Maybe all you need is some Refinishing

If the beauty of your existing hardwood floor is marred by scratches and dents, refinishing could restore its original luster. The process requires sanding a thin layer off the top of the floor, staining it again, and applying a new protective finish.

The Applegate refinishing crew is experienced at stripping, sanding, staining, painting, and polyurethane topcoating. If you opt for a natural finish, we'll apply no stain, but one coat of a polyurethane sealer and three coats of polyurethane. If you'd prefer a stain, we'll apply the stain plus three coats of polyurethane.

If you have only minor damage or a dull-looking floor, we might suggest a screen and coat instead of complete refinishing. This method involves only light sanding and one coat of polyurethane.

Here are some helpful guidelines on what you can expect if you choose to have your floors refinished:

When Should I Think about Refinishing my Wood Floors?

Most homeowners will schedule a complete refinish when worn or bare spots begin to appear, or scratching has become too much to handle. Sometimes the homeowner simply wants a color change when they consider refinishing or some just may want to change the gloss of the finish, or you can also change from a waxed finish to a lower maintenance polyurethane finish.

When to have the work done? Simply depends on you . While most people can live with the everyday abuse wood floors get as scratches, dings, and dents lead to adding character, others prefer a sleek contemporary look in which you would require refinishing every five years to maintain. It is all about the homeowner's preference.

What Happens During Refinishing?

Some refinishers have invested in dust extraction systems. Others may just have a bag attached to their sanding equipment. Dustless systems eliminate an enormous amount of dust and old finish materials that would otherwise linger in your home for possibly months after refinishing. Dust can find it's way anywhere; into kitchen cabinets, heating and cooling system vents...everywhere unless you protect everything during the work. Dust can be minimized if the refinisher tapes off rooms, you remove drapes, and maybe even call in that cleaning crew once the work is done. Poor dust control may also have an effect on the final appearance, not to mention everyday health.

Applegate does offer a highly advanced dustless sanding system that virtually eliminates the wood dust. The filters remove all the dust down to below 1 micron yielding no dust emissions from the system. No plastic sheets or masking is required and there is minimal cleanup.

What Happens after the Job is Done? When Can I Move Furniture Back In?

Water based finishes will take the least amount of time to dry and cure. Conditions can vary and depends on relative humidity within the home or conditions outside if you want to speed up the odor removal with an open house. We'll let you know when the best time to replace furniture is, as well as when and if you are able to use area rugs.

How Long Does It Take?

If the rooms are ready with furniture, drapes and any wall hangings removed, finishing will usually take 3 days.

If you'd like to spruce up your floors, Refinishing may be all you need. Call us now for a Free Estimate to see what we can do for you!