Something we have heard time and time again that really rings true is that nothing lasts forever. When it comes to flooring, it may not last forever, but there are ways you can stretch it as far as possible. Whether you’ve fallen in love with your current floors or you simply don’t want to deal with an entire replacement, refinishing is a great option. Hardwood floor refinishing works by revamping your current flooring, keeping them as close to their original state as possible.
Refinishing is a viable option when floors have obtained mild to moderate damage that doesn’t impact their overall function and safety. Scratches, scuffs, dents, and chips are all cosmetic entities that can be fixed with refinishing.
Unsure about whether or not hardwood floor refinishing is right for your North Vancouver home? Here is everything you need to know to help you make your decision!
First of all, how long does it take to refinish hardwood floors?
The process depends entirely on the size of the space. The more square footage you are looking to have refinished, the longer the process will take. The minimum duration it takes to refinish hardwood floors falls between 3-4 days. This includes the process itself as well as the drying period. If you are looking to cover more square footage, the process may take an extra day or two depending on the pace at which the cntractor works.
Can I live in my home while the process is being done?
Whether or not you can live in your home or not is also contingent on the size of the project. If you are refinishing a majority or all of your hardwood flooring, you will not be able to stay in your home. When it comes to refinishing smaller areas, it depends on where those areas are. If they are high frequency areas such as the entryway, stairs, or hallways, you will not be able to live in your home. If the refinishing is being done in a room or space where foot traffic is not prevalent for the time being, such as a new room, you may be able to stay in your home. However, many opt to stay out of their homes until the job is completely done due to the smells and sounds.
How much does it cost to sand and refinish hardwood floors?
Cost is subjective based on a few factors. Factors that impact the cost include:
- Condition of the current flooring
- Type of flooring
- Total square footage of project
- How much work is required
Typical costs hover anywhere from $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot. The more expensive the initial materials, the higher the cost. The current condition also impacts the price. The more labour required, the more a contractor may charge. A more obvious determining factor of price is the square footage of the area you would like refinished. Prior to contacting a contractor, have a rough idea of the square footage you would like refinished as well as the type of flooring currently in place.
Can I refinish my flooring by myself?
If you have vast experience in flooring, you can refinish your flooring on your own, however, it isn’t recommended. While some people assume a DIY project is more cost-efficient than hiring a person or a company, it could actually end up becoming more costly! Professionals have a lot of experience and knowledge in the matter, ergo, their margin for error is slim. If anything should go wrong, contractors and companies are backed by insurance and will cover any mishaps.
If you do the job yourself, you may risk doing so incorrectly, which in that case, would be grounds for retrying or inevitably hiring someone. While it may be more upfront to hire a professional, it can save you money in the long run.
How do I know if I need refinishing or replacing?
To refinish or replace – that is the question. Many people favour refinishing because it is typically the cheaper option, however, sometimes replacement is necessary. If the structural integrity, safety, or function of the flooring are compromised, replacement is the necessary option. Refinishing is appropriate when the damage is cosmetic – scratches, chips, scuffs, etc. If you find the overall structure of your flooring is weakened or damaged or there are massive and obvious issues (leaks, mold, holes), refinishing is simply not enough.
It’s important to communicate any issues you have with your flooring with the professional to ensure the right decision is made when it comes to your flooring.
Refinishing your flooring can help bring them back to life and restore them to what they once were. If you’re not ready to replace your beloved flooring, refinishing is certainly a viable option.
Looking to get your floors refinished? We are happy to help – give us a shout!