Refinishing Vs. Resurfacing Hardwood Floors

Fortunately, there are a few ways to bring your aged hardwood floors back to life. One of the more popular methods for reviving your floors is by refinishing or resurfacing them.

This blog post will cover everything you need to know about refinishing vs. resurfacing hardwood floors before deciding which process is suitable for your home. SO keep reading to learn everything you need to know!

When it comes to hardwood floors, there are two main ways to restore them: refinishing and resurfacing. But what’s the difference between the two?

What Is Hardwood Floor Refinishing?

Refinishing involves sanding down the floor to remove the top layer of the finish, then staining and sealing the wood. This is a more intensive process that will take several days to complete.

Refinishing hardwood floors is a process in which the old finish on your floors is stripped away, then a new finish is applied to the wood. The good thing about refinishing hardwood floors is that it can usually be done without removing the old boards, which can be time-consuming and expensive.

While refinishing hardwood floors can be an excellent option for bringing old wood back to life, it’s a process that doesn’t happen overnight. It will likely take a few weeks to complete, and you’ll need to stay out of the room until the process is finished. But once it is, your hardwood floors will look brand new!

What Is Hardwood Floor Resurfacing?

Resurfacing uses a machine to sand off the top layer of finish and applies a new one. This process is less intensive than refinishing and can be done in just a few hours.

Hardwood floor resurfacing is when your existing surface is sanded down, then a new finish is applied to the wood. The good thing about hardwood floor resurfacing is that it’s a quick and relatively inexpensive process.

It can usually be done in a single day, with minimal disruption to your home. Unlike refinishing hardwood floors, where the old boards are stripped, sanded, and re-finished, hardwood floor resurfacing can be done with a single pass of the sanding machine.

The sanding process removes the top layers of wood, revealing the fresh wood below. Then a finish is applied to protect the wood.

Which Is Better: Resurfacing Or Refinishing?

When deciding between hardwood floor resurfacing or refinishing, it will depend on your specific needs and situation. Hardwood floor resurfacing is an excellent option if the wood on your floor is still sound but needs a fresh coat of finish.

On the other hand, if your wood has some warping or other damage, you’ll probably need to refinish the boards. Remember that refinishing will be a bit more expensive, time-consuming, and disruptive to your home.

How To Decide Which Type Of Hardwood Flooring Repair Is Right For You

When it comes to deciding which type of hardwood flooring repair is right for you, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to ensure that your hardwood flooring is good enough to warrant the repair.

Then, you’ll need to consider how much you’re willing to spend, how much time you’re ready to devote to the project, and how long you want the repairs to last.

While refinishing and resurfacing hardwood floors are long-lasting options, refinishing is a more permanent solution.

How To Refinish Hardwood Floors

If your hardwood floors are in good condition but need a fresh coat of finish, refinishing might be the proper repair. Refinishing hardwood floors involves removing the old finish, sanding down the boards, and applying a new finish coat.

To determine if your hardwood floors need refinishing, you’ll want to look for signs of warping or water damage and scratches and dents on the boards.

Once you’ve determined that refinishing is the proper repair for your floors, here are the steps you’ll need to take:

Clear the room: You’ll want to clear the room of all furniture and move any other items, such as houseplants, that could get in the way of the refinishing process.

Sand down the boards: Use an orbital sander to sand down the boards in the room. This will remove the old finish and any dents and scratches.

Apply stain: Once the boards are sanded down, you can apply a fresh coat of stain to the wood. This will introduce a new finish to the wood while also protecting it.

Let the finish dry: Once you’ve applied the stain, you’ll want to let it dry for 24 hours before moving back into the room.

What You Should Know Before Refinishing Hardwood Floors

Before you go ahead and refinish your hardwood floors, make sure you’re aware of certain factors that could affect the process. First, make sure you have the correct type of wood in your home.

This can be tricky, but there are a few key things to look out for. If you see any boards with a swirly grain, they’re mahogany. If there are boards with a curly grain, they’re maple. If there are boards with an S-shaped grain pattern, they’re probably oak. 

Next, you’ll want to make sure you have enough room to work. Refinishing hardwood floors can be a very messy process. If you don’t have plenty of space and patience, it’s probably a better idea to hire a professional to do the job for you.

Sanding And Refinishing Overview

First, you’ll want to sand down your floors so you can get rid of any old finish and bare boards. If you don’t sand down your floors, your new finish won’t stick.

You don’t need to get your floors completely smooth, but sanding down the surface will make the application of your new finish much easier. For your first sanding pass, you’ll want to use 80-grit sandpaper.

This will remove most of the old finish while still letting you keep as much of the original wood grain as possible. After sanding, you’ll clean your floor thoroughly and apply your finish.

You’ll want to wear proper safety gear like gloves and a respirator while sanding. Don’t worry—refinishing hardwood floors isn’t as tricky as it sounds. It just takes a little preparation and patience.

If you have any uneven boards that are bowed or warped, you’ll want to be extra careful when sanding them down. These boards can be more prone to deep scratches, which will show through your new finish.

Sanding And Refinishing Equipment

It’s essential to have the right equipment for sanding and refinishing hardwood floors. You’ll want to use a large enough drum sander to get the job done for sanding but not remove too much of the wood grain.

If you’re using an electric sander, it’s best to get a smaller one and use plenty of dust extraction. You’ll want a low finish for your final finish- to no VOC.

A low-VOC finish will have fewer indoor air pollutants that can harm your health. Be sure to follow the instructions on the can and apply a single coat of finish. You’ll want to let the floor dry for a day or two and put down a layer of polyurethane.

Staining Or Painting?

Should you stain or paint your hardwood floors? Before we go any further, a word of caution: if you’re painting your hardwood floors, you need to use special water-based paint that’s safe for wood surfaces. If you try to use regular oil-based paint, it will damage your floors and leave them sticky and gross.

If you use water-based paint, you can rest assured that your floors will stay nice and clean. If you’re staining your floors, you have more freedom with color. You can go bold with a dark red or a warm oak color, or keep things more toned down with a classic walnut stain.

If you’re painting your floors, you have a few more options. You can use wood stain, paint, or a combination of both. Just make sure you’re using water-based paint or stain if you’re painting.

Resolving VOC Issues

There are ways to lower the VOCs in your finish, but only if using an oil-based finish. You can add a few additives to your oil-based finish to reduce the VOCs.

One option is to add a small amount of vegetable oil to your finish. You can also add a small number of mineral spirits to your finish to reduce the VOCs. Make sure you test these additives on a small section of your floor to ensure they don’t affect the finish.

Solid Hardwood Floors: Polyurethane Coating Replacement

Suppose your hardwood floors are made of solid hardwood and have a polyurethane coating. In that case, you may be able to sand down your floors and apply a new polyurethane coating.

Solid hardwood floors that have been protected with polyurethane are easy to refinish because they already have a smooth finish. You’ll want to sand down the finish and remove any old polyurethane before continuing.

After the floor is completely smooth, you’ll want to clean the floor thoroughly. You can use a TSP substitute or hot water and bleach mixture.

Next, you’ll want to apply a coat of polyurethane using a large brush. Let the polyurethane dry for several hours, and then apply a second coat.

Solid Hardwood Floors: Resanding And Coating Replacement

If your hardwood floors are made of solid wood and don’t have a finish, you’ll need to sand down the boards and apply a new finish. You’ll want to use a large drum sander to sand down the boards.

Make sure you’re wearing proper safety gear, and have plenty of room to work. You’ll want to sand down the boards until they’re smooth.

After sanding, you’ll need to clean the wood thoroughly. You can use a TSP substitute or hot water and bleach mixture. Next, you’ll want to apply a coat of finish. You’ll want to wait at least 12 hours between coats.

Make sure you’re using a low-VOC finish. You’ll need to apply a minimum of three coats of finish. You’ll want to let each coat dry for about 24 hours.

What’s Under The Current Finish?

If you’ve decided to refinish your hardwood floors, you may also want to consider stripping off the current finish so you can apply a finish of your choice.

If you want to keep the same type of finish, you can do this by sanding off the old finish. If you’re using a water-based finish and want a different type of finish, you can use a chemical stripper.

Make sure you read the instructions carefully and follow the safety precautions. Once you’ve stripped off the old finish, you’ll need to sand the wood down until it’s smooth.

Cost Of Refinishing Hardwood Floors

Finally, we’ve come to the big question: what is the cost? It’s hard to say precisely how much it will cost to refinish your hardwood floors. It will depend on the condition of your floors, the type of finish you choose, and how many coats of finish you apply.

If you decide to sand down your floors, you may be looking at around $600. If you choose to apply a new finish, you may be looking at around $800.

If you’re not sure if refinishing your hardwood floors is worth it, try this trick: take a piece of paper and write down everything you’d spend to refinish your hardwood floors.

Then, take another piece of paper and write down everything you’d spend to replace your hardwood floors. Compare the two lists and see which one is more expensive. In most cases, refinishing your hardwood floors will be cheaper than replacing them.

Tips For Refinishing Hardwood Floors - Helpful Hints For Better Results!

Know The Logistics Before You Start

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Measure twice, cut once”? Well, it applies here. Ideally, you’ll want to remove all the existing flooring, clean the subfloor, and then have enough time to let the room air out before introducing new furnishings and finishing your floor.

Otherwise, you risk introducing dust into your home that will linger and become trapped in your hardwood finish. And while professional refinishers have unique containment systems in place, many homeowners put down a tarp and seal off the room entirely.

If the subfloor has been stained in the past, you may want to remove it with a chemical stripper first. If you do, do your homework, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and take all necessary precautions.

Use High-Quality Products

This may sound like a no-brainer, but it’s essential to use quality products designed to refinish wood floors. This includes your choice of stain, varnish, and brushes.

Stain is the coloring agent that will give cedar, oak, or other types of hardwood the color you want. The best stains are oil-based, low VOC (volatile organic compound), and have a tinting base that allows you to adjust the color intensity.

Varnish is the top coat that protects the wood. It can be either oil- or water-based. Oil-based is more durable, but water-based is easier to apply and clean up.

You’ll also need a sealer and wood conditioner. A sealer will help protect the wood from moisture, wear and tear and UV damage.

Be Sure To Sand Everything

After removing the existing wood or old finish from your boards, you’ll want to sand the wood with medium grit sandpaper. While this step can be tedious and time-consuming, it’s critical to getting a smooth and even finish.

Sanding will remove any stains, dents, and dings and help the stain and varnish to adhere better. Make sure to sand all edges, the underside, and the faces of all boards. You might also want to sand your subfloor, especially if it was stained previously.

Don’t Forget The Edges And Corners

When sanding, be sure to sand the edges and corners of the boards. This is a crucial step to avoid splintering, and it will also help the stain and varnish to adhere better.

When it comes to staining, it’s best to use two or three different stains to blend them into each other. This will give the floor a richer, more exciting look.

For the edges and corners, it’s best to use a brush with a very fine tip. If you decide to use an edging technique, you’ll want to brush the edges of the boards.

Mix Your Stain And Varnish – Don’t Buy Pre-Mixed

When you buy pre-mixed stains and varnishes, you don’t know exactly what’s in the can. They’re also more expensive and have a shorter shelf life than buying your ingredients and mixing them yourself.

Most experts recommend a natural oil-based finish. It dries quickly, provides more UV protection, and is easier to clean up than traditional water-based varnishes.

If you use water-based varnish, you’ll need to clean up with water and paper towels, whereas oil-based will clean up with mineral spirits.

Check For The Final Color On A Sample Board

Even if you have a stain chart, it’s essential to check the color on a sample board.

First, make sure the stain is mixed well and applied the same way on all boards. Second, different woods react to stains in different ways. Third, you may want to adjust the color after the floor has dried.

Don’t forget to check for color uniformity across the entire floor.

Be Prepared To Seal With More Than One Coat Of Varnish

You may need to seal your wood two or three times to achieve a smooth, even finish. The first sealant will probably look streaky or cloudy, and you’ll want to sand it and then seal the floor a second time.

Using the correct technique, the second sealant should be much smoother, but you may still have to seal the floor a third time.

Don’t Forget The Smell Test

When you’re ready to seal the final product, do a smell test.

Ensure that you’re not getting a strong chemical smell from the varnish or sealer. It’s normal for the first coat of varnish to smell a bit, but if it’s overpowering, you may want to try a different brand.

Remember, the first coat will probably look cloudy. Wait for the second coat to dry before deciding if you want to change brands.

How To Resurface Hardwood Flooring

If your hardwood floors are in good condition but need a fresh coat of finish, resurfacing might be the proper repair for you.

Hardwood floor resurfacing is a quick and relatively inexpensive process in which the existing finish on the boards is removed, then a new finish is applied to the wood. Before deciding on hardwood floor resurfacing, you’ll want to make sure that the boards are good enough for the repair.

Additionally, you’ll want to consider how much time you’re willing to spend on the project in addition to how much money.

Unlike refinishing hardwood floors, where the old boards are stripped, sanded, and re-finished, hardwood floor resurfacing can be done with a single pass of the sanding machine. The sanding process removes the top layers of wood, revealing the fresh wood below. Then a finish is applied to protect the wood.

Why Resurface Hardwood Floors?

Resurfacing your floors is a cost-effective way to transform your home. Hardwood floors are beautiful, warm, and timeless. But over time, they can become dull, worn, and scratched.

If you are looking for an affordable way to refresh and revive your old floors, resurfacing is excellent. This process applies a new finish to your existing hardwood flooring, giving it a unique appearance while extending the life of your floors at the same time.

Which Type of Resurfacing Is Best?

Resurfacing is one of the most popular methods of restoring hardwood floors. It is a very cost-effective way to revive your floors without replacing them.

Resurfacing hardwood floors can renew their appearance and extend their life. Many different types of finishes can be applied to hardwood floors. These include gloss, semi-gloss, matte, and wax-based finishes.

Which finish you choose will depend on a few factors.

• Your lifestyle and the amount of foot traffic in your home - If you have children and pets, you may want to choose a matte or semi-gloss finish. These finishes are generally easier to clean and stainless.
• Room decor - If you're going to add a pop of color and modern design to your space, a glossy finish might be right for you.
• Your budget - The type of finish that you choose to apply to your hardwood floors can affect their appearance and how long they will last.

How To Mopresurface Hardwood Floors

Mopresurfacing is a fast, do-it-yourself approach to reviving your floors. It is recommended for those who have light traffic in their homes and don’t mind a more vintage look and feel.

The more surfacing method is great for homeowners on a budget who don’t mind a less glossy and more vintage finish. Mopresurfacing is a very affordable way to renew the life of your old floors.

You need some hardwood floor refinishing products, a mop, and a couple of hours to spare. Here are the steps for more surfacing hardwood floors: Use a sponge mop to apply a thin coat of hardwood floor finish. Buff the finish with a clean, dry rag. Let the finish dry for at least 24 hours before walking on it.

How To Solve Rot Problems Before Resurfacing

Rot is a serious problem affecting even the best quality hardwood floors. Rot can happen to any type of wood, but it is more common in hardwood floors because of the high level of moisture in the air.

To prevent rot in your hardwood floors before resurfacing them, you need to control the amount of moisture in the air by:

• Keeping humidity levels below 50%
• Ensuring the subfloor is completely dry before installing hardwood floors
• Installing a moisture barrier
• Cleaning and removing all debris, dirt, and dust from the subfloor before installing your hardwood floors

Hardwood Floor Sanding And Refinishing Tools

Utility Knife

A utility knife is a versatile tool convenient for cutting wood, plastic, and drywall. This will come in handy for scoring, marking, and cutting the sanding strips.

Work Gloves

Work gloves will protect your hands from splinters and other hazards.

Miter Or Hand Saw

A miter or hand saw will come in handy for cutting the sanding and finish strips. 

Electric Sander

An electric sander is a handheld, corded power tool that can be used for various projects. It can be used to sand and remove the old finish.

Vacuum

A vacuum is a handy tool to have in your home to clean up messes. It will come in handy to clean up sawdust and other debris that results from sanding.

Wood Grinding Equipment

A wood grinding machine is a powerful tool that can remove the old finish and prep the wood for a new one.

Vinyl And Laminate Floor Resurfacing

Vinyl and laminate floors are affordable, durable, and come in various patterns and designs. They are easy to clean and maintain, making them suitable for high-traffic areas.

To resurface vinyl and laminate floors, you must sand them down to the wood subfloor using a floor sander or belt sander. The sanded subfloor will need to be thoroughly cleaned and dried before applying the new finish.

Vinyl and laminate floor resurfacing can be done with essential tools, such as a floor sander, vacuum cleaner, and a paintbrush.

Reinforcing wood planks is a necessary first step. This will ensure that the new finish adheres appropriately and prevents future damage.

Pros And Cons Of Each Material

Wood Flooring

Pros: Wood flooring is a classic choice that always looks good. It comes in various species and finishes, so you can choose the type that best fits your style. Wood flooring

Cons: Wood flooring is susceptible to damage and wear. It also needs to be maintained regularly with proper cleaning and periodic refinishing.

Vinyl Flooring

Pros: Vinyl is easy to install and clean. It comes in a variety of styles, including tiles and sheet goods.

Cons: Vinyl flooring is expensive. It is not a great choice if you have kids or pets since it is not very durable.

Laminate Flooring

Pros: Laminate flooring is a popular choice for high-traffic areas. It comes in many different styles and designs, as well as colors.

Cons: Laminate flooring is expensive and will not last as long as a hardwood floor. It is not a great choice if you have kids or pets since it is not very durable.

Tips For Resurfacing Hardwood Floors

Check The Condition Of Your Floors

Before you can decide what type of finish you want for your floors, you have to know the state of their health. The most important thing to look for is the amount of finish left on your floors. Your floors will have to be refinished if it's completely gone, not just resurfaced.

If this is the case, you’ll need to get an estimate from a contractor to determine if it’s worth it to refinish your floors. If there’s still some finish left on your floors, they can probably just be resurfaced.

You also want to check the color of your wood to see if refinishing is even necessary. If your wood's color is no different from the color, you would like it to be, then you don’t have a color issue.

If there is a difference in the color, you will have to refinish it before resurfacing it.

Decide On Whether You Want To Stain Or Varnish

There are many things to consider when deciding which finish going with, but the main decision is to stain or varnish your floors. While they both provide excellent protection, they also look different.

As the name suggests, varnishes are generally thicker than stains. Varnishes leave no visible coat on your floors, so they don’t affect the color. On the other hand, stains are designed to leave a visible coat on your floors and therefore change their color.

Choose Your Finish Type

Refinishing floors is typically done with either a wax or a solvent-based finish. A solvent-based finish is a coating that is usually brushed onto floors.

Wax finishes are applied with a rag and are more common in commercial settings. Both are effective in their ways, which comes down to personal preference. Once you’ve decided on the type of finish, you’ll want to select a color.

This is important because you can’t change the color of the finish after you’ve applied it. It’s worth noting, however, that most stains come in a wide range of colors, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a color that suits you.

Look At Your Color Options

If you’ve chosen to stain your floors, you don’t have to worry about this section. However, if you’ve selected to varnish your floors, it’s crucial to choose a color that fits your décor.

You can do this by choosing a color from a paint chart. For example, if you’ve painted your walls blue, you’d probably want to select a blue stain. You can also visit a home improvement store to see the different options.

Decide On A Contractor

Resurfacing is a pretty straightforward process, but it’s crucial to find a contractor who knows what they’re doing. You can find contractors in your area by searching online, reading reviews, or talking to people you know who have done renovations in the past.

When you find contractors, ask them about their experience with resurfacing floors. You can also ask them about their process, what materials they use, and how much the process costs.

Keep in mind that the cost of resurfacing floors will vary based on the size of your floors and the type of finish you choose. A contractor will be able to give you a more accurate estimate once they come out to look at your floors.

Don’t Forget About Maintenance

Once you’ve resurfaced your floors, you’ll want to be extra vigilant about their maintenance. This means that you should be sure not to drag heavy objects across the floors, and you should try to keep them as clean as possible.

If you follow these tips, you should be able to decide how to best care for your flooring. Resurfacing is a quick and effective way to make your floors look new again. Now all you have to do is pick a finish and contractor!

How To Seal And Protect Your New Floor

Once you have resurfaced your floor, it is essential to seal and protect it. This will help prolong the life of your new floor and keep it looking its best. The type of sealer you use will depend on the kind of flooring.

For hardwood floors, you can use a water-based polyurethane sealer. For vinyl and laminate floors, you can use a urethane-based sealer. For concrete floors, you can use an epoxy-based sealer. Once you have applied the sealer, let it dry completely before walking on the floor or placing furniture.

Follow these tips to refinish or resurface your hardwood floors and extend their life. Depending on the type of flooring you have, the process will vary. Be sure to consult a professional if you are unsure about how to proceed.

Why Should You Refinish Or Resurface Hardwood Floors?

When deciding whether or not to refinish or resurface your hardwood floors, you’ll want to think about a few different things. First, you’ll want to consider the condition of your existing boards. With hardwood floors, you typically have two options:

You can either have your existing boards refinished or have new hardwood installed. While refinishing hardwood floors can be a great option, it’s generally more expensive than installing new boards.

If your existing boards are in good enough condition and just need a fresh coat of finish, then refinishing can be a great option. Meanwhile, if your boards are warped or water-damaged, you’re going to want to replace them with new boards.

Which Type Of Flooring Is Best: Refinishing Or Resurfacing?

When deciding which type of flooring is best for refinishing or resurfacing, you’ll want to consider a few things.

First, take a look at the boards in your room. Are they warped? If so, you’ll want to go with new hardwood floors. If your boards are in good enough condition but just need a fresh coat of finish, you can go with either option.

Both refinishing and resurfacing hardwood floors will extend the life of your floors and give them a fresh, new look!

Which Option Is Right For You?

So, which option is right for you? It depends on the condition of your floors and your personal preference. If your floors are in good condition but just need a fresh coat of finish, resurfacing may be the way to go. However, if your floors are heavily damaged or stained, refinishing will give you the best results.

No matter which option you choose, restoring your hardwood floors will add value and beauty to your home. So don’t wait any longer – call a professional today and get started on bringing your floors back to life!

Wrapping up

Hardwood floors are beautiful additions to any home and can add a lot of value when done right. But if your hardwood floors are looking a little worn, don’t worry! You can either refinish or resurface your wood to give it a fresh new look while extending its life.

If you’re thinking about refinishing or resurfacing your hardwood floors, take all of this information into consideration. The process isn’t inexpensive, and it can take a few weeks to complete, but it’s a great way to breathe new life into your old wood and bring your home’s aesthetic up to date.