Top 10 Questions About Hardwood Flooring Refinishing

Hardwood flooring is a timeless choice for any home, offering durability and natural beauty that can last for generations. However even the sturdiest hardwood floors can show signs of wear and tear over time. Refinishing your hardwood floors restores their original luster and can extend their life. Here are the top FAQs homeowners ask about hardwood flooring refinishing. What is Hardwood Floor Refinishing? Hardwood floor refinishing involves sanding down the top layer of the floor to remove scratches, stains, and imperfections, then applying a new stain and finish to protect the wood and enhance its appearance. How Do I Know if My Hardwood Floors Need Refinishing? Your hardwood floors need refinishing if they have visible scratches, dullness, and water damage or if the finish is worn through in high-traffic areas or if the wood is splintering, it's time to consider refinishing. Can All Hardwood Floors Be Refinished? Most solid hardwood floors can be refinished multiple times. However, engineered hardwood floors can typically only be refinished once or twice, depending on the thickness of the top layer of wood. How Long Does the Refinishing Process Take? The time required to refinish hardwood floors depends on the size of the area and the condition the floor is in but on average the process takes 3-7 days. This includes sanding, staining, and applying multiple coats of finish, with drying time between each step. What Type of Finish Should I Pick? There are several types of finishes to choose from, including oil-based polyurethane, water-based polyurethane, and wax finishes. Each type has its pros and cons regarding durability, appearance, and drying time. Can I Change the Color of My Hardwood Floors During Refinishing? Yes, refinishing is an excellent opportunity to change the color of your hardwood floors. After sanding, you can choose a new stain color. [...]

jennifer Griffin2024-07-01T19:19:59+00:00July 1st, 2024|Hardwood Floors, Hardwood Refinishing|

What things you should consider when installing engineered hardwood floors

When considering engineered hardwood flooring for your home, it's crucial to ask the right questions to make an informed decision. What is the thickness of the wear layer? The wear layer is the topmost layer of real hardwood veneer that bears the brunt of foot traffic and wear. A thicker wear layer indicates greater durability and longevity. Aim for a wear layer of at least 2 millimeters (mm) for high-traffic areas and at least 3mm for commercial spaces. What is the Janka hardness rating of the wood species? Janka hardness is a measure of a wood's resistance to indentation. A higher Janka rating indicates harder wood that can withstand scratches and dents better. Common hardwood species for engineered flooring include oak (Janka rating 1,720), maple (Janka rating 1,450), and walnut (Janka rating 1,670). What is the finish type and durability rating? The finish protects the wood and determines its sheen and stain resistance. Common finish types include urethane, aluminum oxide, and polyacrylic. Look for a finish with a high durability rating to ensure it can withstand wear and tear. What is the moisture resistance rating? Engineered hardwood is generally more moisture-resistant than solid hardwood due to its multi-ply construction. However, check the moisture resistance rating to determine its suitability for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms or basements. What is the warranty coverage? Warranties protect you against defects in materials and workmanship. Ask about the warranty coverage for both the wear layer and the overall structure of the flooring. A longer warranty period indicates greater confidence in the product's quality. What is the recommended installation method? Engineered hardwood can be installed using various methods, including nail-down, glue-down, or floating. Ask the installer about the recommended method for your subfloor and traffic conditions. What is the maintenance and care routine? Proper maintenance can extend [...]

jennifer Griffin2023-12-05T16:57:12+00:00December 5th, 2023|Engineered Hardwood Floors, Hardwood Floors|

Oil based vs. water based polyurethane

What is the difference between water based polyurethane and oil based polyurethane? Both oil and water based polyurethanes are like a coat of armor for the hardwood floor below, protecting the wood from damage. Each type of polyurethane is a sacrificial layer that will show scratches and wear marks over time, and both oil and water based polyurethane have their strengths! DURABILITY: If each product is applied properly using quality products, the difference in durability is indiscernible. A lot of clients think that water based poly is not as durable as an oil based poly, but a newer brand, quality water based poly will last just as long if it is well taken care of! COLOR: Oil-based poly has an amber hue, whereas water based poly is clear. An oil based polyurethane will continue to amber and darken over time, while water-based poly will remain clear for the lifetime of the hardwood floor. This color difference is less noticeable over a stained hardwood floor, but an oil based poly will still exhibit an amber hue that will continue to darken over time. DRYING TIMES: Oil-based poly takes much longer to dry and cure, and only one coat of oil based poly can be applied to a hardwood floor in 24 hours. Water-based poly dries much faster, and several coats (up to 4) can be applied in one day. Water-based poly can be walked on with socks in about 4-6 hours after last coat has been applied, while oil based poly must dry for at least 24 hours before walking on it with socks. SMELL: Oil-based poly has a very pungent smell and emits a strong chemical odor and noxious fumes while drying that should not be inhaled. We normally advise our clients to be out of the house and also to remove their [...]

jennifer Griffin2021-03-25T03:37:09+00:00July 15th, 2019|Hardwood Floors, Hardwood Refinishing|

Top 6 Trim Styles That Make Your Room Pop

Once you have decided on a beautifully hand-finished floor, putting thought into your choice of trim work is the key to giving your room a stylish, polished look. The right trim unites the floor, walls, window and door frames, and fixtures into a coherent whole. And there are countless options for each type of trim, from clean lines for a modern room to more decorative styles perfect for Victorian-style homes and more traditional settings. As you flip through catalogues and website pages of trim, think about the period and style of the architecture, the color and texture of each element of the room, as well as the type of atmosphere and furnishings you want for the space. Here are six common types of trim you may consider: Crown Molding: Traditionally found in a more decorative setting, this popular trim between the wall and ceiling has evolved, with more streamlined designs available for modern rooms, as well as more ornate styles. Crown moldings are great to consider when you have showcase fixtures such as chandeliers, as they draw the eye toward the ceiling. Baseboards: The baseboard is the most common type of trim, and for good reason. They cover the uneven joint between the wall and the floor and protect the wall from wayward feet, furniture, etc. Whatever style you choose, consider a quarter round or a shoe molding added to the bottom to make the baseboard thicker and help cover any expansion or contraction of the floor. Chair Rails: Also known as dado rails (in architecture, the dado is the lower part of a wall), chair rails are a type of molding fixed horizontally to the wall around the perimeter of the room. The purpose originally was both aesthetic and functional, as the paneling below [...]

jennifer Griffin2021-03-25T03:37:09+00:00April 8th, 2019|Hardwood Floors, Trim Carpentry, trim work|