You should know a few things if you’re considering refinishing your wood floor, you should know a few things. These include the safety hazards, cost, and whether or not to use an oil-based or water-based polyurethane. In addition, you should know what to expect when it comes to staining your floor.
Cost of refinishing a hardwood floor
The cost to refinish a Soen Hardwood can vary greatly, depending on several factors. It can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Nevertheless, refinishing a hardwood floor can help increase your home’s value and give your feet a new life. But you need to know what you’re paying for before you hire a contractor.
One of the main factors affecting the cost of refinishing a hardwood floor is the type of wood you have. Some hardwood floors are more resistant to staining and water than others. Harder woods take more time to refinish and will therefore cost you more.
While the cost to refinish a hardwood depends on the wood you have, you can expect to pay a few cents per square foot for a traditional finish. Oil-based polyurethane is the most common finish used. Polyurethane dries fast, so it’s easy to work with. However, oil-based polyurethane is more expensive than water-based polyurethane, so it’s essential to choose wisely.
Safety hazards of refinishing a wood floor
Refinishing a wood floor can be a complex process. The chemicals in varnish and the dust left from sanding can pose several health risks. In addition, it can create a fire hazard.
For several years, a refinishing company in Wisconsin called Ikens Hardwood Floor Services was concerned about worker exposure to lead in the dust from varnish. So they asked the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to evaluate the hazards associated with this work.
A NIOSH investigator visited the refinishing site in June 2000. During the site visit, samples were collected for lead and wood dust. NIOSH also investigated the air quality in surrounding rooms.
While most of the samples did not exceed the federal action level of lead, six (15%) pieces did. These sampled finishes were primarily old varnishes. Lead was used in clear coats with drying agents before 1978.
Lead is an odorless, tasteless mineral and can cause serious health effects. It is a pervasive substance in wood dust.
Oil-based vs. water-based polyurethane is preferred.
Oil-based and water-based polyurethane are two types of finishes often used on hardwood floors. These products differ in properties and should be carefully evaluated before deciding which one to use.
One of the benefits of using water-based polyurethane is that it is a lot easier to apply than oil-based. Rather than sanding between coats, you can roll it on or spray it on your floor. In addition, a water-based finish is more resistant to dents, scratches, and wear. It also dries more quickly, giving you more time to move furniture around.
Water-based polyurethane has a non-irritant odor. This makes it a good choice for homes with young children. In addition, using it will help you save money because you will not have to hire contractors to come back again and again to refinish your floors.
While oil-based polyurethane does an excellent job at sealing and protecting your hardwood floor, it has a few disadvantages. For starters, it is more expensive than its water-based counterpart. Another disadvantage is that it requires you to wait at least 24 hours before walking on it.
Staining a hardwood floor
Staining a hardwood floor is a great way to bring a new look to your home. But it’s essential to follow specific rules to ensure the finish is smooth and even.
To begin the staining process, start in the farthest corner of the room. It would help if you then worked your way to the door. Then, it would help if you wiped up any excess. Then, using a rag, work your way toward the wood grain.
After applying the stain, let it dry for at least four hours. If you live in an area with high humidity, you might need to wait longer.
Afterward, apply a top coat of polyurethane to make the floor shine. This will help keep it looking good for a long time.
When you stain your hardwood floors, you should first determine what type of wood you have. Several species are suited for light stains, while others are better for darker colors. For example, oak is a versatile wood. It’s also one of the easiest hardwood species to stain.
