Few things make the first impression on a house quite like the floors. Beautiful floors can add the illusion of space and create an immense feeling of charm and elegance to a room. On the flip side, few things can make a house look more aged and run-down than a poorly maintained floor. That makes refinishing or redoing the floors one of the biggest home improvement undertakings a homeowner can manage. However, when done well, the return on investment can be handsome, and the revamped look can be absolutely striking. For many hardwood floor types, part of the process of refinishing these floors. While this is a process that can be done yourself, there are many experts who specialise in floor sanding in Maryborough who can undertake the task in a time effective and professional manner.
The Process of Floor Sanding
Generally, the process of floor sanding is performed in three steps:
- Eligible Types of Floors: Before any work can begin, the floor must be deemed eligible for floor sanding. Thankfully, many types of floors can undergo the process of sanding. Generally, timber, cork and particle board can all be sanded for refinishing. Occasionally, parquet floors are also eligible for the process of refinishing.
- Step One – Preparation: As the first step of the actual floor sanding process begins, the floor must be prepared. This involves removing any possible obstacles for the sanding machines that will do the bulk of the work. One of the primary obstacles are normally nails, which are punched down to ensure they can’t damage the machines. Staples, tacks and even adhesives are removed prior to the use of the machines because of the risk of damage. Once these tasks are complete, the floor can be sanded.
- Step Two – Sanding: Most of the actual sanding is done using a sizeable 220-volt belt or drum sanders. These machines can handle the vast majority of the surface area. The edges and other areas with tight spacing are done using a separate machine. The first step involves simply levelling the floor with the first cut. Respirator masks must be worn during the process of sanding because of the residue kicked up, which makes this a job well suited for a professional.
- Final Step – Sealing: Once the sanding process has been completed and the newly sanded floor is prepared, a sealant must be placed over the surface to protect and preserve the new appearance. The floor must be cleaned thoroughly before this process is undertaken or the residue will be sealed in with the floor.
Cautions About Floor Sanding
There are a few areas to be wary about, although a professional with an expertise in floor sanding will be able to avoid these, in most cases.
- Altered Appearance: While this is often the point of floor sanding, sometimes the sanding removes the patina to the point of altering the appearance of clashing with the rest of the room.
- Low-Quality Wood Underneath: Occasionally, the sanding process can reveal wood that is inferior under the initial layer, reducing the appearance and value of the floor after the process is complete.
- Reducing Flooring Material: Obviously, the process of sanding removes large amounts of flooring material. Timber floors can only take on so much sanding before too much will have been removed.
While there are a few cautions to floor sanding, experts can navigate the possible pitfalls and provide you with a floor that looks new through a process of refinishing.