Choosing a contractor for hardwood floor refinishing is important, but you don’t have to spend a lot of time researching them. If you can spend a long weekend and have patience, you can finish the job yourself. Here are some tips that can help you get started. A good contractor will be able to provide you with a quote and a timeline. Moreover, he will be able to work with your specific budget.
The first step in hardwood floor refinishing is sanding. It is necessary because it will remove the old stain, leaving a clean canvas. You can also do this yourself if you know how to sand and finish wood floors. You should also ensure that the room where you want to refinish the floor is free of any furniture or items. After sanding, the finishing product must dry for 24 hours. If you don’t have time, you should hire a professional.
Then, you can choose between water-based and oil-based polyurethane. The former will last longer than the latter, but it takes twice as long to dry. A water-based polyurethane refinishing will be less costly. However, it will take up to four days before you can walk on it again. Make sure to clear away all of the debris and furniture from your work area. Before you begin, make sure that you secure loose floorboards.
Before hiring a professional, make sure you know exactly what kind of floor you have. A typical hardwood floor can be refinished four or five times before it needs replacement. So, you don’t need to worry about how much thickness remains in your floors if you know about its history. Depending on its thickness, you might even be able to save money by choosing a cheaper option. And, you can also check the quality of the finished product.
Depending on your hardwood floor type and condition, you can choose between three different methods for refinishing. If the floor is in good condition, you may not need to refinish it more than four times. But if your existing hardwood flooring is damaged, you should consider the cost of a professional. Generally, it is a one-time investment, but it will make a huge difference if you decide to sell the house. If it is not in great shape, you may have to spend a few hundred dollars on a new one.
Before you start refinishing your hardwood floors, it is important to prepare the area for the project. In case you’re moving out of the house, you can refinish a section or a single room. You can also hire a professional to refinish a large part of your floors. Afterwards, you’ll need to remove all items and leave the finished floor untouched for at least 24 hours.