Often, the history of your floor is unknown. But its future always lies in your hands. And thankfully, there are safe and easy ways to restore your floors, and add value to your home in the process. Assessing the condition of your floor should be the first step. It will help you decide what steps to take, and how much time and energy to invest in beautifying your home.

How Do I Know When to Restore the Floor?

The first thing you should do is take stock of your floor’s condition. If your floor is dulling and has minor surface scratches (which have not penetrated to the wood itself), your floor probably just needs cleaning and a good polish. If your floor has moderate scratches, you should consider a prep & recoat combination.

It is time to sand and refinish when your floor has severe scratches, when high traffic has worn the finish down to bare wood, or when you just want to change the color or sheen of your floor.

There are several instances where you may need to replace your floor. If it is badly worn, heavily damaged or cannot be sanded again, this is a good option. Also, if you desire to change the floor’s wood specie or your flooring’s pattern, replacing the floor is the way to go.

How Do I Prep & Recoat? And How Often?

Prepping & Recoating provides a protective coat of urethane that fills in scratches, and even restores the floor’s sheen and appearance. If done every few years, the need for a complete re-sand or replacement are reduced.

It is typically a one-day process (for up to 1,000 square feet of flooring). Some special equipment is needed, so it is a moderate DIY project, and certainly contractor worthy.

Can I Replace My Floor?

If properly cared for and recoated, a wood floor may never need to be replaced. How long it takes, and what is ultimately involved depends on the floor’s condition and your vision for it. It can be a DIY project, or require a contractor. The major mitigating factors are the floor’s square footage, and whether the wood will be finished or unfinished.