhances the floor’s appearance and protects it from future damage. 

Sanding and refinishing can breathe new life into your floors, but it’s not always the best choice. Some factors to consider are the condition of the floor, the thickness of the wood, the age of the floor, the type of wood, aesthetics, and cost. If your floor is scratched or the finish wears off, sanding and refinishing can restore its original appearance. Refinishing may be ineffective if your floor has deep gouges or water damage. In these cases, board replacement or repairs might be necessary before refinishing. Hardwood floors have a wear layer that can be sanded and refinished a few times. However, if your floors are thin or have been refinished multiple times, they may not have enough material left for sanding without compromising the floor's integrity. Some types of wood, like engineered hardwood, may not be suitable for sanding due to its thin top layer. Solid hardwood floors, however, are ideal for sanding and refinishing. It is generally more cost-effective than replacing the entire floor. However, replacement is more economical if the damage is extensive or the wood is too worn.

Sanding and refinishing your hardwood floors can restore radiance and extend longevity. Our knowledgeable team at NK Floors has extensive experience performing sanding and refinishing to restore your hardwood to its natural charm.