Refinishing Floors?

17 years ago

Anyone use a service like this?

http://www.mrsandless.com/canada.htm

Curious to know how they do this and the results. The pics they show are not really well matched (lighting completely different in shots.) so I can't tell if they are acceptable.

Has anyone refinished themselves? Results, tips?

Comments (7)

dreamgarden
17 years ago
If you decide to go with a service, make sure their workers are sufficienctly skilled so they don't end up grinding down your floors too deeply.

A similar question was posted in the Old House forum
"pine flooring refinish"
Posted by kzarina17 (My Page) on Sun, Aug 7, 05
ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/oldhouse/msg081018075364.html

A few links that might be useful

How to Hire a Hardwood Floor Contractor
www.ehow.com/how_9346_hire-hardwood-floor.html

www.woodfloordoctor.com/How To's

www.finishingwoodfloors.com
dreamgarden
17 years ago
One more thing.

SHOULD I SAND THE WOOD FLOORS MYSELF OR HIRE A PRO
www.woodfloordoctor.com/_how_tos/articles/sandorpro.shtml

"I strongly advise you hire out the sanding part of the job. NOBODY I know that has sanded their own floors will EVER do it again."
Related Discussions
Stains on newly refinished floors
Q
Comments (8)
If, it is a stain and water base poly system: apply two coats of water base poly at the proper recommended coverage, then finalize with a buff and coat. For a system that uses a whitener will depend on the product. For system that uses whitener in sealer: apply one coat of seal, light buff to knock down raise grain, apply seocnd coat of seal and one coat of 2k poly, final buff and coat with 2k poly. For all other 2K water base poly with whitener: apply two coats of poly, then finalize with buff and coat. Optional: buff inbetween every coat for smoother results.
...See More
Refinishing floor - is this acceptable?
Q
Comments (6)
The NWFA specifies a floor be inspected from a standing position, using normal lighting and viewing angles. You can read here - Page 71 https://www.oldewoodltd.com/uploads/nwfa-sand-finish-wood-floors-2016.pdf So it's not from 18" or 30". The number I've seen quoted is 50", which is consistent with "standing position". Wood floor is refinished by humans so an expectation of perfection is illogical. What's logical and reasonable is to have the floor look acceptable from a standing position. My standard is to shoot for 100% perfect and accept 95% or so. This can be hard to quantify exactly, but suffice to say that I factor in how good the floor is overall, the severity and location of flaws, and the likelihood of being able to repeat the finishing of a floor that might be deemed less than perfect, and have it turn out better. It's almost certain there will be flaws (I've never seen a perfect floor). The aim is to achieve an acceptable result, with the knowledge that the floor isn't a priceless antique, and that it will be used, dented, dinged, scratched and worn over time. Since your finish isn't applied yet, I'd probably ask the finishers to hand sand the little orbital sander scratches on the nosing and restain. It would be foolish to try to address the faint buffer scratches as the result would probably end up worse, making it necessary to do a third time. Short answer: Take standard zoom pictures from a height of 50" and evaluate.
...See More
Smell from refinished floors
Q
Comments (2)
"Has anyone else experienced a smell from floor finish after such a long time? If so, how long did it take for it to go away?" I experienced strong odors several times that lingered for months. That was from 1970 to 1990 when acrylic finishes replaced stinky solvent base finishes. Was there some reason you didn't you use a modern finish that is twice as durable,half the price and practically odorless within 24 hours? I thought building code banned oil floor finishes for habitats in USA years ago but evidently not some countries. Where are you located?
...See More
REFINISH FLOORS FIRST OR PAINT???
Q
Comments (14)
Do you mean refinish floors as in they are wood that's getting stripped, sanded, finished? If so, I'd do the floors first, they can be pretty messy or kicking up dust in ways you might not want to potentally have settling onto freshly done walls. It's easier to protect a fresh floor with a dropcloth than keep refinishing dust off walls.
...See More
coolvt
17 years ago
I've done lots of them myself by renting a sander and an edger. And I've also had many done by professionals. I can tell you that no matter how many I've done, the professional job is always better.
One thing that the sanding companies will try to tell you is that a water based sealer is the thing to go with. From my experience I won't use anything except an oil based solution. It just holds up much better. And, it should be 3 coats.
I think the reason they push the water based is that it dries faster and they can do the 3 coats in one day. With the oil based, it takes time to dry and it has to be done over 3 different days.
I would ask for recommendations from friends and wouldn't hire someone unless they had been in business for 5 or 10 years.
galore2112
17 years ago
I sanded my ultra-hard oak floors using a heavy-duty sander (looks like a huge vacuum or floor wax machine). It is not very difficult but very dusty, even with a vacuum. Most of the work is removing all the furniture and cleaning up the dust. The sanding itself isn't much work - similar to mowing the lawn.

Regarding the sealer: I first used a oil based urethane for floors. This stuff smelled like I'd get cancer in a minute and it didn't dry up. After a day it was still tacky ?! I removed all of it with mineral spirits (fun!) and then used a water based urethane instead. No smell, easy application, dry to the touch in less than one hour. And doesn't yellow and looks very good.
clg7067
17 years ago
I've done oak floors a couple of times. Used the evil drum sander, too.
uncledave_ct
17 years ago
When we sold, we simply washed the floors and applied a coat of Minwax Wood Floor Reviver. The floors were in great shape to begin with, just dulled a bit over time. This stuff is not a permanent finish, it only lasts 3 months or so, but made a noticeable difference for very little $$, for the purpose of showing & selling, if that's what you're after.

Related Stories

GREAT HOME PROJECTS What to Know Before Refinishing Your Floors

By Fred Albert

Learn costs and other important details about renewing a hardwood floor — and the one mistake you should avoid

Full Story

176

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Refinish a Wood Deck

By Christine Tusher

Keep your deck looking its best — and save feet from splinters — by applying a new stain and sealant every year or so

Full Story

MIDCENTURY HOMES Houzz Tour: Pursuing the Good Outdoor Life in Palos Verdes

By Matthew Ankeny

With a refinished patio and an added deck, these homeowners can enjoy the abundant California sunshine

Full Story

REMODELING GUIDES Contractor Tips: Smooth Moves for Hardwood Floors

By Buckminster Green LLC

Dreaming of gorgeous, natural wood floors? Consider these professional pointers before you lay the first plank

Full Story

FLOORS Painted Wood Floors

By Janell Beals - House of Fifty

Full Story

FLOORS 10 Ways to Make the Most of Your Home’s Original Floors

By Laura Wheat

Save yourself the cost of replacing your old floorboards with these tips for a new finish

Full Story

103

FLOORS 11 Distinctive Finishes for Original Floorboards

By Cheryl F

Whether you go for glossy, painted or matte boards, make your wood floor the star

Full Story

MATERIALS What to Ask Before Choosing a Hardwood Floor

By Mitchell Parker

We give you the details on cost, installation, wood varieties and more to help you pick the right hardwood flooring

Full Story

176

REMODELING GUIDES Your Floor: An Introduction to Solid-Plank Wood Floors

By Paul Anater

Get the Pros and Cons of Oak, Ash, Pine, Maple and Solid Bamboo

Full Story

102

DECORATING GUIDES Get Clever With Area Rugs for Warmth and Beauty

By Tiffany Carboni

Give feet a soft landing, protect your floor, hide a stain ... with area rugs in your arsenal, you can win any flooring battle

Full Story

Refinishing Floors?

Comments (7)

dreamgarden

dreamgarden

Related Discussions

coolvt

galore2112

clg7067

uncledave_ct

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US