Floor Refinishing:
Here’s an overview of what you can typically expect during a floor refinishing process:
- Evaluation: We’ll begin by assessing the condition of the existing floor. Check for any damages, scratches, or stains that may require repair before refinishing.
- Clearing the area: Before beginning the refinishing process, it’s necessary to remove all furniture, rugs, and all other items from the area being refinished. This ensures a clean and obstruction-free workspace. Rooms that we won’t be working in will be isolated using painter’s plastic to separate them from the work area.
- Sanding: The next step is sanding the floor. This involves using commercial grade floor sanding equipment to remove the old finish, scratches, and imperfections. The depth of sanding will depend on the condition of the floor, we ensure to sand only the necessary for optimal results. Sanding can be a noisy and dusty process.
- Staining (optional): If you want to change the color or enhance the appearance of the floor, staining will be done at this stage. You can access the stain chart with the colors available at Duraseal Stain Gallery
- Finishing: The application of a protective finish is essential to ensure the floor’s durability and enhance its aesthetic appeal. We prioritize the use of solvent-free, low VOC water-based finishes in our projects. Multiple coats are typically applied, and it usually take a day for the coatings. For the majority of our projects, we rely on Bona Finishes, a leading brand known for its quality in this field. By utilizing high-quality finish products, we emphasize the craftsmanship and overall excellence of our work.
- Curing: After the finish is applied, the floor needs to dry and cure. This process can take a couple of days, and it’s important to avoid area rugs for at least a week. The finish we apply needs to “breathe” to harden and cure.
Each flooring project is unique, and the specific steps may vary depending on the type of flooring material, condition, and customer preferences. Expected timelines will be set up at the day of our first visit and listed on your quote.
To ensure a smooth flooring process, we kindly request the following:
- Please empty out all furniture and personal items from the rooms where the work will take place.
- If applicable, you can choose the stain color for your flooring at Duraseal Stain Gallery. We provide the first samples free of charge to assist you in making your selection.
- Additionally, you can choose the desired finish sheen from our options, which include Extra Matte, Matte, Satin, Semi-Gloss, and Gloss.
We appreciate your cooperation in preparing the space and selecting the stain color and finish sheen to meet your preferences.
Pro Tips
Here are some pros and cons of different stain colors for hardwood floors:
*Sneak peek of stain colors for one of our customers
- Light Stain Colors: Pros:
- Brightens up the space and creates an airy, open feel.
- Shows less dust and dirt, making maintenance easier.
- Helps to make the room appear larger.
- Provides a modern and contemporary look.
Cons:
- May not hide imperfections, stains.
- Dark Stain Colors: Pros:
- Offers a classic and elegant look, adding richness and depth to the room.
- Conceals scratches and dents better than lighter stains. It’s the way to go when the wood flooring is too old or stained.
- Provides a sense of warmth and coziness.
- Can complement a wide range of interior styles, including traditional and rustic.
Cons:
- Shows dust, pet hair, and footprints more easily.
- Can make the room feel smaller and potentially darken the space.
- Requires more frequent cleaning to maintain its appearance.
- Light Brown Stain Colors: Pros:
- Allows the natural beauty and grain of the wood to shine through.
- Provides a timeless and versatile look that works well with various design styles.
- Hides dirt and wear more effectively than lighter or darker stains.
- Offers a neutral backdrop, making it easier to coordinate with different color schemes.
Cons:
- May not provide enough contrast or make a bold statement in the room.
- Can appear somewhat generic or blend into the background.
- Requires proper lighting to bring out the best features of the wood.
- Reddish Stain Colors: Pros:
- Adds warmth and richness to the space.
- Can complement traditional and vintage aesthetics.
- Conceals scratches and wear reasonably well.
- Provides a sense of coziness and comfort.
Cons:
- Can limit your options when it comes to matching furniture and decor.
- May darken the room, especially in smaller spaces.
- Requires careful consideration of lighting and wall colors to prevent clashing.
Finish Sheen
*Pictures above reflect natural/neutral stain color.
- Flatter Finishes – Satin and Matte: Pros:
- These flatter, low-luster sheens don’t shine like gloss, but when done right they are far from “dull.” Rather, they evoke a natural beauty that is both modern and timeless–a great choice for most architectural and design styles.
- Satin and matte finishes are easy to clean and maintain.
- They conceal dust and scratch marks better than gloss.
- They are also quite fashionable.
Cons:
- Some customers are a bit disappointed at the lack of sheen when the floors are initially laid (a throwback to when gloss was popular).
- Gloss and Semi-gloss: Pros:
- The gloss or semi-gloss finish produces that trademark “shine” we think of when we imagine gleaming hardwood floors.
- Glossy floors convey dignity, richness and a sense of timeless elegance that many people find appealing
- Can complement a wide range of interior styles,
Cons:
- Glossy floors show everything: footsteps, dust, smudges and scratches.
- Gloss and semi-gloss finishes require constant cleaning and maintenance to keep up their appearance.
- If they get scratched, those scratches will glare at you until you have them buffed out and/or refinished.
Remember that personal preference and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve in your space play a significant role in selecting the right stain color for your hardwood floors. Consider factors such as the room’s size, lighting, existing furniture, and your lifestyle when making a decision.