Natural hardwood is one of the most durable materials that you can use in your home. They are resistant to damage, moisture, and wear and tear. They are also less likely to warp and crack when exposed to extreme temperatures. Natural hardwood is excellent for flooring, as it is easier to clean and maintain than carpet, tile, or laminate flooring. With proper care and maintenance, natural hardwood can last for decades. That said, they need some care and maintenance to maintain their appearance.

The most critical maintenance work you can do is refinish your hardwood floors. It involves sanding down the top layer of the floor to remove any scratches, dents, and imperfections. Once the top layer is sanded off, the floor is stained and sealed. The stain will depend on the type of wood and the desired look. Once the stain is dry, a protective sealer is applied to the floor to protect it from water damage and wear and tear. Finally, flooring experts can apply an optional top coat to protect the floor further and give it a glossy, polished finish.

While refinishing hardwood floors is crucial to maintaining them, it’s best not to overdo it. Over-refinishing can damage the floors, making them more susceptible to wear and tear. Hardwood floors should be refinished every three to five years, depending on how much wear they receive. Here are four telling signs that you need to refinish your hardwood floors.

1. Scratches, Dents and Gouges

Refinishing your hardwood floors is necessary when you notice scratches, dents, or gouges. These imperfections can occur from everyday wear and tear, such as furniture, pets, or high heels, and can damage the floor’s surface. Refinishing your hardwood floors can help restore your floors’ original look and prevent further damage. It can also help to keep your floors looking beautiful and protect them from further deterioration. 

2. Discoloration

If you notice that the wood is discolored or fading, it is likely time for refinishing. This can happen over time due to sun exposure or everyday wear and tear. Fortunately, this discoloration occurs only on the surface level. Refinishing your hardwood floors can reveal a fresh layer that you can then re-stain, helping to restore the original color and beauty of the wood.

3. Dullness

One of the best features of hardwood floors is their characteristic shine. However, this shine can fade due to regular wear and tear. If your floor no longer has its original luster, it’s time for a refinish. Refinishing your hardwood floors will restore the natural shine and protect the floor from further damage.

4. Worn edges

Natural hardwood is exceptionally resistant to wear. But after years of use, you may notice that the edges of the floor are worn or rounded. This is usually caused by furniture movement or extensive foot traffic. Refinishing hardwood floors allows you to sand down the worn edges and restore the original shape of the floor.

Who is Qualified to Refinish Hardwood Floors?

Hardwood floor refinishing can be a complex process, depending on the age and condition of the floor. Hiring a professional with experience in hardwood floor refinishing is best to ensure the job is done correctly. Here are four things that you should look for when looking for contractors to refinish your hardwood floor.

1. Professional Certifications

Hardwood floors may not be fragile, but it’s not impervious to damage either. Maintenance can be tricky as the hardwood ages, especially as this quality makes hardwood floors desirable. To properly take care of your hardwood floor, make sure the contractor you’re hiring for the refinishing job is certified by an organization such as the National Wood Flooring Association. This will ensure they have the knowledge and experience to refinish your hardwood floors.

2. Professional Insurance

Ensure the contractor has the appropriate insurance coverage in case of accidents or damage to your floors. Your contractor should be able to provide you with an insurance certificate showing they have the necessary coverage for any potential accidents or damage. Be sure to ask to see the certificate and ensure it is current.

3. Quality Materials and Tools

Refinishing hardwood floors is a job that requires precision, especially if your floor is older than a decade. Look for a contractor who uses quality materials and tools for the job. This will ensure that your floors are adequately refinished and last for years.

Before beginning the job, the contractor should sand the floors to remove any existing finish and smooth out imperfections. This is an important step that must be done correctly to ensure that the new finish will adhere properly. The contractor should apply the new finish and allow it to dry completely before adding a protective sealant.

Refinishing hardwood floors is a job that requires precision and suitable materials and tools. By finding a reputable contractor and ensuring they use quality materials, you can ensure your hardwood floors are appropriately refinished and will last for years.

4. References

When looking for a contractor for any home improvement project, it is essential to do your research to ensure you are getting the best quality and value. One of the best ways to do this is to ask the contractor for references from previous customers. This will allow you to hear first-hand experiences from people who have worked with the contractor and get an honest opinion of the quality of their work and customer service.

When asking for references, look for real people who have used the contractor’s services. Online reviews can be helpful but can be easily manipulated and fabricated. By speaking to genuine customers, you can get a more accurate idea of what you can expect from the contractor.

When speaking to references, ask questions about the scope of work, pricing, and overall experience. It is also good to ask to see the contractor’s previous work. This will give you an idea of their work’s quality and help you decide if their style and approach are a good fit for your project.

Conclusion

Refinishing hardwood floors is a critical maintenance practice that helps extend the life of your flooring and keep it looking beautiful. Not only does refinishing restore the original shape of the floor, but it also helps to protect it from further damage due to wear and tear. As long as you don’t overdo it, refinishing hardwood floors can help ensure your beautiful flooring lasts for many years.

If you’re looking for an experienced and reliable flooring company specializing in refinishing hardwood floors, look no further than Elephant Floors. Our team of experienced professionals are committed to providing top-notch service and quality workmanship. We’ll work with you to ensure the job is done right the first time and that your floors look beautiful for years to come. Contact us today to learn more.