Regular floor maintenance goes a long way to enhance floor quality and functionality. When should you opt for recoating vs. refinishing hardwood floors? You’re probably wondering. This guide covers everything you need to know about floor refinishing and recoating.
The Process of Recoating Your Hardwood Floors with Polyurethane
The best time to reapply a polyurethane is when your floor looks dull with some light scratches. This is usually after three and five years. Recoating helps to restore floor aesthetics while prolonging the floor’s life span.
Recoating hardwood floors is pretty simple, but it can also be a hurdle for some people. Below is a quick rundown of how to go about the process.
- Avail the right materials for the task, including polyurethane, sandpaper, paintbrush, and wood floor cleaner.
- First, apply some wood floor cleaner to clean the surface that needs a recoat, then let it dry.
- Use sandpaper to lightly remove scuffs from the top layer.
- Wipe the dust away using a rug, then apply some polyurethane floor finish.
- The floor should be ready for use in under 24 hours regardless of the type of polyurethane you use—oil or water-based.
The cost of hiring someone / DIY recoating hardwood floors
According to a HomeAdvisor report, the cost of recoating varies between $1 and $2 per square foot. The cost of sanding is $0.50 and $30. Oil-based Polyurethane costs between $20 and $40 per gallon, while water-based polyurethane costs between $25 and $50.
The overall low-high cost ranges between $600 and $4,000, depending on the floor area, materials to be purchased, and professional fees. Recoating is less tasking, so the cost will mostly fall on the lower end of the spectrum.
The Process of Refinishing Hardwood Floors
When should you refinish hardwood floors? You could be asking. A refinish is necessary when the floor has deep scratches and more stubborn stains. You can also refinish your floors after they’re decolorized from the effect of sun rays.
Refinishing hardwood floors can be complex and tasking. So, you should leave it to experts. But if you’re more experienced, you can give it a shot. Below is a quick rundown of how to go about the process.
- Thoroughly clean the floor, then use sandpaper to remove all the existing finishes.
- Apply the polyurethane to the floor in layers and let it dry.
- The floor should be ready for use after 24 hours.
The cost of hiring/DIY refinishing hardwood floors
According to HomeAdvisor, refinishing hardwood floors typically costs between $3 and $8 per square foot. The best part is, the cost per square foot drops when you have more floor area to refinish. It’s also important to add the cost of polyurethane to your budget.
This will cost between $20 and $40 per gallon for oil-based polyurethane and between $25 and $50 for water-based polyurethane.
Refinishing hardwood floors can be tasking, especially when a large floor area is involved. Refinishing costs an overall low-high cost range of between $600 and $4,000. However, the typical cost ranges between $1,075 and $2,489. The national average cost is $1,768.
Which option is better for you?
One, go with DIY when you’re certain you can handle the task. Two, go for a recoat when the floor appears dull with some light scratches. Otherwise, a refinish is necessary when the floor has deep scratches and more stubborn stains.
Clean Recoat’s Solution – Value prop over the alternative options?
If you feel you can’t do this on your own, it would be best to involve an expert like Clean Recoat. Please contact us now to discuss your project.
