How to Restore Hardwood Floors
If your hardwood flooring is covered with carpet or another removable covering, you may want to restore it. In addition, you may want to restore hardwood flooring that has deep scratches, wear marks, or holes. In either case, there are many methods to restore the original wood look. These include using a wood stain or polyurethane.
How to apply wood stain
If you’re looking to restore your hardwood flooring, you may be wondering how to apply wood stain. Unlike painting walls, applying stain to a floor requires a skilled hand and proper precautions. Firstly, you must use a respirator mask. Remember that the finishing products contain toxic vapors that can affect the appearance of your floor. You should also make sure you use the right tools to apply stain to a floor, including a lambswool or staining sponge. It is not necessary to cut into the edges of the floor, but the process should be done in a methodical manner, starting with the far corner and working toward the door. Work in the direction of the grain of the wood to avoid pooling of the stain on the floor.
One coat of stain is sufficient to restore most types of wood finishes. However, you should consider applying a second coat to hide deeper scratches and protect the underlying wood. Always ensure that the second coat is at least half-full, and wait for three hours after the first coat is dry.
How to apply polyurethane
Before applying polyurethane, you must prepare the floor by sanding it down to “ready for finish” status. This process will also remove larger debris from the floor. Once the floor has been sanded, it’s time to apply the polyurethane. The best way to do this is by using a two-person team.
To apply polyurethane to hardwood floors, you can use a paint roller or a soft brush. The paint roller is easier to use and can reach harder areas than a brush.
How to repair high-traffic spots on hardwood floors
High-traffic areas on hardwood floors can cause serious damage. If not addressed, they will eventually scratch, dull, and break down the topcoat. To prevent this from happening, you can start by vacuuming regularly. Using a vacuum cleaner designed for wood floors is essential. You can also mop your floors to remove dust and dirt.
Scratches can also be repaired with fine steel wool. You can buy 0000 or 000-grade steel wool for about $4. Next, you can apply polyurethane to the surface. A 32-oz. can will cost around $12. Flooring Temecula You can use a lamb’s wool applicator or a natural-bristle brush to apply the polyurethane. Avoid foam brushes because they can create air bubbles.
Cost of refinishing hardwood floors
Refinishing a hardwood floor involves removing all furniture and other items from the floor and sanding down the surface to bare wood. This is a tedious and back-breaking job. Once the sanding is done, the wood will need to be covered to avoid spreading sawdust. Also, the refinishing process requires a topcoat to protect the floors from scratches and stains and to ensure that the floors will look refreshed for longer.
The cost of refinishing hardwood floors will vary. You should also consider the time it will take to complete the project. The time will depend on the condition of the weather, the number of coats you want, and whether you want a certain color or finish applied. This process can take a few hours or several days. However, you should always remember that the costs may include additional expenses such as furniture removal and moving.