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Hardwood floors

post #1 of 4
5/10/07 at 8:49am
Thread Starter 
Anything I should know about getting them refinished?
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post #2 of 4
5/10/07 at 9:08am
I know they have special sanding machines that eliminate all the sawdust now. It used to get all over. When looking into refinishing services check and see if they have one of those 'dustless' systems- it'll save a huge amount of hassle and mess. Also, be prepared to possibly have to stay in a hotel or at a friend's for a couple nights while the floors are actually being stained/finished.
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post #3 of 4
5/10/07 at 9:52am
What kind of wood do you have? If it's hemlock or a relative of hemlock you'll need to get new floors as refinishing hemlock can be deadly toxic. Most other hardwoods are worth the cost to refinish.

You'll also have to do a really thorough cleaning of the house if you have pets. When they are refinishing it's possible for the pet hair to get in the stain and the protective coating and then it's there for life.

As Andrew mentioned you'll also have to find a place to live for a few days while they get done. It's a toxic process and you and yours can't be around for it. Having it done in the summer time is a pretty good idea as you can leave windows open to help with the off gassing that happens for the first few months.

We just had new floors put in (maple plankwood) and it was a pain in the ass for a week and a half but well worth it for the results and the increase in house value.
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post #4 of 4
5/10/07 at 11:33am
Eh, I refinished my floor myself and didn't leave the house. Just keep the windows open and the door to the room closed. No big deal.

Also, reapply the finish down the entire length of board at one time. The first coat I did I worked on small sections crosswise. Any overlap I had showed up and made really noticable marks all over the floor once it dried.
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