Hardwood floors are a popular choice for many homeowners in Edmonton and beyond. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they are also very durable and can last a long time with the proper care and maintenance. Unfortunately, even hardwood floors can experience wear and tear over the years, requiring repair or refinishing to restore their condition. In this guide, we’ll look at the steps involved in hardwood floor refinishing in Edmonton.
Preparing Floors Before Repair
Preparing the room and the floor are two of the most important parts of the hardwood floor repair process. Before beginning the repair process, make sure to remove any furniture or decorations from the room. As you do so, take care to protect larger furniture pieces by covering them with blankets or plastic wrap. You should also vacuum or sweep the area thoroughly to get rid of any debris that may have been collected on the hardwood floor.
Buffing the Floor
Patching and repairing hardwood floors can be a daunting task for many homeowners. However, you can restore your wood floors to their original beauty with the right tools and a few tips. Before you begin, it’s important to determine the source of the damage so that you can select the appropriate repair method. If you are dealing with a minor scratch or gouge, you can use a wood filler to fill in the damage. It is important to check your hardwood flooring regularly for any holes or cracks that may have developed over time. These can be easily repaired using wood filler and a spackle knife. Make sure to fill the hole or crack completely, as leaving any gaps could lead to further damage. Once filled, allow the area to dry completely before sanding it down and polishing the floor.
The next step in restoring hardwood floors is to sand the floor to ensure a smooth surface is created for the new finish. Sanding removes any scratches, stains, and other imperfections that are present in the wood, creating an even base for the new finish.
Buffing the floor is an important step in the process of refinishing it, as it will help to smooth out any scratches or imperfections. It is important to use a buffing pad that is specifically designed for hardwood floors, as this will avoid damaging the wood. Additionally, make sure to use light pressure when buffing, as this will make sure that the wood is not exposed to too much friction. Finally, always buff the floor in one direction only, as this will prevent any further damage from occurring.
Sealing Your Hardwood Floors
Preparing for a sealer or stain is an important step when refinishing hardwood floors. When repairing hardwood floors, it’s important to ensure the floor is completely clean. Any sand, hair, or small debris will affect your final finish. Make sure to use a vacuum cleaner or broom to remove all dust and dirt before attempting any repairs. The next step is to ascertain the type of wood used in the flooring and determine what products are suitable for the type of flooring. Sand the flooring with 120 grit sandpaper for best results. Then, use a vacuum cleaner or broom to remove any dust from the sanding. Next, apply a floor sealer to set up the surface for a new stain.
Sealing the floor is a crucial step to refinish the hardwood floor. This will protect it from moisture, dirt, and other damage that can occur over time. Additionally, sealing the wood floor will help to prevent the wood from staining or fading due to wear and tear. Making sure the sealant is properly applied is key to ensuring that the floor is protected from potential damage. Using a vacuum and tack cloth, make sure the hardwood floor is free from dust, dirt, and pet hair. Doing so will help the repair materials to adhere more effectively and provide a durable finish. Furthermore, it is important to remove any furniture or rugs in the area to prevent any damage that may occur during the repair process.
Summary
Keeping your hardwood floor looking new is an important part of home maintenance. Regularly sweeping and mopping, as well as using furniture pads, can help keep your floor in pristine condition. Additionally, hard-soled shoes can damage hardwood floors, so it’s important to exercise caution when wearing them. Although these steps are important, they are only the first line of defence against wear and tear.