Have questions about flooring?
Here are answered to the common questions we receive about hardwood floor refinishing in Washington, DC and the surrounding metro area. Feel free to reach out to us and talk to one of our flooring experts.
How dust-free is dustless hardwood floor sanding?
Our dustless hardwood floor sanding process is extremely effective. Using the Atomic Dust Containment System, we are able to capture nearly all airborne dust, making the sanding process about 98% dust-free.
This helps keep your home cleaner and reduces irritation from fine dust particles during hardwood floor refinishing.
Why choose dustless floor refinishing?
Dustless refinishing offers many advantages for homeowners, especially in occupied homes. The biggest benefits include:
- Minimal dust in the air and throughout your home
- Less cleanup after sanding
- A healthier indoor environment
- Reduced downtime for furniture and room protection
- A smoother, more professional finish
Dustless sanding is one of the best choices for a clean and efficient hardwood floor refinishing project.
How many times can hardwood floors be sanded?
Most solid hardwood floors can be sanded and refinished multiple times over their lifespan.
- A standard 3/4-inch solid hardwood floor can usually handle 5 to 6 professional sandings
- Top-nailed strip flooring typically allows 3 to 4 sandings
The exact number depends on the thickness of the wood and the condition of the floor.
What is the process for refinishing hardwood floors?
Our hardwood floor refinishing process follows several professional steps:
- Sanding with coarse grit to remove the old finish and level the surface
- Filling cracks, gaps, and nail holes for a smooth appearance
- Additional sanding passes using finer grits for a clean finish
- Final surface preparation between sanding stages
- Application of three protective coats of finish
This process restores the beauty and durability of your hardwood flooring.
How long does hardwood floor refinishing take?
Most hardwood floor sanding and refinishing projects take about 4 to 5 days for an area around 500 square feet.
Dustless sanding can take slightly longer, but it produces a cleaner environment and better results.
Every floor is different, and we never rush a job or cut corners.
How long before I can walk on newly refinished floors?
Dry times vary depending on the type of finish used, but in most cases:
- Floors can be walked on carefully after 24 hours
We will provide specific instructions based on your chosen finish.
Do I need to leave my house during floor refinishing?
In many cases, homeowners can stay in the home during sanding. However, some finishes can produce strong odors.
If you are sensitive to smells, we recommend planning alternative sleeping arrangements for a night or two.
Ask us about our low-odor, environmentally friendly waterborne finishes.
What about pets during the refinishing process?
For safety and comfort, we strongly recommend keeping pets out of the work area during sanding and finishing.
Wet finish, equipment, and fumes can be harmful or stressful for animals.
What is the best way to clean and maintain hardwood floors?
To maintain your newly refinished hardwood floors:
Sweep or vacuum regularly using a hardwood-safe attachment
Wipe up spills immediately
Use a high-quality hardwood floor cleaner
Avoid steam mops or excessive water
Proper maintenance helps protect your finish and extend the life of your floors.
What is the difference between solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, and laminate?
Solid Hardwood Flooring
Solid 3/4-inch hardwood is nailed down to a wood subfloor and works best in areas with stable indoor humidity.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered flooring is designed for areas with higher moisture levels and is often installed as a floating floor over concrete or crawl spaces.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate is not real wood. It cannot be sanded or refinished and is generally less durable than hardwood.
What are the benefits of site-finished floors vs. pre-finished floors?
Site-Finished Hardwood Floors
Site-finished floors offer several advantages:
- No V-grooves between boards
- Custom stain colors are available
- Higher-quality finishes can be applied
- Easier repairs and seamless refinishing
- Compatible with dustless sanding
Pre-Finished Hardwood Floors
Pre-finished floors include micro-beveled edges and factory coatings. Repairs are often harder due to unknown stain colors and factory finishes.
Can you repair damaged or missing hardwood floor boards?
Yes — hardwood floor repair is a common part of our work. We can replace or repair:
- Broken or dented boards
- Water-damaged sections
- Missing planks
- Patched areas requiring new wood splicing
Our goal is to restore your floor so the repair blends naturally with the surrounding boards.
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