What is floor restoration and when you should do it
Floor restoration is the process of restoring floors to their original condition and appearance in order to extend their service life and improve their aesthetic qualities. Over time, even the most high-quality and durable floors can wear out, lose their luster and attractiveness. This can happen due to various factors such as mechanical damage, changes in humidity and temperature, UV rays and just natural wear and tear. It is worth restoring floors when visible defects appear on the surface: scratches, dents, loss of color, stains or splits. Restoration can include sanding, polishing, replacing damaged planks and applying a new protective coating. This process not only returns your floors to their original appearance, but also protects them from further damage, extending the life of the coating.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at what floor restoration involves, what methods are used, and when you should consider doing this work.
What is wood floor restoration
Restoration of wooden floors is the process of restoring their original condition, including the removal of various defects and the application of new protective coatings. The goal of restoration is to extend the life of the floor and improve its appearance and functionality. This process may include replacing damaged boards, sanding, polishing and applying a finish coat. Restoration not only helps to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the floor, but also helps to protect it from further damage.
Popular Problems
Floor creaking
Floor creaking is one of the most common wood flooring problems. Squeaking can occur due to friction between planks or due to loose fasteners. Solutions to this problem may include fixing the boards, using special spacers, or filling gaps.
Mechanical damage
Mechanical damage such as chips, dents and scratches are often caused by dropping heavy objects or heavy use. These defects can be repaired with wood filler, sanding and polishing. In cases of severe damage, individual boards may need to be replaced.
Wood color loss
Over time, wood floors can lose their original color due to exposure to sunlight, moisture, and wear and tear. Color restoration may involve sanding the top layer of wood and applying a new coat of stain or varnish. This can restore the floor to its original brightness and appeal.
Floor warping
Floor warping occurs due to changes in humidity and temperature, causing warping or gaps between boards. Fixing this problem may require stabilizing the moisture levels in the room, replacing warped boards, and reinforcing the floor structure.
Wood floor restoration is an important process that helps keep your floor beautiful and functional for years to come. By taking regular care and fixing problems in a timely manner, you can avoid more serious damage and the cost of major repairs.
When is it a good idea to restore your floors?
Restoration of wooden floors should be undertaken when various defects and damages such as creaking, mechanical damage, loss of color or deformation begin to appear. Usually, a wooden floor has a lifespan of about 10 years, after which it is recommended to carry out restoration work. Regular inspection and maintenance of the floor will help to detect problems in time and prevent them from getting worse.
How do I know if my floor needs to be resurfaced or if a repair is sufficient?
The nature and extent of the damage can determine whether a floor needs to be completely replaced or repaired:
- Localized problems: If the damage is limited to a few spots or a specific area, you can probably get by with minor repairs or sanding followed by a protective layer. For example, chips, dents, scratches or darkened areas can be repaired without having to replace the entire floor.
- Multiple problems: If damage is observed in many areas of the floor, it makes sense to consider a complete floor restoration or replacement. Multiple cracks, significant warping, widespread color loss and deterioration of the flooring indicate the need for more extensive work.
In any case, it is recommended to contact professionals to accurately assess the condition of the floor and choose the best way to restore it. Their experience and expertise will help determine the best approach, ensuring the longevity and attractiveness of your wood flooring.
How much do flooring repair services in London cost?
| Sanding | Gap filling | Staining | Slivers |
|---|---|---|---|
| from 29 £/m² | from 5 £/m² | from 6 £/m² | from 14 £/m² |
Should you trust professionals or do it yourself?
When it comes to wood floor restoration, it's best to turn to professionals. Here are a few reasons why it's a smarter choice:
- Cost savings: Despite the seeming appeal of doing it yourself, professionals already have all the tools and equipment they need. Buying or renting these tools can be costly, especially if you only need them for a short period of time.
- Experience and expertise: Professionals have a lot of experience and knowledge in the field of floor restoration. They know many nuances that can be critical to the success of the job. This avoids mistakes and ensures a high quality result.
- Speed and efficiency: Professionals will get the job done much faster and more efficiently. They have proven methods and skills that optimize the floor restoration process.
- Quality Guarantee: Contacting professionals provides a guarantee on the work done. Should any problems arise, they will be able to fix them quickly and efficiently.
- Risk avoidance: Improper floor restoration work can lead to damage to the floor, which will require additional repair costs. Professionals know how to avoid such situations and minimize the risks.
Thus, entrusting wood floor restoration to professionals is a more sensible and cost-effective decision. This will not only save time and money, but also get a quality result that will last for many years.
