If you have original hardwood floors that have seen better days, you may be wondering if it's possible to restore them to their former glory. The answer is a resounding yes! With proper hardwood floor refinishing, even floors that are scratched, stained, or showing signs of wear can be revitalized. Follow this guide to bring old hardwood floors back to life with the help of refinishing services.

Assess Floors for Refinish Viability

Before calling in the hardwood floor refinishing experts, assess whether your floors are viable candidates for this process. Solid wood with thicker planks is the best choice as it can stand up to repeated refinishing. Nail or staple-down installation also allows for sanding. As for the condition of the planks, the floors can't have gaps, bowing or cupping boards, or thick paint buildup because these features can prevent the wood from being properly exposed during sanding. If you're not sure about the condition of your floors or their potential for hardwood floor refinishing, have a professional come evaluate them.

Understand the Refinishing Process

The hardwood floor refinishing process involves several key steps performed by flooring professionals to reveal fresh wood and prepare it for protective finishes. It all starts with deep cleaning because dirt and debris need to be removed from between the boards. Next comes sanding with rough to fine abrasives to strip off the top layers and smooth the surface. Hardwood floor refinishing experts may also use filler to patch small gaps or holes before staining, especially on oak, which is prone to open pores. Finally, sealers and polyurethane are applied for glossy protection. According to Home Inspection Insider, when properly installed and cared for, hardwood floors can last for nearly 100 years and hardwood finishings can last up to 10 years.

Decide on Color and Finish

Here comes the fun part: picking color and finish. For color, you can choose traditional or stained options from amber to espresso. Go bold with gray-stained white oak or distinctive black walnut. Finish-wise, there are matte or glossy polyurethanes. Combining stains and finishes can lead to many hardwood floor refinishing possibilities, from white-washed to high-gloss ebony. Check out samples with the experts and don't be afraid to get creative! Those dated oak floors could become modern driftwood or weathered barn wood with some skillful staining.

Follow these tips and you'll be well on your way to revitalizing your hardwood floors through professional refinishing. Just be sure to choose an experienced hardwood floor refinishing company and prepare properly for the process. With some time and effort, those worn floors can shine again and add beauty and value to your home. Reach out to us today at Degrange Hardwood Floors to get started with us today!