Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Hardwood Refinishing Help

Hi,

I'm purchasing a 100 year old condo with oak floors...that need refinished. I was planning on having a professional do the work, but I have questions for the panel, including:

1-Gaps: Especially in the kitchen/hall/dining room, there are small 1/8" gaps between the boards at the narrow ends. I was going to fill them prior to sanding. Any advice on which filler I should use?

2-Stains: In the LR and BDs, there are small 2x3 areas of grey wood. In the kitchen, there is one area that is almost black, even after a good scrubbing. Will these discolorations disapper with the sanding? What can I request of the refinisher to assure an even wood tone throughout?

3-Coats: Both companies I'm considering have quoted me for a 3 coat finish, one coat of oil based sealer and 2 coats poly. Is this sufficient? Are there specific brand names I should be requesting? One company said they use a "550" protection, which lasts up to 15 years. What does this mean?

4-Timing: One company quoted 4 days, another one 2. Should I be concerned about the difference?

Sorry for the lengthy questions, but this is my first experience with wood refinishing. Any comments are appreciated.

Thanks,

Jen O

Gaps: It is not recommended that gaps between boards be filled because wood tends to expand and contract across boards due to temperature and humidity fluctuations in the home. It is best to maintain temperature at about 70 degrees and humidity between 35-55%. You will need a thermometer and a hygrometer to monitor the levels. Temperature & humidity will tend to vary from room to room.

Stains: Water & pet urine stains will cause areas of hardwood flooring to appear darker. Sometimes these can be sanded out to remove. Sometimes not. Sometimes using wood bleach will tend to lighten stains. Sometimes not. Your options are to stain wood a dark color to camouflage stains or to replace affected areas with wood from closet or inconspicuous place.

Finish: There are many types of floor finishes available. Oil-based tends to be smelly & will amber (yellow), but also tends to be more durable than water-based polyurethane. Water-based tends to be non-yellowing and quick to dry. Moisture cure polyurethane tends to take longer to dry between coats. A 15-year warranty means that at the end of 15 years that you will still have finish on your flooring to protect it. It does not mean that floors will not scratch, ding, or dent. It does not warranty against your scooting furniture, dog toe nails, etc. Matte & satin finishes tend to show scratches less than high gloss.

Time: Drying times between coats tend to vary due to type of finish selected & temperature & humidity levels & ventilation in the home. Some finish products claim that coats will dry within 2 - 2 1/2 hours because of chemical additives. You will need to make reservations at a local motel or stay with relatives if you have some near. I don't know where the 550 comes into the picture, unless it is the level of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) released (odor) by this product. If so, then VOCs have nothing to do with durability. You need to ask more questions to clarify what they mean by 550. This is beyond my area of expertise, but I am thinking a 550 rating means VOCs. There is nothing in any of my research that links any numbers to types of finishes. Thus, I am concluding it is VOCs. I may be wrong and perhaps someone with more expertise than I can address this issue. Odor, if you are in your motel, will not affect you. I once had hardwood floors refinished in a house and spent 3-4 miserable days in my mother-in-law's house.

If you need to educate yourself about refinishing hardwood floors, go to www.nofma.org (National Oak Flooring Manufacturer's website). Read the info and educate yourself so that you can language with the folks who will be refinishing your floors.

Good luck & post back & tell us how your project turned out & any recommendations for the rest of us.

twelvepole

Thanks for the information. Guess I won't fill in the gaps. More questions for the panel, please.

1-I have approx 1050 sq feet of floors to refinish, no furniture in unit. One company is using 2 guys and they say it'll take 2 days to complete. Does this seem like enough time? (for 1 coat sealer, 2 coats poly).

2-They will be using the following: The sealer is called Harco 1047 and Poly is Pro Oil- Base (satin gloss). Is this high quality product?

2 1/2-I'm assuming from all I've read, that satin is the most "wearable" finish, as opposed to semi gloss. Correct?

3-How long is a reasonable time to expect the finish to last?

4-There are grey spots (look like wear spots) and a few dark patches (water and/or wear). Should I try to fix the discoloration prior to them sanding off the old finish?

Thanks,

Jen