Refinishing your hardwood floors. Not always a DIY job!

Refinishing hardwood floors can be a DIY project, but it carries risks of permanently damaging your floor, especially with power equipment like drum or floor sanders. Mishandling the equipment can lead to deep gouges from over-sanding or an uneven finish from under-sanding. It is best to hire a professional if you lack experience, or at least get hands-on training from the rental company before attempting the project. 

Risks of DIY refinishing

• Permanent damage: Over-aggressive sanding can create deep gouges or remove too much of the wood's wear layer, compromising the floor's structural integrity.

• Uneven finish: If you don't sand enough, the finish will look dull. If you sand too much or unevenly, the stain and finish won't apply evenly, resulting in a blotchy appearance.

• Improper equipment use: Rental machines can be heavy and difficult to operate correctly. For example, a drum sander can cause permanent damage if left in one spot for even a moment.

• Costly mistakes: A botched job can be expensive to fix, potentially costing more than hiring a professional from the start. 

When to consider hiring a professional

• You have little experience: If you've never operated floor-sanding equipment before, the learning curve is steep and a professional can avoid costly mistakes.

• Your floors have deep damage: If your floors have significant damage, you may need a professional to assess if they can be refinished or if a different solution is needed.

• Your home is a valuable investment: If the home's value depends on a high-quality finish, a professional can ensure a significantly better result.

• Your floors are engineered wood: Engineered hardwood has a very thin top layer that can be easily sanded through, so it is best to leave this to a professional. 

When DIY might be an option

If you have some experience and are working on a smaller project, a DIY approach could be right for you.

• Minor wear and tear: For floors with only light surface scratches and minor wear, you can perform a screen and recoat, which involves a light sanding and new coats of finish. Professionals have buffing machines to make this faster, but you can do it with an orbital sander.

• Cost savings: For those on a tight budget, DIY is a way to avoid labor costs. However, you must consider the costs of renting equipment, buying materials, and potentially fixing mistakes.

• Small areas: A DIY refinish is less risky and more manageable in a small room or on a staircase, where potential mistakes are confined to a smaller area. 

Before you decide, it's wise to get several quotes from professional refinishers to compare costs, timelines, and services.