What to Expect During Hardwood Floor Sanding and Refinishing

Hardwood sanding and refinishing can restore floors that have become scratched, faded, dull, or worn.

Homeowners are often unsure what the process involves or how they should prepare. Although every project is different, most professional refinishing jobs follow several basic stages.

Step 1: Evaluating the Floor

The first step is determining whether the floor is a good candidate for refinishing.

The flooring professional may look at:

• Type of hardwood

• Overall condition

• Deep scratches or stains

• Damaged or loose boards

• Previous refinishing work

• Thickness of the flooring

• Areas that may need repair

• Transitions between rooms

Any major concerns should be discussed before sanding begins.

Step 2: Choosing the Stain and Finish

Homeowners may choose to keep the floor close to its natural appearance or select a different stain color.

Gomez Flooring offers custom stain work, allowing the color to be adjusted to better complement the home’s cabinets, trim, furniture, and overall design.

The homeowner will also need to choose between an oil-based or water-based finish.

Oil-based finishes generally create a warmer appearance. Water-based finishes generally remain clearer, produce less odor, and dry more quickly.

The final choice depends on the desired appearance and the needs of the household.

Step 3: Preparing the Work Area

Furniture and movable belongings must be cleared from the rooms being refinished.

Preparation may also involve:

• Removing rugs

• Protecting nearby areas

• Discussing access to the home

• Planning for pets and children

• Identifying areas that will not be usable

• Confirming the work sequence

The exact preparation requirements should be confirmed before the project begins.

Step 4: Sanding the Existing Floor

Professional sanding removes the old finish and smooths the surface of the wood.

Several sanding stages may be needed. Coarser sanding removes the existing finish and heavier wear. Finer sanding creates a smoother surface before stain and finish are applied.

Edges, corners, closets, and areas near walls require additional attention.

The quality of the sanding process has a major effect on the final result. Uneven sanding can become more visible after stain is applied.

Step 5: Completing Necessary Repairs

Some damaged areas may become more noticeable after sanding begins.

Repairs may include replacing damaged boards, securing loose flooring, or correcting small problem areas.

Any unexpected repair work should be discussed with the homeowner before additional work is completed.

Step 6: Applying the Stain

When a stain is selected, it is applied after the sanding process is complete.

The stain changes the color of the wood while allowing the grain to remain visible. Different wood species absorb stain differently, which is why samples on the actual floor can be helpful.

Homeowners should approve the stain direction before the entire floor is completed.

Step 7: Applying the Protective Finish

After staining, protective finish coats are applied.

The finish helps protect the floor from normal traffic, spills, scratches, and wear. Both oil-based and water-based options are available.

The number of coats, drying requirements, and re-entry time depend on the finish system used and the conditions inside the home.

Homeowners should follow the specific instructions provided for their project.

Step 8: Allowing the Floor to Cure

A floor may feel dry before the finish is fully cured.

During the curing period, homeowners may need to limit:

• Foot traffic

• Furniture placement

• Rugs

• Pet activity

• Cleaning products

• Heavy objects

Furniture and rugs should not be returned until the flooring professional says it is appropriate.

How Long Does Refinishing Take?

The schedule depends on:

• Size of the project

• Condition of the floor

• Repairs required

• Stain selection

• Finish type

• Drying conditions

• Number of finish coats

Because every home is different, Gomez Flooring should inspect the project before giving a timeline.

Restore Your Hardwood Floors

Gomez Flooring provides hardwood sanding and refinishing, custom stains, flooring repairs, and installation throughout Western North Carolina.

The company is family-owned, fully insured and bonded, and brings more than 20 years of flooring industry experience to each project.

Call 828-388-9411 or request an estimate through the Gomez Flooring website.