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Is It Better to Repair Scratches in Hardwood Flooring Yourself or Let the Experts?

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Wondering if you should refinish your hardwood flooring yourself or bring in flooring professionals to fix scratches and more is not an uncommon situation to be in. Contrary to what a quick Google search may tell you, the pros of a self-refinish do not outweigh the cons of hiring a professional. We’ve compiled a quick list of problems our clients have run into when they’ve attempted a DIY (Do-it-yourself) refinish for their hardwood flooring.

Lower Quality Finished Product

You gather all the materials needed, watch hours of tutorials on fixing scratches in your hardwood flooring on YouTube, maybe ask a couple of friends to tag along, and now you are finally ready to get started. Unless one of your buddies is a professional carpenter, you’re already at a disadvantage. Just watching a few hours of videos doesn’t make you a professional. You are bound to run into problems, especially if this is your first time refinishing hardwood. These problems, however minor they may seem, tend to stack up.

The machine experts use to refinish floors can cost upwards of $20,000. Even a higher end machine, rented from a hardware store such as Home Depot, can’t measure up to what a professional would bring to the job. Calculate the cost of all equipment you may need, including goggles, masks, gloves, and knee pads, and you may already be better off hiring flooring professionals. Keep in mind that any mistakes made by a hired professional be corrected at no extra cost to you, while any damage you cause yourself will come right out of your pocket.

The Finish Will Not Last as Long

 Sanding scratches out of your floor is a delicate art. If any error occurs during the process, the stain and polyurethane may not adhere properly. This could put the longevity of your finish at risk, limiting its lifespan to only two to four years. Using a professional service, you can expect your finish to last seven to ten years. Any cost saving you thought you had, could be lost.

It Will Take Longer

Someone with experience will obviously complete a task faster than someone without it. Flooring professionals typically take around a day to sand and refinish 1,000 square feet of hardwood. Homeowners attempting to do it on their own could take three to five times longer. After adding in the cost of renting equipment, you may start to wish you had put that money toward hiring professionals.

Verdict: Hire a Professional

We get it. The cost of refinishing and fixing scratches in your floor can be daunting and it is natural to have a DIY, cost-saving mindset. But the truth is, we’ve heard one too many horror stories from clients who initially tried to do it themselves. Give us a call for a completely free consultation at (202) 872-9860. Classic Floor Designs has over 40 years experience in the DC metro area and would love to put that experience to work for your next hardwood flooring project.

 

 

Refinishing Hardwood Floors Doesn’t Have to Be Messy

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If your hardwood floors are scratched and dull, you can bring them back to their former beauty by refinishing them. One major drawback of refinishing wood floors is the dust that is produced. When you use a traditional floor sander, tiny dust particles will be emitted into the air, settling throughout your home or business. Because of this, home and business owners that want to refinish their floors must take substantial preparatory steps to minimize dust collecting on everything when they choose traditional floor sanding. Cleanup after your floors have been sanded can also be a nightmare. Fortunately, Classic Floor Designs offers dustless floor refinishing so that you can avoid the problems that the dust can otherwise cause.

What is dustless hardwood floor refinishing?

We use specialized equipment to refinish your hardwood floors without leaving behind a significant amount of dust. Our sanders are connected with special hoses to a powerful vacuum that is located on our trailers. As our professional refinishers sand your floors, the dust is sucked out of your home and into our trucks. This system can allow you to stay in your home or business while your floors are being sanded without worrying about breathing in the carcinogenic dust that can be produced during the process.

Benefits of no-dust refinishing

There are several benefits of choosing to refinish your floors with our no-dust system, including the following:

  • Less time preparing
  • Less time cleaning up
  • Better health

Before no-dust refinishing systems were available, people who wanted to sand their floors had to spend a significant amount of time preparing. They had to cover all of their furniture and stay elsewhere while the process was completed. Our system allows you to minimize the amount of preparation that you would otherwise need to complete. With the powerful vacuum technology, the dust is safely removed away from your home and your belongings, allowing you to stay in your home or business without having to cover everything.

Since most of the dust will be vacuumed directly out of your home or business and into our truck, there will also be much less time needed for cleaning up. In the past, people would find dust piling up for weeks after they had already cleaned after their floors were sanded. This is because sanding floors sends dust into your vents. From there, the dust may then be circulated and deposited throughout your home, allowing dust to continue settling everywhere for weeks.

Dust-free floor sanding is also much healthier for you, your family, your employees or your customers. Dust from sanding certain types of wood can be carcinogenic. Having high levels of dust in the air may also cause respiratory problems, allergic reactions or worsened asthma symptoms. Even if you leave your home during the sanding process or have the work completed while your business is closed, a lot of dust will still remain behind if you don’t use a dust-free floor refinishing process.

Added benefits for business owners

If you are a business owner who wants to refinish your floors, you will enjoy the added benefit of being able to continue working while the floors are being refinished. Without a dust-free sanding process, businesses have to close their doors while the work is being completed and during the cleanup process. They also have to cover and protect all of their furniture and office equipment to keep dust from getting in. With our system, you can continue to operate your business like you normally do, which can help you to continue making profits during the refinishing process.

Refinishing your existing hardwood floors doesn’t have to be a messy job. When you choose our system, you can enjoy beautiful results without the hassles involved with dust. To learn more about our dustless sanding and refinishing services, call Classic Floor Designs today.

Changing the Color of Your Hardwood Floors

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Changing the Color of Your Hardwood Floors: A Complete Guide

Are you thinking about giving your home a fresh new look? Changing the color of your hardwood floors can dramatically transform your space without the need for a complete flooring replacement. At Classic Floor Designs in Washington, DC, we specialize in refinishing and staining hardwood floors to help you achieve the aesthetic you desire.

Why Change the Color of Your Hardwood Floors?

Hardwood floors are a timeless feature in any home, but their color can feel outdated or clash with your evolving style. Here are some reasons to consider changing your floor color:

  • Modernize Your Space: Darker stains can create a sleek, contemporary feel, while lighter tones brighten your room.
  • Match New Decor: Changing your floor’s color allows you to harmonize it with freshly painted walls or updated furniture.
  • Increase Home Value: Updated floors with modern finishes appeal to potential buyers, enhancing your home’s resale value.

How to Change the Color of Your Hardwood Floors

The process of changing your floor’s color involves several steps. Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Consultation and Color Selection: At Classic Floor Designs, we help you choose from a range of stains to find the perfect match for your style.
  2. Sanding: We remove the existing finish and any imperfections on your floor to prepare it for staining.
  3. Staining: After sanding, your selected stain is applied evenly across the floor to achieve the desired color.
  4. Sealing: Finally, a protective sealant is applied to ensure durability and longevity.

Popular Hardwood Floor Colors in Washington, DC

  • Natural Light Tones: Perfect for a Scandinavian or minimalist aesthetic.
  • Rich Dark Stains: Ideal for adding depth and elegance to traditional or modern spaces.
  • Gray Finishes: A trendy option that pairs well with neutral palettes.

Why Choose Classic Floor Designs?

With decades of experience, Classic Floor Designs is the premier choice for hardwood floor refinishing in Washington, DC. Our team uses state-of-the-art equipment and eco-friendly finishes to deliver impeccable results every time. We’re committed to helping you achieve the perfect look for your home.

Get Started Today

Changing the color of your hardwood floors is an investment in your home’s beauty and value. Contact Classic Floor Designs in Washington, DC, today for a consultation and let us bring your vision to life.