If your hardwood floors are properly taken care of, they can be a sustainable choice for many years. Refinishing your hardwood floors can extend your floor’s life expectancy by strengthening its surface and eliminating blemishes. On average, hardwood floors can be refinished six times every 10-15 years before a new installation is needed. You can also make this timeframe last longer if you have your floors buff and resurfaced once you start seeing wear and abuse.
With 28 years of experience, Barnum Floors is Des Moines’ trusted floor installer, so learn from us if your hardwood floors need to be refinished and how to prepare for your project!
When To Consider Refinishing Your Hardwood Floors
Do you need help determining if your hardwood floors are ready for a refinish? First, give your hardwood floors a good clean. Sweeping your hardwood floors, vacuuming, and mopping can reveal the true surface of your hardwood flooring. After a good clean is completed, check to see if your hardwood floors run into any one of these issues:
- Noticeable Dings and Scratches: You may like the look of old rugged hardwood floors, but if there are noticeable dings and scratches, it’s time for a refinish. Large flaws on your floors can worsen and wear deeper into the wood if ignored, and cause more problems down the road.
- Discoloration Due to Sun Exposure: Years of sun exposure can negatively affect your hardwood floor’s original coloring. Too much sun exposure causes hardwood floors to discolor and fade. A refinish with a new stain or updated finish can help fix this!
- Water-Related Hardwood Deterioration: A clear sign your hardwood floor is experiencing water damage is warping and cupping. Drop a small bit of water on the floor to check if your hardwood floors need a new water-resistant finish. The water should rest on top instead of immediately soaking into the flooring.
If your hardwood floors encounter any of the issues mentioned, it’s time to seek a hardwood flooring professional.
How To Find A Hardwood Floor Contractor
Before hiring the first contractor you find on Google, it’s important to do your research. Receive quotes from at least three contractors and read their online reviews. Also, make sure your contractor has all the correct licenses and insurance. For 27 years Barnum Floors has been a member of the National Wood Flooring Association and the Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines. Looking to see if the contractor is involved in professional organizations can represent their commitment.
What To Consider Before Refinishing Your Hardwood Floors
Hiring a contractor is crucial to get your hardwood floors refinished since they’re the ones sanding and completing the project, but there’s work on your part too. It’s important to know the things below before refinishing your hardwood floors.
How To Prepare Your House For A Hardwood Floor Finish
Depending on the size of your refinishing project, do you need to find alternative housing while your project is completed? Suppose only a living room is being completed. In that case, alternative housing is most likely not necessary, but if you’re refinishing multiple rooms, leaving the space may be more convenient for you and the contractors. Before you leave, make sure all furniture and items are removed.
Pick a Stain and Finish
Your contractor can give recommendations and help you find a stain, natural finish, or hard wax oil, but ultimately it’s your choice to pick how you’d like your hardwood floors to look. A quick tip about hardwood floor stains: Dark stains show more dust and hair, while lighter stains can brighten and enlarge a space. Your lifestyle will affect your choices because finish also has different characteristics. It is also critical to take into consideration your current environment, such as the color of cabinetry, trim work, built-ins, and existing furniture. Barnum Floors works actively with you to make the best selection by visiting all homes during the quoting process to make excellent recommendations
Sheen is another selection you need to make. Matte sheen shows fewer scratches than satin or semi-gloss polyurethane, but you lose the glossy finish. And, a water-based polyurethane will dry faster with a weaker odor but can cost more.
Partner With Barnum Floors!
If you’re ready to start on your hardwood floor refinishing project or have more questions, our team at Barnum Floors is here to guide you through every step of the process. With decades of expertise, we pride ourselves on delivering flooring solutions and unmatched customer support. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us to experience the difference Barnum Floors can make in your home. Contact us today!
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