With careful attention to detail, our refinishing and restoration process leaves your hardwood floors renewed and ready for years of use.
For the first 24-48 hours after refinishing, limit foot traffic in the treated rooms. Keep pets off the floors and avoid walking in high heels or shoes for at least a week. Don’t move furniture back onto the floors for at least three days so the finish can cure evenly.
Water and moisture are hardwood’s biggest enemies. Clean up any spills immediately to prevent water damage, warping, or staining. Pay close attention to leaks or areas where water may accumulate and address them quickly.
Keep floors free from dust and grit by sweeping regularly. Use a hardwood floor cleaner once a month to maintain shine and cleanliness, but avoid wet mopping or harsh chemicals that can damage the finish.
Use rugs and mats in high-traffic areas to minimize wear. Placing felt pads under furniture legs will help prevent scratches. Rotate rugs occasionally to even out sun exposure and avoid fade marks on your floors.
The cost of floor refinishing varies based on factors like:
For the most accurate cost, it is best to consult a professional like Footprints Floors.
No, it is not recommended to DIY a floor refinishing project. Restoring hardwood floors is a complex process, requiring specialized equipment such as drum sanders, edgers, and professional-grade vacuums to control dust. Only professionals know how to sand evenly without gouging, select the right finishes, and apply them correctly. Improper techniques can lead to uneven finishes, permanent floor damage, and costly repairs.
Between the cost of renting the proper equipment and the cost of repairing amateur mistakes, hiring a professional for floor restoration is typically less expensive than a DIY attempt.
Refinishing floors is generally less expensive and disruptive than a full replacement. Many homeowners consider refinishing a practical solution to preserve their floors while minimizing time and expense.
However, some floors may be beyond repair. Floors with thin wear layers—typically less than ¾ of an inch—risk damage from sanding. Floors refinished multiple times may have insufficient wood thickness left, making further refinishing impossible. Severe structural issues like warping, large cracks, or extensive moisture damage usually require full replacement instead of refinishing.
If your floor is too damaged for restoration, Footprints Floors will give you a free estimate for the cost of replacing it.
Hardwood floors generally require refinishing every 7 to 10 years, but this can vary depending on each home. Homes with pets or children may see faster wear. High-traffic rooms, like entryways, kitchens, and living spaces, may require more frequent refinishing.
You should avoid walking on the floors for 24 to 48 hours to allow the finish to set properly. Moving furniture back onto the floors should be delayed for at least three days to prevent marks. Maintaining good ventilation and a stable temperature will also help the finish harden evenly.
