This article is about how much it costs to refinish hardwood floors. You’ll learn everything you need to know, from how much preparation is required to the types of flooring available. You’ll also learn what to watch out for, including potential fire hazards. Here are a few things to remember before tackling your next flooring project.

Cost of refinishing hardwood floors

Hardwood Refinishing costs vary from project to project, but homeowners can do the process with a basic knowledge of power tools. You can rent or purchase sanding equipment at your local hardware store if you are a novice. Sanding pads can range from $300 to $400. You will also need to buy stains and finishes, brushes, and sprayers. In some cases, you can even do some of the work yourself to save on the total cost.

The average cost of hardwood floor refinishing is $1,761, though it can vary considerably based on the type of flooring, the amount of square footage, and the type of material. In general, this cost range is lower than the price of installing engineered hardwood floors. Still, the actual cost will depend on many factors, including the quality of the materials and the availability of labor in your area. 

Types of flooring

The first thing to know about refinishing hardwood floors is that not all types of wood are created equal. A single board of hardwood may need to be sanded at least six to eight times. Nevertheless, if you’re planning to refinish your wood floors, you should learn about the different types of sanding equipment. Here are the types of sandpaper and how to use them.

There are two main types of finishes for wood floors: water-based and acid-cured. Water-based refinishing is the most common and cheapest method, while acid-cured finishes are the most durable but the most difficult to apply. Once you have chosen the type of finish, you can begin refinishing your floors. Remember that sanding hardwood floors may require removing items from the floor, so you should have a designated space to store them.

Fire hazards

There are many hazards when refinishing wood floors, including high-flammable solvents, airborne wood dust, and electrical equipment. These hazards can be especially hazardous inside old homes. In addition, because immigrants perform much of the work, they are at risk. Environmental health research funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has identified these hazards and recommended safety precautions. 

VOC-based finishes are dangerous because the vapors produced are highly flammable and can build up quickly. Unlike VOC-based finishes, water-based finishes release relatively harmless. fumes. However, those who recently refinished their floors will tell you that the fumes are unpleasant.

Recoating

Once you’ve determined the type of floor you have, consider whether a total refinish or a more subdued screen and recoat is required. A recoat is simply roughing up your floor with a soft sanding screen. as well as applying a new protective covering This is much easier and less expensive than refinishing, but it only addresses issues with the surface-level protective covering. A refinish, on the other hand, will address moderate marring and discoloration but will take significantly more time, money, and effort. The best way to know if your floor should be recoated or refinished is to run a simple test. Find two areas on your floor and tape off a square of about 6 by 6 inches The first should be an area that represents the heaviest flaws you have in your floor to see if they’re repairable with a recoat. The second should be in an area that’s regularly exposed to cleaning products, such as window cleaner overspray, oil-based cleaners, or other heavy detergents.