Hardwood floors are a great investment that can last for decades. However, to keep them looking and functioning their best, they need to be properly maintained and regularly refinished. How often you should refinish hardwood floors depends on several factors, including the type of wood, the amount of foot traffic, and the desired look.
Factors to Consider
When determining how often to refinish hardwood floors, the first factor to consider is the type of wood. For example, softer woods like pine and hickory require more frequent refinishing than harder woods like oak and maple. This is because softer woods are more prone to scratches and dents. Additionally, the amount of foot traffic the floor gets will also play a role in determining the frequency of refinishing.
Refinishing Frequency
As a general rule, hardwood floors should be refinished every five to seven years. However, this may vary depending on the type of wood, the amount of foot traffic, and the desired look. For example, if the floor sees heavy foot traffic and the desired look is for a glossy finish, it may need to be refinished more often. On the other hand, if the floor sees minimal foot traffic and the desired look is for a matte finish, then it may not need to be refinished as often.
Preventative Maintenance
In addition to regular refinishing, it is also important to follow a routine of preventative maintenance. This includes sweeping, vacuuming, and occasionally damp mopping the floor to keep it clean and free of dust and dirt. It is also important to apply a wood floor protectant every six months to help protect the finish from scratches and scuffs.
DIY Refinishing Vs. Professional Refinishing
If you are comfortable with DIY projects, it is possible to refinish hardwood floors yourself. However, this is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. If you don’t have the time or the expertise, it is best to hire a professional to do the job. Professionals have the skills and tools necessary to properly refinish hardwood floors and can often do it in a fraction of the time it would take to do it yourself.
Conclusion
Refinishing hardwood floors is an important part of keeping them looking and functioning their best. How often you should refinish hardwood floors depends on the type of wood, the amount of foot traffic, and the desired look. As a general rule, hardwood floors should be refinished every five to seven years. Additionally, it is important to follow a routine of preventative maintenance and apply a wood floor protectant every six months. Finally, if you don’t have the time or expertise to refinish hardwood floors yourself, it is best to hire a professional.
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