Is it time to have your hardwood floor refinished?

Perhaps you've been thinking about getting your hardwood floors refinished. It's been awhile and they just look tired and sad. But every time you think about a refinish, you imagine billows of dust floating around and invading every nook and cranny of your house.  And once again, you put it on the back burner

​I feel your pain! But I can tell you that it doesn't have to be as bad as what you've imagined. Here are a few things to consider . . . 

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•  If your floor is not toooo bad, a maintenance coat might do the job. Most people wait until to is beyond that point and a complete refinish is required. If you're not sure, you can read my post about maintenance coats by clicking here.
• You can request a free estimate from Hardwood Cafe or any other company to get an idea of cost. In my opinion, it is always good to get 2 or more references on any company that you are considering. Like anything else, there are some great hardwood flooring companies out there as well as some mediocre ones. And, of course, there are a few fly-by-night outfits that you want to stay away from.
• Questions to ask before hiring someone (depending on your situation, you might want to ask some of these questions or all of them. You might also have questions that are not on this list):
  • What dust containment equipment do you use?
  • Do you use plastic to keep dust from entering areas apart from the work area?
  • What about getting under the stove and refrigerator?
  • Do you move furniture?
  • Will you show me stain samples to choose from?
  • Will you stain a small section of my floor so I can see what it looks before making a final decision?
  • How many coats of finish (topcoats) do you apply?
  • Do you have a commercial finish that will hold up better, and if so, what is the cost?
  • How long before I will be able to walk on the floor? Do I need to be away during this process?
  • What about my pets?
  • What time will you arrive each day and what time do you leave each day?
  • Do I need to be there while you're working? Will you lock up when you leave?
  • Do you clean up at the end of every day?
  • Do you require a down-payment? Note: 50% down is most common.
  • When do I make the final payment? Note: Final payment should not be required until the job is completed to your satisfaction.
• 4) Once the job is completed to your satisfaction, you might want to ask for cleaning recommendations. Generally speaking, most cleaners made for hardwood floors are safe. I recommend Bona cleaner. If the product claims to do anything besides clean (polish, shine, rejuvenate, etc), stay away from it as it will leaves a residue that will only look good temporarily and is extremely difficult to remove. See more about cleaning.