When it comes to resurfacing interiors, hardwood flooring is the dream choice for many people in Hurricane, Utah and with good reason. The flexibility and enduring style of hardwood is unmatched thanks to its thick surface, which can be buffed or completely refinished multiple times as it wears. You can hire a professional to refinish your wood floor or you can do it yourself if the wear is minimal. Whichever route you choose, here’s an overview to get you started.
Buffing
Buffing, also known as screening, is the process of removing superficial nicks and scratches from the surface of the wood. If you’re looking to maintain hardwood floors that are relatively new or have less wear, this is how to care for them before damage becomes significant. The top coat of the wood is polished and smoothed with a floor buffing machine, using a fine- to medium grit. This is a doable DIY project if you’re willing to rent the machine and spend some time learning how to use it. You may need to add a water based finish or polyurethane coating to re-seal the floor.
Sanding and Refinishing
For hardwood flooring that has deep scratches and more significant wear, a complete sand and refinish will get it looking like new again. This involves using a drum sander to expose the bare wood (which removes any coating or stain and the damaged layer) and then resealing it. It’s also an opportunity to re-stain in a different color if you so desire. Refinishing is a more aggressive process which may best be left to a specialist, because drum sanders can easily carve a hole in the floor if misused. It also creates high amounts of dust that need to be filtered from the home.
Hardwood flooring is a smart investment in your home that can last for years and even decades when properly cared for. If you’re looking to replace your flooring soon, be sure to consult your local flooring company for ideas and suggestions.
