What's Different Between Refinishing and Resurfacing Your Hardwood Floors
The terms "refinishing" and "resurfacing" are frequently used interchangeably when referring to hardwood flooring. The point is, though, that they are not equivalent. Due to the intense nature of refinishing, you will need to set aside several days for the process. By sanding and removing the top layer of your floor and then applying a fresh coat of finish, it dives deep and eliminates defects in your hardwood floors.Conversely, resurfacing requires less force. You may look refreshed without resorting to cosmetic surgery in just a few hours, making it the floor's equivalent of a spa day.
The decision between resurfacing and refinishing is important and depends entirely on your
needs. Do you want to change the color, or do you have deep-set stains or years
of wear and tear? Painting is probably your best option.Does your floor have a
lot of little scratches, or is it quite new? Resurfacing ought to work.
However, why even bother? A well-maintained hardwood floor makes your home
healthier since it requires less upkeep and is less likely to gather dust and
allergies. Maintaining your hardwood flooring in excellent shape is a wise choice in the long run. Maintaining the original appearance of your hardwood floors with refinishing or
resurfacing reduces the need for a complete replacement, which is expensive and
time-consuming. Furthermore, it's a pleasure to walk on and admire a gorgeous
hardwood floor.
Interior Remodeling: Flooring in a Home
What's Different Between Refinishing and Resurfacing Your Hardwood Floors?
NOV. 1, 2023, 6:45
AM EST
The terms "refinishing" and "resurfacing" are frequently used
interchangeably when referring to hardwood flooring. The point is, though, that
they are not equivalent. Due to the intense nature of refinishing, you will
need to set aside several days for the process.
If this is your first time, you might want to watch some videos or speak with an expert to
learn the tricks and mechanics. Sanding is an art, and if you do it incorrectly,
you risk creating uneven surfaces or even damaging your flooring.
Let us now address volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. They are frequently present in finishes, and it is not advisable to breathe them in. For a safer and greener job, select
hardwood floor finishes that have little to no volatile organic compounds
(VOCs). You should always choose high-quality brushes and varnishes while
buying because this is what you'll be using on a daily basis.
In addition,pre-mixed varnishes are convenient, but their limited color selection makes
them a bad choice. By creating your own, you can adjust the color to your
preference.
It usually takes more than one coat to seal the deal. To achieve that glossy, long-lasting
finish, you might need to apply several coats, depending on the product you use
and the state of your wood. You'll get the greatest effects if you have
patience and allow each coat to dry completely.
If you decide to go with the resurfacing option, you must first thoroughly inspect those boards and look for any indications of decay or significant damage.Like a new coat of
paint, resurfacing cannot address underlying structural problems. If rot
appears, you will need to lower the humidity levels; if the damage is severe,
refinishing may be the best option.
Second, the floor's appearance and durability are greatly influenced by the finish you choose. You have choices, ranging from wax-based treatments to gloss finishes. Every kind
of finish gives your room a distinct vibe. For instance, a gloss surface increases
reflection but may also make scratches more noticeable.Although it may need
regular upkeep, a matte finish offers a muted, natural appearance.
The resurfacing procedure is different when it comes to vinyl or laminate flooring. In this
case, specialist tools like a floor or belt sander are required to sand the
surface all the way down to the subfloor. After that's finished, the exposed
subfloor needs to be cleaned thoroughly and allowed to dry before a new finish
is applied.Additionally, remember the value of high-quality items even when
resurfacing requires less labor. A high-quality sealer or finish has a longer
lifespan in addition to improving appearance. This is especially important if
there is a lot of foot activity on your floor. If you choose a subpar product,
it will break down more quickly, and you will have to start the procedure
sooner than you would like.