Anyone planning to install a hardwood floor needs to know how to finish a hardwood floor. This applies to both consumers who are planning to install the hardwood floor themselves, but also those consumers who will hire a contractor to do the installation. Even though you may not do the work, consumers need to ensure that the contractor they hire knows what they are doing and is going to do a proper job as well. So it is important to take the time to learn how to install a hardwood floor even though you may be getting a contractor to do it for you.
Every installation contractor who is a professional and intent on doing excellent work knows that attention to detail is very important from the planning stage, the installation and finally the finishing stage of completing a hardwood floor installation. if you plan to do the hardwood floor installation yourself take the time to attend a hardwood floor course and learn from professionals. Many flooring companies provide classes and experts to train those consumers who plan to install their own floors and complete finishing of a hardwood floor. Here are a few tips as well as pointers to help you decide if your hardwood floor needs to be refinished.
In high traffic areas, the finish tends to wear off leaving a dull looking floor compared to other areas of the floor. If you take a teaspoon of water and drop it on the floor, the water will form beads if the floor is still properly sealed. if this is the case then at most all you need to do is cleaning and the odd stain removal.
If the water soaks right in, as well as leaves a dark spot, then you definitely need to refinish the hardwood floor. Don't wait too long since the longer you wait, the more the damage will be to the hardwood floor.
Once you decide to refinish your hardwood floor, it is important to sand the floor to remove any damage, any existing stain and protective coatings so that you will end up with a uniform looking floor. Sanding is best however it is very important to sand with the grain, never across the grain. Your floor will be spoiled if you sand with the grain. Once the floor has been sanded, you will want to apply a protective coating that will bring out or highlight the wood grain, seal the floor to protect it from moisture and provide a protective finish to protect the floor from scuffing etc. There are numerous products available and the best idea is to speak with a professional to help you decide which hardwood floor stain to use.
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