It’s possible that you’ll find yourself caught between refinishing and restoring your hardwood floors when it comes to preserving their natural beauty. Both of these techniques are designed to improve the appearance of your floors and to make them last longer but they are not identical in terms of how they are carried out or the results they produce. It is time to investigate the distinctions and find out what is the difference between refinishing and refurbishing hardwood floors:
A Comprehensive Understanding of Hardwood Refinishing
The process of refinishing hardwood floors is analogous to pressing the “reset” button on your flooring. Your floor will be restored to its original perfect condition through the following series of steps:
- In the first phase of the process the current wood floor is sanded down. This is done in order to remove the top layer of the finish and reveal the raw wood hidden beneath. Scratches, dents and other defects are diminished as a result of this.
- During the smoothing out process, the floor is prepared for a new finish by being smoothed out after the top layer has been removed.
- Applying a new finish: At last a fresh finish is applied to the wood in order to strengthen its beauty and provide protection. Depending on your needs and preferences, this might be a stain or a clear coat.
Cost Considerations Regarding Refinishing
Refinishing hardwood floors may be expensive depending on a number of factors including the following:
- Due to the increasing amount of work and materials that are necessary, the cost of materials and labor will inevitably be higher for larger areas.
- It is possible that floors that have sustained severe damage or wear may require more intense sanding and preparation, which will result in an increase in the final cost.
Hardwood Refurbishing: What Does It Mean?
When it comes to revitalizing your flooring, resurfacing, which is also often known as refurbishment, offers a more expedient alternative that eliminates the substantial labor that is required for refinishing:
- Adding a new layer of finish to the surface: Resurfacing is a process that includes placing a fresh layer of finish directly over the surface that is already there as opposed to sanding down to the bare wood underneath. The appearance of the floor can be immediately improved as a result of this.
- It is not necessary to sand: This procedure eliminates the need for sanding resulting in a reduction in the amount of time and effort required.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Refurbishing
In general refurbishing is more cost-effective than other options because:
- Workforce reduction: It is possible to reduce the amount of work required because the sanding stage is removed.
- Less material usage: Because only a new coat of finish is put material costs are lower than when refinishing is done.
There is a possibility that the pricing will change depending on the type of finish that you select. Although they may be more expensive coatings of higher quality offer superior durability and attractiveness.
Refinishing or Refurbishing Hardwood Floors – Which Option is Best For You?
The decision between refinishing and refurbishing rely on a number of criteria including the following:
- The condition of the floor: In the event that your flooring have severe scratches, dents or uneven surfaces, refinishing is most likely the superior product to choose. Refurbishing may be a quick and cost-effective method for repairing minor wear and tear on an accessory.
- The price: Because of the extensive amount of time and materials that are required refinishing typically results in a higher cost but it may significantly improve the appearance of the floor. The process of refurbishing is less expensive and may revitalize the appearance of your flooring without requiring a significant amount of work to be done.
To make an educated choice it is essential to have a solid understanding of the distinctions between refinishing and refurbishing hardwood floors. For floors that have experienced serious damage, refinishing is an excellent option since it entails sanding down to the raw wood and putting a fresh finish. On the other hand, refurbishing involves adding a new layer of finish on top of the one that is already there. This is an appropriate method for addressing small faults and providing a speedy refresh.
Are you prepared to give the hardwood flooring a rejuvenation? You should seek the advice of a specialist right away in order to acquire more information regarding the most effective method for your floors.
It is possible to ensure that your hardwood floors will continue to be attractive and durable for many years to come if you make use of these advice and have a solid awareness of the essential choices.