Homeowners with hardwood floors will need to do some regular maintenance to keep them in good shape. However, eventually floors may need refinishing. There are some key signs that wood floors need a fresh face-lift.

Signs a Wood Floor Needs a Fresh Finish

The Floor is Showing Its Age

A floor that truly shows its age does not mean a dull finish and light imperfections, as these issues can be taken care of with products that clean and brighten the wood and fill in superficial scratches. A wood floor truly shows its age if it has a few (not extensive) deep scratches, some water damage, or areas where the finish has gotten discolored.

The Finish is at Least 10 Years Old

Finishes for wood floors are long-wearing, but if a homeowner hasn’t had their floors refinished in 10 years or more, and they’re looking worn, then it might be time to re-do them.

Water or Other Liquids Slowly Soak into the Wood

If liquids from spills form droplets on top of the wood, but then sink into it, this is a sign that the finish is worn and needs redoing.

Should Homeowners Do It Themselves?

Refinishing hardwood floors is not an easy, do-it-yourself job. It takes a measure of skill and know-how. Homeowners should honestly assess their capabilities and how handy they are before diving into refinishing floors themselves. Here are a few questions to ask to evaluate if a homeowner can do the job:

Can they handle an unwieldy floor sander that weights at least 100 pounds? This means keeping it steady, even, and producing a smooth finish with no bumps, dips, valleys, or areas that are not level.

Do they have experience staining wood? Could they keep the stain consistent over a large area? Oil-based stains especially are difficult to apply, as quick brush strokes applied with hurry will result in a floor that is dozens of shades of brown.

When to Hire a Professional to Refinish Hardwood Floors in San Jose

A homeowner whose most involved DIY projects including painting some walls or hanging up some shelving should rethink refinishing their hardwood floors themselves. An unskilled technique will leave floors with flaws that will become glaring once the stain or clear top coat is applied.

Leaving the job to a professional can be well-worth the money spent. A professional will not only produce a beautifully refinished floor, they will also know how to protect the other surfaces in the home from the dust and debris from the job. Homeowners can leave for work or errands and come back to steady progress, which is satisfying in itself.

When in doubt, it’s best to call a professional to evaluate hardwood floors San Jose. They can tell homeowners if their floors need a new finish and give them an estimate for the job. Then homeowners can figure out if they can do it themselves, or if a professional finish would be a better option.