Refinishing Your Hardwood Floor Finishes Will Save You Money And Add Beauty To Your Home

Whether you are finishing a new floor or an old one, you will want to select hardwood floor finishes that are perfect for each room. If you are buying new flooring, you can select from many different pre-finished woods, but because it is more expensive than non-finished, you may prefer to save money by finishing it yourself. Refinishing hardwood floors can be managed by an experienced do-it-yourselfer. Of course, if it is an old, worn or damaged floor, you have no choice but to refinish it. The hardwood floor finishes that you choose should be determined by the decor and the amount of traffic expected.

When applying hardwood floor finishes, carefully read instructions for each product, follow safety advice, and do not skimp on the quality of the finish or the number of coats. If it is an old floor, you must know how or learn how to repair and sand it, and, old or new, all dust and dirt must scrupulously be removed. A dark or light stain can be applied next, or you can keep the natural look of the wood. A dark stain will make the room look smaller; a light stain, larger. Use a sealer next, polish the floor, and then top it with polyurethane or a water-based urethane, which are surface finishes that look like clear plastic. Your other choice when refinishing hardwood floors is oil and wax, which penetrates the wood and protects it from within. Three coats of a high gloss, like alkyd urethane, will last the longest and is most suitable for high traffic areas; oils and waxes create an attractive satin or matte finish but is less durable.

Hardwood floor finishes will protect your wood floors and create a variety of decorative touches. Refinishing hardwood floors is a rewarding task.