Most people find it challenging between sanding and refinishing or sanding and resurfacing the hardwood flooring. Refinishing hardwood floors results in a 147% cost recovery at resale, meaning homeowners can recover more than their investment, according to the National Association of REALTORS® 2022 Remodeling Impact Report. A perfect Joy Score of 10 was also awarded to this project, indicating high homeowner satisfaction. Looking for hardwood floor resurfacing vs refinishing will help you to get the best purchase for your flooring.
What Is Hardwood Floor Refinishing?
Recoating of hardwood means that this process of refinishing involves sanding the surface of the floor with a view of eradicating all the scratch and stain lines as well as other old finish. This process returns the wood to its bare surface and is succeeded by staining and placing of the final shield coat. Refinishing is recommended for floors that still have good strength, but the surface area has been worn out.
Key steps in refinishing include:
- Sanding can be further done to eliminate the current finish and blemishes that are viewed as underneath par.
- Recoating is done to restore the color of the wood or give it a new color altogether.
- Uses of a polyurethane sealant for protection and shine.
Fun Fact: That is why refinishing a floor can be effective in removing up to 90% of all the visible surface scratches. However, one should note that any floor cannot usually be refinished seven or more times; this usually depends on the type of wood and the thickness.
What Is Hardwood Floor Resurfacing?
Hardwood floor refinishing is a little more involved than sanding since it also removes damages that may go deep into the floor’s surface. Some of the processes involved include pulling out the affected planks, changing them, and then sanding the entire floor. It is advised for floors that are worn out to some degree like deep scratches, buckled or squeaky floorboards.
The resurfacing process includes:
- They include replacing damaged or severely worn planks.
- Sanding to make the surface flat or even.
- Staining and sealing of the restored surface of the table.
Usually it is done less often but it is a more time consuming and expensive process. It is often thought about when restoring is not an option because the floor is in such bad shape.
Hardwood Floor Resurfacing vs. Hardwood Floor Refinishing
Hardwood floor refinishing and hardwood floor resurfacing differ mostly in these areas:
1. Scope of Work
- Refinishing deals entirely with the upper plank layer and addresses surface problems such as scratches, negligible stains, and faded coatings.
- Refinishing, on the other hand, deals with issues that are far more serious such as damage to the subflooring, some boards being loose and others being very worn out.
2. Cost
- The price to refinish hardwood floors ranges between $3 and $8 per square feet depending on the kind of wood type and the kind of finish.
- Floor resurfacing cost can be between $8 to $15 because of the extra work which goes into it and other materials which are used.
3. Time Commitment
- Refinishing may take 2 – 3 days depending on the number of appointments for the work.
- It may take 4 to 7 days to resurface, and this depends on the amount of work needed in the surface.
4. Durability and Longevity
- Refinishing the surface and increases the floor’s ability to resist wear and tear but does not solve structural problems.
- It can beautify the floor and enhance the durability of the building floor, Resurfacing is usually capable of adding 10-15 years to the life of the floor.
When to Choose Refinishing?
Hardwood floor refinishing is the best option if your floor has:
- The external wear includes light scratches and scrapes on the surface.
- When a material turns pale or loses something purple or blue in coloring due to sun exposure.
- A worn dulled surface that requires painting.
It is less expensive means to keep your floor look attractive without necessarily having to put down your tools for repair work.
Making a Decision? Consult the Experts
Deciding between hardwood floor refinishing and hard wood floor resurfacing depends on the state of the floor, money, and results. It’s always best to seek the opinions and recommendations of professionals and seek an evaluation. Hardwood floor refinishing services can advise the best way forward in dealing with your case.
Conclusion
To prevent a lot of confusion, cost, time, and effort, it is important to know the difference between resurfacing and refinishing hardwood floors. Refinishing is ideal for preserving the floor surface though resurfacing is great for areas of higher usage in order to bring back durability. Whether go for one or the other, it’s important to ensure that your hardwood floors are always polished in order to facilitate its durability in the duration that is required.
Ready to give your hardwood floors a new lease on life? Contact Flooring Butler today for expert advice and top-notch services!