Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: Questions for wood floor refinishing companies

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Flooring
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 15 Dec 2001
Time: 04:34 PM

Comments

Assuming your floors are natural wood (and not some type of laminate flooring), you need to make sure you are comparing apples to apples when evaluating quotes. For example:

1) Are you planning to sand down to the bare wood and restain...or are you simply looking for a light "screening" of the finish -- followed by a fresh topcoat of polyurethane or other compatible finish?

2) If you're planning to fully redo your floors, you should make sure that the bid includes proper restaining of the floors to even out the color, coupled with at least 3 layers of high-solids polyurethane. Cheap polyurethanes will lower the bid, but won't wear as well. Insist on proven brands like Minwax or Varathane. Others exist as well.

There are two types of topcoats -- water-based and solvent-based. The solvent-based topcoats are generally more durable and often have a slight amber hue. The water-based topcoats are also durable and dry to a crystal clear shine. Generally, a semi-gloss is the best compromise for floors. There are glossy enough to look classy, but not too slippery.

Refinishing floors creates a lot of dust that stick to furniture, walls, paintings and everything around. Be sure that the bid allows for proper masking of the rooms to minimize dust circulation, as well as clean up afterwards.

Finally, during the sanding process, walls and baseboard moldings can get dinged or scratched. Make sure your flooring contractor is licensed and that any damage to the walls or woodwork should be repaired at his expense.

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