Restoring the Glory of Old Wood Floors

 

The climate in North Texas can be rough on your hardwood floors. The combination of humid springs and extremely hot summers can cause wood floors to look worn and beaten much faster than they would in other climates. Fortunately, there are different ways homeowners can restore worn looking floors and revive their beautiful appearance. Here are some great tips from the experts at Floor Coverings International® of !

Deep Cleaning the Floors

If your hardwood floors have lost their luster, the first thing you should do is to thoroughly clean them. Sometimes, despite our best intentions to help protect the wood surface, wax or wood soap can actually build up on the floor over time, causing it to look dull and aged. By carefully cleaning the floor with the correct products, you can remove this residue, allowing the wood to shine again. Because of different finishes, it’s important to follow manufacturer directions for the correct cleaning products and methods for your floor type.

Buffing the Floors

If deep cleaning doesn’t restore your wood flooring, you may want to buff the floors. You can rent a hardwood floor buffer at many home improvement stores. Wood sealer can yellow, discolor or stain as it ages, which makes your floors like older than they actually are in reality. Removing the sealer and recoating the floor can help to revive the floors. When you buff your hardwood floors, you are removing the thin layer of sealer from the wood but you are not actually touching the wood itself. Because of the thin margin for error, it’s recommended that you hire a professional to at least show you the ropes, if not do the entire job for you.

Sanding and Refinishing the Floors

The last technique to restore the glory of old hardwood is to sand and completely refinish everything. Unlike buffing, sanding removes both the protective sealer and the very top layer of the board. This reveals a fresh layer of wood that is not stained or damaged. The wood can be newly stained any number of colors, depending on your preference. Once the stain has set, a fresh coat of protective sealer is added to the top of the exposed wood. Due to the machinery and chemicals used in this process, it is strongly recommended that you hire a professional instead of attempting the DIY approach — especially for larger projects. It will save you a lot of time and potential headaches, as mistakes can irreversibly damage the wood.

Floor Coverings International® of is here to help you with your flooring needs! Call and schedule a no-obligation consultation and our flooring experts will meet with you to discuss your options and help you find the best flooring solution for your space and budget. We proudly serve the greater [franchise_area_served_1 area]!

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