The beauty and elegance of the home are lit up by the perfect look of the finished floor. However, this perfect look can be damaged if the floor is made of hardwood. Hardwood floors are mostly designed and installed for personal space and to give the space a warm look. It holds a classic approach style combined with the perfect décor of the home. However, the hardwood floor tends to get scratched, scuffed, or otherwise damaged with the passage of time. This damaged look greatly affects the house, making it look worn out and torn apart. Refinishing the hardwood floors is tricky since it requires detail and is expensive. It is better to consider the pros and cons of hardwood floor refinishing before starting the process.
PROS:
1: Improved Appearance: The major benefit of Internal is that it ensures a new and improved look. With the proper process, many scratches, scuffs, or other damages are repaired during the topcoat and polishing. It presents a fresh and clean look overall. Refinishing the hardwood floor brings new elegance and glamour to your home and makes it more inviting.
2: Increased Value: The hardwood floor presents a classic but expensive taste in the home's décor. With the additional refinishing of the hardwood floor, the overall value of the house increases significantly. It not only looks brand new but makes it open for possible prospects and buyers too. The hardwood floor indicates its expensiveness in the market, thus increasing the overall value.
3: Cost-effective: Hardwood floors are typically expensive, but refinishing them and keeping them up to date results in cost-effective maintenance. Floor designs and their applications are costly to work on as they demand resources, time, and energy. However, hardwood floors are a one-time investment, and after proper application, only refinishing requires a cost-effective method.
4: Customization: The hardwood floors ensure the opportunity for customization and coloring only after the refinishing of the floor. If the hardwood floor is stained with any color, you can match the floor in contrast or match the décor or furniture. The high-gloss finish creates a shiny, modern look with many customizations in design and color.
5. Sustainability: Refinishing hardwood floors is an environmentally friendly choice compared to replacing them. By maintaining and restoring existing floors, you reduce waste and the demand for new materials, making it a more sustainable option for eco-conscious homeowners.
6. Enhanced Durability: The refinishing process can enhance the durability of hardwood floors by applying a protective topcoat. This layer not only improves resistance to wear and tear but also protects against moisture and stains, helping to prolong the life of the floor.
7. Improved Indoor Air Quality: New finishes, especially water-based products, have significantly lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs) compared to older options. This can lead to better indoor air quality during and after the refinishing process, benefiting the health of all inhabitants, particularly those with respiratory issues.
8. Maintenance Flexibility: After refinishing, maintaining hardwood floors becomes more manageable. Regular cleaning and occasional buffing can help sustain their appearance, making it easier for homeowners to keep their floors looking great without the need for extensive restoration.
CONS:
1: Messy process: Hardwood floors may seem classic and expensive, but their application and finishing are messy processes. It requires attention and concentration. The sanding process of hardwoods makes a lot of dust, which affects the surface and furniture of the home. The precautions to prevent the dust from embedding in the furniture and spreading across the home are tedious and hectic jobs.
2: Time-consuming: Refinishing the hardwood floor is a process that demands proper time and care. The whole process of refinishing includes many stages, and each process typically takes several days to complete. Unless and until the whole floor design and application are completed, you cannot walk on the floor or put anything on it. This becomes inconvenient for homeowners on a regular basis due to routine work.
3: Odor: Refinishing the hardwood floor requires polishing the wood and giving it a sleek and glossy look. This shiny and glossy look is only obtained through the use of a polisher. A polisher typically emits a strong odor, making for an unpleasant stay-at-home for sensitive individuals.
4: Risk of Damage: There is a certain amount of risk associated with refinishing a hardwood floor. It requires a professional touch. If the refinishing is not done correctly, the floor might be damaged, further damaging the hardwood and leaving cracks in it.
5. Cost of Professional Services: While refinishing is often more cost-effective than replacement, hiring professionals can still be a significant expense. Depending on the size of the area and the intricacy of the work, costs can accumulate quickly, making it an investment that should be carefully considered.
6. Limited Timespan Before Need for Refinishing Again: Depending on the amount of traffic and wear, refinished floors may require another round of refinishing in a few years. Homeowners should be prepared for future maintenance and costs, which may deter some from the initial investment.
7. Disruption to Daily Life: The process of refinishing can create a significant disruption in a household. With the need to vacate the premises during the sanding and finishing stages, families may have to make alternative living arrangements or adjust their routines, especially if the refinishing spans several days.
8. Potential for Inconsistencies: Achieving a uniform finish across an entire area can be challenging. Depending on the expertise of the professionals or the methods used in DIY projects, there may be visible differences in color or sheen across the floor, which can detract from the overall appeal.
CONCLUSION
Hardwood floors are the classic floor design, even in the contemporary era. Refinishing the hardwood floor improves the overall look of the home and increases its value. However, refinishing is tedious work and it demands both time and money. Given the weight of the pros and cons of hardwood floor design and refinishing, it is better to install hardwood floors effectively as a one-time investment and later has cost-effective maintenance practices. The overall look and glamour of the house will be retained.