Hardwood flooring is one of the most durable options for a home, and it’s easy to maintain. It’s also one of the most beautiful, thanks to its distinctive grain and natural character.
It’s important to choose hardwoods that are rated high on the Janka hardness scale, which measures how easily they can be dented by force. For example, oak floors are tougher than maple floors, so they’re better suited for high-traffic rooms. Let’s dive deeper into types of floors with pros at Hardwood Floor Refinishing.
Sanding
Sanding a hardwood floor is a complex task that requires proper preparation, knowledge and a lot of hard work. It’s also a risky job that can be costly.
Before you begin sanding your floor, make sure it’s clean and free of dust. This dust can cause respiratory issues and even block heating vents in the house.
You can protect yourself from breathing in this toxic dust by stocking up on dust masks, earplugs and NIOSH-approved organic vapor respirators.
When sanding hardwood floors, you’ll also need to protect your skin and eyes. Use neoprene or vinyl gloves, and eye protection with splash guards to prevent contact with the sanding dust.
To ensure your hardwood floors are smooth and sanded to perfection, you’ll need to use a variety of different grits of sandpaper. Start with a coarse grit and then move to finer grits until the floor is as smooth as possible.
Staining
Staining a hardwood floor is a good option for homeowners who want to change the color of their floors. It can also be used to cover up stains and restore wood floors that have been damaged or worn down.
If you’re considering staining your floors, it’s best to do it properly. The result will be a beautiful and durable finish that is easy to maintain.
Before you start the staining process, make sure that your floors are cleaned up from sanding and buffing. Vacuum them thoroughly to remove all of the dust from the sanding process, and use a tack cloth to wipe off any dirt and grit.
If you’re planning to stain a new floor, it’s a good idea to choose a color that coordinates well with the decor of the room. This will help you choose the right color and avoid spending money on a color that doesn’t match your style.
Varnish
Varnish is the most common floor finish used for wood floors, favoured for its high wear resistance and low maintenance. Unlike oil and hard wax oil, it gives the wood a protective coating without changing its colour or hiding the grain.
Depending on your preference you can choose from water-based or oil-based varnishes, which emphasise the natural wood colour without adding extra pigment. You should consider the amount of traffic your floor is likely to receive before choosing a type of varnish.
Oil-based varnishes are thicker and require fewer coats but they take longer to dry. They also penetrate deeper into the wood and are better at resisting damage from frequent footfall and heavy furniture.
Polyurethanes are also available for hardwood floors. They are more durable than varnish and can be applied by hand, although it is recommended that professional services are sought in the case of extensive or heavy traffic.
Finishing
Refinishing a hardwood floor is an effective way to protect and enhance the natural beauty of your floors. It is also a more affordable option than replacing the wood, and it can be completed at home.
When refinishing your hardwood floors, make sure that you use a low-VOC finish for the final coats, as it is easier to breathe and can help prevent indoor air pollution. Water-based polyurethane is an excellent choice, but be sure to use a base coat before applying it.
A good sanding job is essential to ensure that the floor will accept a stain without looking blotchy or uneven. This is especially important for darker stains, which are more likely to appear blotchy on a dark floor.
A quarter-sheet sander is an easy tool for sanding the floor after the first coat of finish dries. Using a 220-grit sandpaper, sand down the raised grain and remove any excess dust or dirt.
