NEW LIFE FOR OLD HARDWOODS
Whether it’s oak, maple, walnut, cherry, bamboo, mahogany, or another species, there’s nothing quite like the natural beauty and ruggedness of a hardwood floor. Problem is, this flooring can get worn down over time with scratches, stains, gouges, nicks, and water damage, significantly diminishing its appearance and value.
Fortunately, you can revitalize existing hardwood flooring, making it look virtually as good as new, by carefully refinishing the surface, which essentially involves sanding down the top layer, making repairs if needed, and applying a special stain and sealant to give it an attractive look and durable sheen. And the good news is that hardwoods can be sanded down multiple times over their lifespan, depending on the integrity of the wood and grain.
“The value in restoring older existing hardwood lies in keeping your home’s original elements preserved and increasing your property’s value,” says Ralph Severson, owner of Flooring Masters in New Albany, Indiana.
However, it’s a project that’s best left to experts who have their own industrial-strength floor sanding machine and plenty of experience refinishing hardwoods.
“There are many issues you can run into with this process. Experience is the only fix for these issues. Renting equipment and doing it yourself would likely not be very cost-effective, and you might end up damaging your floors,” cautions Scott Johnston, owner/operator of Raleigh, North Carolina-based Carpet Care of the Carolinas.
“Refinishing hardwood floors is not an easy task. Quarter round and baseboard trim may need to be removed. Any nails that have worked loose must be reset. A floor sander will need to be run across the floor to remove the old finish and level it. Then, a palm sander may need to be used to sand any low spots,” Severson explains.
After the sanding and repair process is complete, the flooring is usually stained and sealed with one to three coats of polyurethane or a water-based urethane, either in a satin, semi-gloss, or gloss sheen, depending on your preference.
“Alternatively, many people nowadays are going the old-fashioned route of applying several coats of tung or linseed oil to bring out the natural beauty of the wood without altering the color,” adds Severson.
Typically, the only time a hardwood floor is not refinishable is if most of the boards have been warped or cupped due to moisture damage. If so, new or reclaimed boards can be used to replace them, but they may be a bit mismatched even after staining and finishing, warns Severson.
After refinishing your hardwoods, perform regular upkeep and follow best practices to preserve the attractive finish and extend the longevity of your floor.
“Consistent maintenance is important. Never use aggressive or harsh cleaners on your hardwoods. Always start with a dry mop cleaning, then damp water cleaning, and use a mild cleaner that is recommended by your hardwood expert,” advises Scott Johnston. “Above all, never use wax-based products.”