Floor Refinishing

Refinishing a hardwood floor can be a challenging endeavor, but can yield beautiful results. A freshly finished hardwood floor is eye-catching and can be a wonderful way to update your home. For more information about our flooring options, contact us or call us at 703-435-2000 today!

What is the difference between buffing and sanding?

Buffing is a superficial treatment to the top layer of polyurethane and does not address any deep scratches and dirt that is in the grain. On the other hand, sanding of wood floors entails sanding the top layer of the floors to remove the polyurethane, scratches and dirt.

What is the staining process?

Stain is applied to the floor and hand wiped, prior to any protective polyurethane coatings. This stain is for cosmetic purposes only and will have no effect on the floors protection. After the stain is allowed to cure, polyurethane coatings are applied over the dried stain as in the natural process listed above.

We commonly use the industries leading manufacturers of stain Minwax® brand Wood Finish™ Stain. There are nineteen different stain colors to choose from and we recommend viewing the Minwax’s website and products directly.

What are my options for polyurethane?

We utilize the two most common types of hardwood floor polyurethane coatings which include an an oil modified polyurethane and a waterborne polyurethane. Both of these finishes are available in gloss, semi-gloss, or satin sheens.

Oil modified polyurethane is a petroleum/oil base finish containing plasticizers and various synthetic resins. This finish is solvent based and there is normally an odor associated with it. It will normally dry to the touch in about about eight hours. However, depending on work site conditions, temperature, and humidity, drying may vary from six to twelve hours. Curing time for recoating, replacement of furniture, or allowing other remodeling work traffic will require skipping a day before such activities may resume. The oil-modified polyurethane itself generally has a transparent amber appearance and a viscosity similar to new motor oil. When applied to an unstained bare wood, the floor will continue to retain this golden color. It requires a minimum of two coats to protect a floor, but three is the industry standard for sustained durability.

Waterborne polyurethane is a water based finish containing plasticizers and various synthetic resins. It has a milder odor in comparison to oil-modified finishes. This product normally dries to the touch in about about two hours. However, depending on work site conditions, temperature, and humidity, drying may vary from one to four hours. Curing time for replacement of furniture, or allowing other remodeling work traffic will often require waiting until the following day before such activities may resume. The water based polyurethane itself generally has milky white appearance and a viscosity similar to heavy cream. When applied to an unstained bare wood, the floor will appear to have a light beige/blonde color. It requires a minimum of three coats to protect a floor, but four is highly recommended.

For more information about our impressive variety of options for floor stains and finishes, feel free to contact us or call us directly at 703-435-2000. We look forward to serving you!