Are your wood floors in a sorry state? Do you want to restore them to their former glory?
If you are thinking of renovating the wood flooring in your property, then you’ve come to the right place. It’s a big decision and an investment. Therefore, it makes sense to want to take your time to understand what needs to be done.
In this guide to wood flooring renovation, we have put together key considerations and recommendations to ensure that you have a smooth process and a positive outcome.
It won’t be long before you’re able to sit back and enjoy the new look and feel that a refurbished wooden floor can bring to your home or business.
Advantages of wood flooring renovation
The benefits of renovating your wood floor are numerous. It can improve the aesthetic appeal of your space and thus, increase the value of your property. It also extends the life of the floor and protects it from damage caused by wear and tear. In addition, a renovation can help reduce allergens and improve the air quality in the home.
By renovating, you’ll be removing dust, dirt, pet dander, and other allergens that can accumulate over time on the surface of the floor. When these particles are removed, the air in the home becomes fresher and more breathable. Additionally, a thorough sanding and refinishing of the floor can seal any cracks and crevices, further reducing the number of allergens in the air.
Investing in a wood floor renovation is typically more cost-effective than buying a new wood floor. Refurbishing an existing floor can significantly upgrade your property for a fraction of the cost of a new floor. In addition, a renovation can be tailored to match the look and style of the space, while a new floor may not always be available in the same style.
Considerations for a successful wood flooring renovation
Here are some important aspects to consider before starting the renovation:
Preparation
Doing your research is key to ensuring your wood flooring renovation is successful. You must understand the process and accurately evaluate the damage.
Time
Work on the project only when you have sufficient time to complete it. A wood flooring renovation project may take several days, depending on the nature or extent of the damage. You should only undertake the project if you are confident that you have the time to complete it.
Materials and Tools
To avoid inconvenience, start the project once you have gathered all the tools and materials needed for the job, such as a power sander, a hand-held sander, a sealer and floor finish, and more.
Also, you should be capable of answering the following questions:
What’s your floor's condition? Can your floor withstand a complete renovation?
Does it need rough sanding or just a buff?
Do you have a preference for a particular finish?
To determine whether an old floor needs rough sanding or just a buff in a renovation, it is important to assess the condition of the floor. If the floor is severely scratched, stained, or otherwise damaged, then rough sanding is likely necessary. However, if the floor is in good condition, but just looks dull or scuffed, then a buffing may be sufficient to restore its shine.
The amount of sanding varies depending on the structure of a hardwood floor:
engineered wood can be sanded 2-3 times
solid wood flooring can be sanded up to 10 times
Therefore, a thorough assessment is necessary. Roger Hyde Limited's experts will always visit the site to ascertain whether or not the thickness of the floorboards allows for a complete refurbishment. This free site survey also allows us to identify and inform you about the wood boards that may need to be replaced or repaired.
Stages of wood flooring renovation
These are the stages or steps you should follow to refurbish your wood floor:
1. Prepare the damaged wood floor
Preparing the damaged part entails cleaning the floor properly and removing fixtures to make the refurbishing process easier.
2. Replace any damaged boards
Once you have cleaned the wood floor, determine whether it's necessary to replace any damaged floorboards.
3. Sand your wood floor
Sand off paint or varnish and remove dust with a damp cloth. When using a power sander, work in the direction of the boards. Avoid moving the sander across them. Sandpaper should be used from coarse to fine. Use a hand-held sander to get as close to the edge of the walls as possible.
4. Use wood filler and wood sealer
Fill the holes in the wood with a filler of the same shade as the floor. Use a wood sealer and a brush to close the pores on the floor surface and allow it to dry.
5. Protect your refurbished floor with quality coating
Use quality products to stain your wood floor. Give the floor a couple of days to cure and don’t place any furniture on it until at least that amount of time has passed.
Finding the right Flooring Professionals
Renovating wooden floors on your own can be exhausting and time-consuming. And if it's your first time, the whole process, from planning to execution, can be overwhelming. Therefore, it's a smart choice to leave it to the professionals.
Roger Hyde Limited is one of the UK’s leading wood flooring specialists, with a team of experts in wood flooring installation, refurbishment, repairs and maintenance. We’re a family-run business and have been working professionally since 1968, so we have the experience and expertise.
You can take advantage of our nationwide network of highly qualified professional technicians with the latest technology and training. Our team can refurb and repair any wood floor, but we do work closely with reputable manufacturers, such as Dinesen, Hørning, and Pur Natur.​
With us, your flooring renovation project will not only be suitable and customised for you but also affordable.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information about wood flooring renovations and to have any of your questions answered about our services.