Professional Hardwood Floor Refinishing

1. Preparing the Work Area

To ensure a smooth and efficient refinishing process, it’s important to prepare your space properly. Here’s a streamlined guide to help you get ready:

• Clear the Area: Remove all furniture, rugs, and items from the workspace.
• Storage Solutions: Collaborate to find a practical storage area or recommend a storage pod if needed. For heavy, awkward, or delicate items (e.g., items with glass or large dimensions), professional movers may be the best option. This ensures safety for both your belongings and our crew.
• Protect Surroundings: Use plastic sheeting to seal vents, doorways, and nearby areas to minimize dust spread.
• Flooring Removal : If old flooring (like carpet) needs removal, check your township’s rules on bulk trash collection.  Some municipalities allow curbside collection, while others may have specific disposal requirements.

2: Floor Repairs (If Necessary)

At WC Floors, we handle a variety of repairs to prepare your hardwood for refinishing. Our services include:

• Crack and Gap Filling: Using high-quality wood filler, we eliminate gaps between boards for a seamless look.
• Board Replacement: We replace broken, warped, or heavily damaged boards with matching wood for a flawless blend.
• Sanding Uneven Areas: Leveling uneven planks ensures a smooth surface for professional hardwood floor refinishing.
• Nail and Staple Removal: We remove protruding nails or staples to create a safe and clean surface for sanding.
• Squeaky Floor Fixes: Reinforce loose boards and subfloors to eliminate annoying squeaks.

3. Professional Hardwood Floor Refinishing

Sanding removes the old finish and prepares the surface for staining and sealing. The process involves multiple passes with sandpaper of varying grits.

Pass 1: Coarse Sanding: Remove the old finish, deep scratches, and imperfections.

• Sandpaper Grit: We use 36-grit or 40-grit sandpaper for this initial sanding.

Pass 2: Medium Sanding:  Smooth the surface and remove any scratches from the coarse sanding.

• Sandpaper Grit: We use 60-grit or 80-grit sandpaper for this pass.

Pass 3: Fine Sanding: Create a smooth, polished surface for staining or finishing.

• Sandpaper Grit: We use 100-grit or 120-grit sandpaper for the final sanding pass.

4. Buffing the Floor

In this crucial step, we employ a high-speed buffer equipped with a 120-grit sanding screen. This process meticulously eliminates minor sanding marks, ensuring an impeccably smooth and even surface that’s ready for staining or finishing. The result is a flawless foundation for the next stage of the refinishing process.

5. Custom Staining (Optional)

Floor staining is where your hardwood’s transformation truly begins. Our staining process includes:

• Color Selection: Choose from a wide range of stain options, from natural wood tones to rich, modern hues.
• Test Swatches: We apply small samples of your chosen stains to ensure the perfect match for your vision.
• Even Application: Using professional-grade tools, we apply the stain evenly to bring out the natural beauty of the wood grain while achieving your desired color.

6. Sealing and Finishing

Once the stain or sealer has dried, we apply a protective finish to enhance durability and sheen. Choose from:

• Matte: Subtle and understated for a modern look.
• Satin: A popular choice offering a soft, polished appearance.
• Glossy: Reflective and elegant for a high-end finish.

We offer both water-based and oil-based finishes to suit your needs:

• Water-Based Finishes: Quick-drying, low-odor, and eco-friendly.
• Oil-Based Finishes: Rich, durable, and traditional.

Buffing Between Coats: To ensures a smooth and polished appearance.

Number of Coats: We apply 2–3 coats of finish for optimal protection and aesthetics

7. Cleanup and Final Inspection

Before we finish, we ensure everything meets our high standards.

• Dust Removal: Clean up any remaining sanding dust or debris.
• Walkthrough: Review the refinished floors with you to ensure your satisfaction.
• Furniture Replacement: Assist with returning furniture and items to their original place.
• Maintenance Guidance: Provide tips to maintain the beauty and longevity of your refinished floors, such as using protective pads on furniture and avoiding harsh cleaners.