St. Louis hardwood floor refinishing

If they are solid wood or have a “wear layer” of 1/8″ or more the answer is yes. We can make them look new, change the color and put a gloss, semi-gloss or satin shine on them.

Day-to-day care is simple. Sweep with soft bristles or dust mop regularly to contain dust that can actually scratch finishes over time, or vacuum with the beater bar turned off, since grit is what wears down a finish over time. For deeper cleaning, use a pH-neutral cleaner made specifically for finished hardwood (Bona is a good, and is the manufacturer of our finishes and is widely available) applied with a microfiber mop. Avoid steam mops, wet mopping, vinegar, oil soaps, and "shine" or wax products. These can dull the finish, cause the wood to swell, or leave residue that prevents a future recoat from bonding. Put felt pads under furniture legs, place mats at entryways to catch dirt, and wipe up spills promptly. Finally, keep indoor humidity between roughly 35% and 50% year-round. That helps prevent gapping in winter and cupping in summer.

Much less than you might expect. We use dust containment sanding equipment that pulls the vast majority of dust directly into a collection system, and we seal off work areas with plastic to keep dust from traveling to the rest of your home. Some fine dust is unavoidable in any sanding project, so we recommend removing or covering items on shelves near the work area. We clean up thoroughly at the end of each day and before applying finish, since a clean surface is essential for a quality result and a consistent look.

That depends on the finish you choose. Water-based finishes have a mild odor that typically fades within a day or so, and most families find them very livable. Oil-based polyurethane has a much stronger smell that can linger for several days, and we generally recommend that households with young children, pregnant family members, pets, or people with sensitivities plan to stay elsewhere for a couple of days. Good ventilation helps in either case. We're happy to walk you through the trade-offs so you can choose what works best for your household.

Hardwood and dogs can coexist very well, but it's important to know that no finish is completely scratch-proof. A few choices make a big difference. A lower sheen, like matte or satin, hides scratches far better than semi-gloss or gloss. Harder wood species and lighter or natural tones tend to show wear less than dark stains, which make scratches and dust more visible. We can also recommend a commercial-grade finish with higher durability. At home, keeping your dog's nails trimmed, using rugs in high-traffic or play areas, and cleaning up accidents quickly will go a long way. Pet urine left sitting can penetrate the finish and permanently stain the wood, so prompt cleanup is especially important.

The best way is to see real samples on your own floor. Stain looks different depending on the wood species, how the floor was sanded, and the lighting in your home, so the swatches you see in a showroom or online are only a starting point. We'll apply Three sample spots colors directly to a section of your floor so you can see them in place. We suggest looking at them at different times of day, in both natural and artificial light, and next to your cabinets, trim, and furniture. As a general guide, lighter and natural tones are more forgiving with everyday wear, while darker tones are dramatic and will show dust, pet hair, and scratches more easily.

TWith a water-based finish, you can usually walk on the floor in socks (no shoes) about 5 hours after the final coat. With an oil-based finish, plan on 24 to 48 hours. Wait at least 48 to 72 hours before moving furniture back in, and lift it into place rather than sliding it. Hold off on putting down area rugs for about two weeks with water-based finish and up to 30 days with oil-based, since the finish is still curing and hardening during that time. Pets should generally stay off the floor for several days. We'll give you a specific schedule based on the products used on your project.

With regular care and regulations maintenance, a full sand and refinish typically lasts many years, often 10 or more depending on traffic, pets, and maintenance. In between, many homeowners benefit from a "screen and recoat" every 3 to 5 years. This is a light buffing of the existing finish followed by a fresh topcoat, and it restores protection and shine without sanding down to bare wood. It's quicker, less expensive, and extends the life of your floors considerably. The key is to recoat before the finish wears through to bare wood, because once that happens a full sand becomes necessary. We're happy to take a look anytime and let you know which option makes sense.