Hardwood floor and cabinet restoration are something that can be done from time to time if you want to give your floor a little polish. There are two ways to do this: repairing and refinishing.
The first way to go about restoring your wood is to take a look at the stain. Some stains are designed to “restore,” which means that they will leave behind a more natural finish when you walk on them. Others will have the same effect but without any added benefits.
Hardwood floors that need refinishing, however, are a different story. If the old finish has yellowed, it’s a sign that your refinishing is necessary. In these cases, the best way to make the floors look like new is to add a layer of oil-based stain, such as urethane. If you have no intention of refinishing the floors, but just need to wipe off the chips and scratches, apply a good grade of urethane, and wipe away.
While refinishing and restoring hardwood floors might sound like a hassle, there are only a few reasons why it’s necessary. The first is when the original finish is outdated or damaged beyond repair, and the second is when the floors have been neglected for a while and now need a fresh coat of oil-based product.
Wood can look great when it’s well-cared for. You don’t have to replace the floors all the time, either, because there’s no reason to do so. Most hardwood floors should hold up to two coats of urethane, even if you decide to not have it refinish. If your floors are already in a state of disrepair, however, you might want to consider some of the following options:
Sanding and finishing your floor is an option, but you’ll want to think about the amount of time you have before deciding to do so. When you decide to sand, you need to be sure that the abrasives you’re using are not going to harm the wood. Also, don’t go with too much, as the harder you work the more quickly your hardwood floors will chip and bleed.
After you’ve completed the sanding and the tough, high-quality surface preparation, you can start sanding again. Be sure to keep your dust collection system running, or you’ll have a dust problem on your hands. After each full sanding you should apply a wax or sealant based on your preference.
If you choose to have your hardwood floors refinished, you should consider a lot of things like getting the job done by a wood refinishing service provider before you get started. Choose wisely, and the results will be worth the time and effort.