Refinishing Hardwood

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Refinishing Hardwood

Warehouse Direct Flooring Outlet is your trusted source for hardwood floor refinishing services in Santa Cruz, Monterey, and the Silicon Valley. If your hardwood floors have lost their luster or suffered from scratches and wear, our expert team is here to bring them back to life. Whether you're looking to restore your floors to their original beauty or give them a fresh new look, we have the expertise and product range to meet your needs.

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Why Refinish Your Hardwood Floors?

Hardwood floors add timeless elegance to any home, but over time, they can become damaged and lose their original luster. Refinishing your hardwood floors is a cost-effective solution to extend their life and enhance the beauty and value of your home. At Warehouse Direct Flooring Outlet, we specialize in both full sand and finish as well as screen and recoat services.

Approach

Full Sand and Finish

Our full sand and finish process is designed to address moderate to severe scratches, discolorations, and imperfections in your solid hardwood floors. This comprehensive approach involves the following steps:

Sanding

We use state-of-the-art sanding equipment to remove the old finish, scratches, and imperfections. Our process includes setting up plastic walls to contain dust and protect your home.

Filling in Gaps in Wood Floor Boards

Filling in gaps improves your floor's appearance and durability. We use a matching wood filler or putty to ensure a seamless finish.

Staining (optional)

If you desire a change in color, we offer staining services with a wide range of color options. Staining adds an additional day or two to the job.

Applying the Finish

Multiple coats of finish, including a seal coat and two finish coats, are applied to the floor. You can choose from various finishes, including oil-based and water-based urethane, each with its unique advantages.

Drying & Curing

The finish needs time to dry and cure for maximum durability and protection. The duration depends on factors such as the type of finish, temperature, and humidity levels.

Cleaning

After the finish has dried and cured, the floor is thoroughly cleaned to remove any dust or debris.

Screen and Recoat (Buffing)

For hardwood floors with minimal damage, our screen and recoat process is a faster and more cost-effective solution. This involves lightly scuffing up the floor, known as screening, followed by the application of a topcoat of polyurethane finish. The process renews the protective layer of the wood's finish, minimizing fine scratches and wear. A screen and recoat is ideal for floors with no deep scratches or staining. While it won't change the floor's color, it can provide a refreshed appearance with a new gloss/sheen.

When is it Time to Refinish?

Consider refinishing when your hardwood floor shows signs of dullness, moderate to severe scratches, or when the finish has worn off to bare wood in high traffic areas. If you wish to change the stain color or sheen level, refinishing can bring your floor back to a new condition.

What to Consider Before Refinishing your Hardwood

Air Containment Systems

We prioritize your health and a clean environment by using air containment systems with all sanding equipment. This greatly reduces airborne dust, minimizing cleanup efforts and reducing potential health risks.

Chemical Sensitivities

If anyone in your home has chemical sensitivities, we provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all products used. Consult with your physician based on the information provided.

Number of Coats

Our standard process includes at least three coats: one seal coat (which may be the stain) and two finish coats. Additional finish coats may be applied as needed.

Duration of Refinishing Process

The refinishing process typically takes about 3 to 5 days per 1,000 square feet, depending on factors such as the area's size, wood type, and extent of damage.

Potential Delays

If you're unsure about the current products on your floors, it may extend the sanding process. Be mindful of temperature and humidity, as they can affect drying times.

Consideration for Pets

For the best results, keep pets off the floors during the sand and finish process until the finish is fully cured to prevent contamination.

Home Vacating

Good News– you may not have to vacate your home during the process. We offer environmentally safe finishes with low-VOCs and fast dry times allowing you to be back on your floors quickly if that is a priority.

Best Time of Year for Refinishing

While refinishing can be done year-round, it's advisable to schedule refinishing before moving into a new home and to account for drying times based on weather conditions.

Wait Times Before Use:

  • Walking: Wait at least 24 hours with socks, and 72 hours with shoes, depending on the finish used.
  • Furniture: Wait at least 72 hours for water-based finishes and 96 hours for oil-based finishes before moving heavy furniture back.
  • Area Rugs: Place them back after 4 weeks once the finish is fully cured.

Fix Severe Hardwood Floor Damage

Our goal is to restore the beauty and functionality of your wood surface. We address minor damage during sanding and use wood filler for more severe issues. For significant damage, like deep scratches or gouges, we may recommend board replacement.

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Oil-Based vs. Water-Based Finishes for Hardwood Floors

When it comes to refinishing your hardwood floors, choosing the right finish is a crucial decision. At Warehouse Direct Flooring Outlet, we offer both oil-based and water-based finishes, each with its unique characteristics. Understanding the differences between these finishes can help you make an informed choice based on your preferences and needs.

Oil-Based Finishes

Advantages

Durability: Oil-based finishes are known for their exceptional durability and resistance to wear and tear.

Rich Color: These finishes penetrate deep into the wood, enhancing the natural grain pattern and creating a warm, rich color.

Moderate Odor: While they do have a moderate odor during application, the smell tends to dissipate as the finish dries and cures.

Easy Recoating: Oil-based finishes are easy to recoat, allowing for maintenance and touch-ups over time

Considerations

Drying Time: Oil-based finishes generally have a slower drying time compared to water-based finishes. This may extend the overall refinishing process.

Combustibility: Caution should be exercised during application, as oil-based finishes are combustible.

Water-Based Finishes

Advantages

Low VOC Content: Water-based finishes have a lower Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) content, making them environmentally friendly and safer for indoor use.

Faster Drying: These finishes dry faster than oil-based alternatives, reducing the overall refinishing timeline.

Color Uniformity: Water-based finishes produce a more uniform color on the wood surface and are less likely to fade over time.

Mild Odor: Water-based finishes generally have a milder odor during application compared to oil-based finishes.

Considerations

Application: Water-based finishes require more skill during application to ensure an even coat and avoid streaking.

Limited Penetration: While they offer excellent protection, water-based finishes may not penetrate as deeply into the wood as oil-based finishes.

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Which One is Right for You?

The choice between oil-based and water-based finishes ultimately depends on your priorities and preferences. If you value a rich, warm color and exceptional durability, an oil-based finish might be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a faster drying time, lower VOCs, and color uniformity, a water-based finish could be more suitable.

Refinishing Products

Sealers

A sealer is applied to unfinished hardwood prior to the finish. At Warehouse Direct we offer a wide variety of sealers that can alter the coloring of the floor or maintain its raw beauty. Below is a sampling of sealer products we carry.

At Warehouse Direct Flooring Outlet, we provide expert guidance to help you make the right decision for your hardwood floors. Whether you opt for the timeless appeal of oil-based finishes or the eco-friendly advantages of water-based finishes, our goal is to ensure your satisfaction with the refinishing process. Contact us today for a consultation, and let's enhance the beauty of your hardwood floors with the perfect finish for your home.

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Refinishing Products

Stain Colors

A stain can be applied in place of a sealer prior to the finish. At Warehouse Direct we offer a wide variety of stain colors, including both oil based and water based stains. Below is only a small sampling of the colors we offer. We will also make custom stain mixes to create a look that is unique to your home.

How Many Times Can a Hardwood Floor be Refinished?

Solid hardwood floors can withstand sanding and refinishing five to seven times or more, depending on thickness and condition. Shallow sanding can extend the refinishing count further.

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Refinishing Products

Finishes

Typically, two finish coats are applied after sanding and sealing (or staining) have been completed. When performing a Screen and Coat, we add a single layer of finish to the floor after lightly sanding. At Warehouse Direct we offer a wide variety of finish options, including both oil based and water based finishes. Below is only a small sampling of the finishes we offer.

Choose Warehouse Direct Flooring Outlet

At Warehouse Direct Flooring Outlet, we take pride in being hardwood specialists and one of the few flooring companies in the Santa Cruz area that offers wood floor refinishing. Our commitment to quality, environmental safety, and customer satisfaction sets us apart. If you're in Santa Cruz, Monterey, or Los Gatos and considering hardwood floor refinishing, we offer in-home consultations to determine if you need a screen and coat or a full sand and finish. Contact us today, and let's breathe new life into your hardwood floors!

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