Hardwood Sanding and Refinishing
For businesses and residential properties in Philadelphia and NJ
What to Expect During Sanding
Sanding a hardwood floor involves removing as little material as possible to achieve a flat floor. Flatness is a relative term and you shouldn’t expect “piano top” flatness.
There are many steps and various sanding machines we use to get a floor flattened to or flatter than industry standard. We use the best machines available and are always updating our arsenal of tools as well as incorporating new techniques.
Discussing Stains and Finishes
The first step in the sanding/finishing process is to decide what sort of end result you’d like to achieve. There are many options and looks available. We can discuss options and once a decision is reached, we can begin the sanding process.
We use dust containment systems* but we also mask off areas where we won’t be working in order to keep those areas absolutely free of residual dust.
Setting up Sanding Equipment
The next step is to set up our sanding equipment. Our main sanders are 220 volt machines, which will require us to either plug into dryer/oven outlets or to wire into your electrical panel.
The rest of our machines are 110 volt and can be plugged into your wall outlets.
Begin Rough and Fine Sanding
From there, we begin sanding. It will be LOUD! We generally start with the lightest grit sandpaper possible for your particular floor and move to lighter grits with each subsequent pass.
Depending on the size of your project and the look you’re aiming for, this can take anywhere from 1 day to a few weeks.
Finishing and Coloring
When we are finished sanding, the finishing process can begin. The finishing process’s vary from a polyurethane or a hardwax oil applied directly to the sanded wood, to staining and dying or oiling the floor to alter the color.
If a color is desired, this would be the next step in the process.
Dustless Sanding
Dustless sanding systems are vacuums that are attached to our sanders to help to eliminate airborne dust particles created by the sanding process. We use systems manufactured by Oneida, Festool, American Sanders, and Pro Team. While containment systems don’t eliminate 100% of airborne dust, they are very effective and will help to keep your home clean and healthy. We also utilize dust containment systems made by ZipWall in order to keep dust from entering areas of your home where we aren’t working.
Colorants
There are quite a few ways of coloring your floors. Each one will add time to the overall process of finishing your floor. The range of colors available “straight out of the can” is very wide. When you start mixing colors, the array is practically unlimited! Here is a listing of a few of the more common colorants along with a brief description of each.
Stains: Stains are the most commonly used colorants. They are usually oil based, although they are also available in alcohol and water based formulations. The oil based stains are high in VOC’s* and have a strong odor which may take 1-2 days to dissipate. The pigment molecules are fairly large, which means that they don’t penetrate deeply into the wood fibers. They can range from a very light amber color (neutral) to very nearly black. After application, it can take up to 48 hours to be dry enough to apply a finish. We currently offer oil based stains made by Duraseal* and Bona* These stains are color fast which means that they will not normally fade with exposure to UV light.
Dyes: Dyes are generally either water or alcohol borne. They have a zero to low VOC* content. The molecules in a dye are smaller than those in a stain and tend to penetrate more deeply into the fiber of the wood. The range of colors are virtually unlimited. These colorants are generally not colorfast and often need to be sealed in with a stain.. We offer dyes manufactured by WD Lockwood*
Pretones and Reactives: Pretones are another way of adding color to your floor. They are generally used as a precursor to achieving special effects such as cerusing. Rubio Monocoat, Loba and Bona all make pretone colorants. Iron Acetate is another pretoner that is made by soaking steel wool in white vinegar, straining it and applying it directly to the floor prior to staining. We make IA in our shop, although there are other reactive agents available from various manufacturers.
Finishes
There are a number of finishes commonly used on hardwood floors. They vary in many ways. Here are some descriptions of each type of finish that we use.
Oil Modified Polyurethane: Oil modified polyurethane (OMU) is typically referred to as “polyurethane”. It is a film forming finish, which means that a protective coating is left on the surface of the floor as it cures. It has a strong odor with fairly high VOC*’s. which generally dissipate after a few days. Each coat needs to dry overnight prior to applying the next coat and it tends to “amber” over time when exposed to UV light. Usually applied in 3 coats, it is a very durable, low maintenance finish. Full cure time can be as long as 30 days, but your floors will be walkable in 24 hours. We currently offer Oil Modified Polyurethane made by Polo Plaz* and Lenmar*.
Waterborne Polyurethane: Waterborne polyurethanes are also film forming finishes, tend to be clear to light amber and are less prone to changing color over time. These finishes come in 2 versions. The first is a catalyzed 2 component finish (referred to as 2K) and the second is a non-catalyzed single component finish (referred to as 1K) . Both versions have fast dry times (often 2-3 hours per coat) and have a lower VOC * content than an OMU which means that they are more environmentally friendly and have less smell. Because they dry faster than an OMU, they are good options when there is a tight time frame to consider. Both 1K and 2K are durable although the 2K finishes are harder. We offer waterborne finishes made by Bona* Duraseal and Loba*.
Penetrating Oils and Hard Wax Oils: Hardwax oils have been used in Europe for many years. They are generally low but not zero VOC with the exception of one product that we are aware of. Hardwax oils do not leave a film finish on the surface of the wood. Rather, they penetrate into the wood itself and form a molecular bond with the cellulose in the wood. This results in a deep luster that brings out the natural beauty of the wood grain and protects the wood from the inside. You can almost see down into the grain of the wood. Hardwax oils are very durable if maintained properly. Most manufacturers require that their product be maintained with their proprietary cleaning products. Hardwax oils are also fairly easy to repair when damaged. We currently offer hardwax oils from Bona, Loba, Rubio Monocoat, Pallman and Odie’s Oil.
Machines / Tools
We utilize a wide variety of equipment while building and sanding your floors and are always updating our tool library!
Sanding Equipment: Lagler, American Sanders, Festool, Galaxy, Bosch, and Dewalt.
Dust Collection/ Protection: Oneida, Festool, American Sanders, Pro Team, and Zipwall Systems
Hardwood Sanding and Refinishing FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive regarding the hardwood sanding and refinishing process:
What is the goal of hardwood floor sanding?
Sanding hardwood floors aims to achieve a flat surface, but it may not be perfectly “piano top” flat. We use industry-standard techniques and the best available machines to ensure a smooth finish.
How can I tell if my hardwood floors need refinishing?
Over time, hardwood floors can show signs of wear, including scratches, dullness, and fading. If you notice these issues or the finish is peeling or chipping, it’s likely time for refinishing. A simple test is to place a few drops of water on the floor; if it doesn’t bead up and instead soaks into the wood, it’s time for refinishing.
What equipment do you use for sanding?
We employ various sanding machines to achieve the desired result. Our equipment is regularly updated to ensure efficiency and quality.
How do I choose the right finish for my hardwood floors?
The first step is deciding on the look you want to achieve. We offer various options, from natural finishes to stains, dyes, and oils. Our professional staff can discuss these options with you to help you make an informed choice.
Is there dust during the sanding process?
While we use dust containment systems and mask off areas to minimize dust, sanding can still be dusty. However, our systems effectively reduce airborne dust particles to keep your space clean.
What type of electrical outlets do you need for sanding equipment?
Our main sanders are 220-volt machines, requiring dryer/oven outlets or electrical panel wiring. Other devices are 110-volt and can be plugged into standard wall outlets.
How long does the sanding process typically take?
The duration of sanding depends on your project’s size and desired finish. It can range from one day to a few weeks, but we work efficiently to minimize disruption.
What happens after sanding is complete?
Once sanding is finished, the finishing process begins. That can include applying polyurethane or hard wax oil directly to the wood or altering the floor’s color through staining, dyeing, or oiling.
How effective are your dustless sanding systems?
We use dust containment systems from reputable manufacturers like Oneida, Festool, American Sanders, and Pro Team. While they don’t eliminate all dust, they significantly reduce airborne particles. We also employ ZipWall systems to prevent dust from entering unaffected areas.
How long does the refinishing process typically take?
The duration of the refinishing process depends on several factors, including the size of the area, the type of finish, and any necessary repairs. On average, it can take anywhere from 2 to 5 days. We’ll provide a more accurate estimate after assessing your specific project.
Can I change the color of my existing hardwood floors during refinishing?
Yes, refinishing offers an excellent opportunity to change the color of your hardwood floors. You can choose various staining or dyeing options to achieve the desired look. Discuss your color preferences with our experts during the consultation.
What are the different ways to color hardwood floors?
There are several methods, including:
- Stains: Oil-based or water-based, offering a wide color range.
- Dyes: Generally water or alcohol-based, with nearly unlimited color options.
- Pretone and Reactives: Used for special effects, such as cerusing, and offer unique coloration methods.
What types of finishes do you offer?
We provide various finishes, including:
- Oil Modified Polyurethane: Durable with some odor and ambering over time.
- Waterborne Polyurethane: Clear to light amber, fast-drying, and environmentally friendly.
- Penetrating and Hard Wax Oils: Deeply penetrating, low VOC options that protect the wood from within.
What equipment do you use for your services?
We utilize a wide variety of equipment from reputable brands, including sanding equipment from Lagler, American Sanders, Festool, Galaxy, Bosch, and Dewalt, as well as dust collection/protection systems from Oneida, Festool, American Sanders, Pro Team, and Zipwall Systems.
Do I need to vacate my home or business during refinishing?
While it’s not always necessary to vacate, minimizing foot traffic and keeping pets away during refinishing is recommended. The strong odor of some finishes may also require temporary relocation. We’ll discuss these details with you during the planning stage.
How can I maintain my newly refinished hardwood floors?
Following certain maintenance tips is essential to keep your hardwood floors looking their best. Regularly sweep or vacuum to remove dirt and debris, use area rugs or mats in high-traffic areas, and promptly clean up spills. Avoid wearing high heels and keep pet nails trimmed to prevent scratches. Additionally, follow any maintenance guidelines our team provides or the finish manufacturer provides.
If you have any questions not covered here or would like to request a quote for our hardwood sanding and refinishing services, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you achieve the beautiful hardwood floors you desire.
Recent Hardwood Flooring Projects in Philadelphia & NJ
CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS
Working with Steve and his team was a great experience! They did amazing work in my home. I had old carpet removed, new hardwood floors installed and my pine steps refinished. They were always prompt and did a good clean up job. Steve is honest, trustworthy and communicates with you during the whole process. I would highly recommend and use them again!