Don't Tile Over This!

Hardwood floors are well known for their warmth and beauty, making them sought-after for homeowners. If you are lucky enough to have hardwood flooring in your home, there are a few things to know about refinishing this type of flooring. Since hardwood can be sanded and stained multiple times, it's a long-lasting flooring material. While hardwood will last for decades, taking the time to refinish when it starts to show wear and tear is crucial. Here are three tips for hardwood floor refinishing. 

Take Stock Of Your Floor's Condition First

Before you commit to hardwood floor resurfacing or refinishing, you need to take a close look at the condition of your hardwood. While refinishing can bring the wood back to its former glory, it's not going to be suitable for floors that have significant damage. Refinishing hardwood is a fantastic way to deal with cosmetic issues like scratches and discoloration. However, if you have multiple floorboards that buckled, are dealing with deep gouges in the wood, or have broken planks, you'll need to address that damage first before starting the refinishing process. 

Consider Your Finish Options

Another thing to look into is what kind of finish will work best for your home's hardwood. There are a few options that can work when it comes to finish, but water-based polyurethane, oil, and wax finishes are the most popular. There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting hardwood finishes. You'll want to consider ease of application, how the finish will wear and change over time, and what level of sheen you want for your flooring. 

Set A Budget

While hardwood floor refinishing will bring new life to your floors and is cheaper than replacing them, you should still have a budget in mind. The cost of hardwood floor refinishing varies depending on the type of finish you select, whether you use a flooring contractor to do the work and the size and layout of your wood floors. On average, hardwood floor refinishing costs $3 to $8 per square foot if you hire professionals. Knowing what you can spend will come in handy when making decisions regarding your floors.

If you are refinishing your hardwood, these three tips can help. First, take a look at your floors and determine whether refinishing is an appropriate option. Second, consider what type of finish will work best for your hardwood floors. Finally, make sure you set a budget before committing to hardwood refinishing. A company like NJ APC Hardwood Floors can give you more information.