Choosing Hardwood Floor Resurfacing vs. Refinishing

Hardwood flooring has long held its status as one of the preferred flooring choices for homeowners, owing to its durability and aesthetic appeal. However, with the passage of time, the wear and tear on your hardwood floors become evident. When faced with this situation, the options of refinishing or resurfacing your hardwood floors come into play. This article aims to provide a comparative analysis of refinishing and resurfacing, aiding you in making an informed decision to rejuvenate your floors.

Refinishing Hardwood Floors

Refinishing hardwood floors involves the meticulous process of sanding down the flooring to eliminate imperfections like scratches, stains, or dents. Subsequently, after sanding, you can opt to stain the floor or apply a protective finish such as polyurethane. This procedure is often a manageable do-it-yourself (DIY) task, requiring a reliable floor sander, stain, and a protective topcoat. However, patience is essential, as refinishing takes several days for optimal results, typically averaging around three days.

Refinishing is generally recommended every seven to ten years to breathe new life into the hardwood floors. Most hardwood floors can undergo refinishing up to five times during their lifespan, contingent on the floor's thickness.

Resurfacing Hardwood Floors

When hardwood floors have undergone several refinishing sessions or certain planks are irreparably worn, resurfacing becomes the more viable option. The process of resurfacing entails:

1. Replacing worn-out planks.
2. Reinforcing planks with nails.
3. Sanding the floor down to achieve an even surface.

Upon completing these steps, you have the freedom to apply your preferred stain or finish, rejuvenating the appearance of the hardwood floors. Another method of resurfacing involves installing an overlay, such as laminate or vinyl, atop the existing flooring. However, it's crucial to note that resurfacing is more time-consuming and expensive compared to refinishing. It is not an inherently DIY-friendly task and may necessitate professional intervention.

Refinishing vs. Resurfacing Hardwood Floors

1. Condition of the Hardwood Floor: The extent of damage to your hardwood floors plays a crucial role in deciding between refinishing and resurfacing. Refinishing is suitable for minor damage, sun fading, or signs of normal wear and tear. Conversely, if the floors display extensive issues such as cracking, warping, or severe denting, resurfacing becomes the preferred choice. However, for significant structural damage, opting for new flooring might be more cost-effective than resurfacing.

2. Cost Difference: Numerous factors contribute to the cost of refinishing or resurfacing, including room size, floor shape, hardwood type, finish type, and local labor costs. Refinishing consistently proves more cost-effective compared to resurfacing. Smoother, more even floors requiring minimal sanding for scuff marks, stains, or discoloration incur lower expenses. However, the multi-step processes involved in resurfacing, from sanding to plank replacement, contribute to higher costs.

3. DIY vs. Use Professionals: The decision to undertake refinishing or resurfacing as a DIY project or hire professionals hinges on the extent of damage. Refinishing is a more accessible DIY task, with a floor sander being the primary requirement. In contrast, resurfacing demands various tools like power saws, grinders, sanders, and nail guns, making it more suitable for professional handling.

To Refinish or Resurface?

Refinishing proves effective for addressing surface-level issues like scratches, dents, discoloration, wear, and other imperfections. On the other hand, resurfacing is better suited to address extensive damage involving warped or rotten hardwood planks, surpassing the capabilities of refinishing alone.

Read Also : Refinish Hardwood Floors or Replace with Laminate: What’s Cheaper?