If you’re a store owner or manager in Philadelphia with commercial hardwood floors, this article is for you.

Hardwood floor refinishing is crucial in maintaining a visually appealing and durable flooring surface. Let’s explore:

• What to expect when opting for hardwood floor refinishing in your store
• Considerations of cost, time required, and quality of work
• How refinishing can enhance the appearance and prolong the lifespan of your hardwood floors
• How long a refinishing project will take and how to plan accordingly
• Some maintenance tips and best practices

Read on for valuable insights and guidance on hardwood floor refinishing to make informed decisions about your store’s flooring.

The importance of hardwood floor refinishing in maintaining a visually appealing and durable flooring surface

Hardwood floor refinishing is important in maintaining a visually appealing and durable flooring surface in a store for several reasons:

1. Restoring the appearance: Over time, hardwood floors can become worn, scratched, or discolored due to foot traffic, spills, and general wear and tear. Refinishing old hardwood floors helps to restore the original beauty and shine of the wood, making the floor look clean, fresh, and visually appealing again.
2. Enhancing durability: Refinishing involves sanding down the wood surface, which helps to remove shallow scratches and imperfections. It also allows for the application of a new protective finish, such as polyurethane or wax, which adds an extra layer of durability to the floor. This protective layer helps to prevent further damage and ensures the flooring can withstand heavy foot traffic and other potential sources of damage.
3. Increasing longevity: Regular maintenance and refinishing can significantly extend the lifespan of hardwood floors. By addressing minor issues, such as scratches or small cracks, before they become major problems, refinishing helps to prevent the need for costly repairs or complete floor replacement. This leads to cost savings in the long run and ensures the floor remains visually appealing for many years to come.
4. Maintaining cleanliness: Refinished hardwood floors are easier to clean and maintain. The new protective finish makes the surface smoother and more resistant to staining, making it easier to remove dirt, dust, and spills. This is particularly important in a store setting where cleanliness is crucial for a positive customer experience.
5. Professional image: A store with a well-maintained hardwood floor creates a positive first impression and fosters a sense of professionalism, elegance, and quality. Refinishing the floor regularly demonstrates the store’s commitment to maintaining a clean and visually appealing environment, which can improve customer perception and help drive sales.

Cost considerations for commercial hardwood floor refinishing

The cost considerations for commercial hardwood floor refinishing include many factors, including the size and condition of your store, and more.

Size of the Store

The larger the store, the more square footage of hardwood floor that needs to be refinished. This typically increases the overall cost of refinishing.

Condition of the Floor

The condition of the hardwood floor plays a significant role in the cost. If the floor is in good condition, with minimal damage or wear, the cost of refinishing will be lower. However, if there are deep scratches, extensive wear, or damage, additional steps may be required, such as floor repairs or sanding, which can increase the cost.

Surface Preparation

Before refinishing, the floor needs to be properly prepared, which may involve removing furniture, fixtures, baseboards, and any existing flooring materials. The cost for surface preparation can vary depending on the complexity and time required.

Type of Finish

There are various types of finishes available for hardwood floors, such as oil-based polyurethane, water-based polyurethane, and wax. The cost of refinishing can vary based on the type of finish chosen, as some options may be more expensive than others.

Additional Services

Additional services, such as floor staining or color customization, may also impact the overall cost of refinishing. These services add an extra layer of labor and materials, which can increase the total expense.

Accessibility

Factors like the location, accessibility, and ease of moving equipment in and out of the store can also affect the cost. If the store is located on the upper floor of a building without an elevator, for example, additional labor or equipment may be needed, which can increase the cost.

Contractor Experience

The experience and reputation of the contractor can influence the cost of commercial hardwood floor refinishing. Experienced contractors may charge higher rates due to their expertise and quality of work.

Hudson Hardwood can assess the specific condition and size of the store to provide accurate cost estimates for commercial hardwood floor refinishing projects –  and help you create the vision that you have for your store.

The timeline of the different stages of the refinishing process

1. Preparation: This stage involves clearing the room of furniture and ensuring the floor is completely free of any dust, debris, or carpets. It may also include any necessary repairs, hardwood floor water damage repair, and fixing any loose or damaged boards. The preparation stage usually takes around 1-2 days.
2. Dustless floor sanding: Sanding is a crucial step in refinishing hardwood floors, as it removes the old finish and exposes a fresh layer of wood. The dustless sanding process can take 1-2 days, depending on the size of the floor and the equipment used. It is important to note that during this stage, the room needs to be sealed off to prevent dust from spreading.
3. Staining (optional): If you want to change the color or add a stain to the floor, this stage involves applying the desired stain and allowing it to dry. Staining typically takes only two hours per coat.
4. Sealing and Finishing: After sanding and staining (if desired), multiple coats of finish are applied to protect the wood and give it a polished appearance. Each coat of finish usually takes 2 hours per coat, and at least 2-3 coats are recommended. Therefore, the sealing and finishing stage can extend from 2 to 3 days.
5. Curing and Drying: Once the final coat of finish has been applied, it is essential to allow sufficient time for the floor to cure and dry. This process can take only 24 hours to be 90% cured.

Overall, the entire hardwood floor refinishing process takes about 1-week max, depending on the size of the project, the condition of the existing floor, and the specific techniques and products used.

Factors affecting the quality of work

There are many factors that can affect the quality of hardwood refinishing in your Philly store.

• Contractor’s skill and experience
• Preparation and sanding techniques
• Proper fixing of water damage on hardwood floors
• Choice of materials
• Staircase services
• Dust containment measures employed by the contractor
• Application techniques
• If drying and curing time are given proper attention
• Maintenance and care of your Philadelphia hardwood flooring

Remember, it’s important to communicate your expectations and requirements clearly with the contractor to ensure they understand your vision for the finished product.

The goal of hardwood floor refinishing

The goal of hardwood floor refinishing in your store is to restore and renew the appearance of your wood floors. The ultimate aim is to revive the floors’ aesthetic appeal, restore functionality, and extend their lifespan in your store.

Maintenance tips and best practices to preserve the newly refinished hardwood floors

Maintaining your beautiful flooring is very important. Proper hardwood floor deep cleaning and care are extremely crucial.

1. Consider using floor protectors or felt pads on the feet of your store’s furniture to prevent any potential damage.
2. Regularly sweep or dust mop your hardwood floors to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that can scratch the surface. Use a soft bristle broom or a microfiber dust mop.
3. Clean up spills immediately to prevent any moisture damage or staining. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to blot the spill and avoid rubbing it, as this can spread the liquid and damage the finish.
4. Use a pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaner recommended by the manufacturer to mop the floors periodically. Avoid using excessive water, as it can seep into the wood and cause damage. Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaning products.
5. Place doormats at the entryways of your store to prevent dirt, sand, and grit from being tracked onto the hardwood floors. This will help reduce the risk of scratches and abrasions.
6. Avoid excessive exposure to direct sunlight, as it can cause the hardwood floors to fade and discolor over time. Use curtains or blinds to filter the sunlight and protect the floors.
7. Maintain a consistent humidity level in the room where the hardwood floors are installed. Extreme changes in humidity can cause the wood to expand and contract, leading to cracks or gaps in the floor. Use a humidifier or dehumidifier if needed to keep the humidity in your store within the optimal range.
8. Avoid dragging heavy furniture across the store’s floors. Lift and carry the furniture instead or use furniture sliders to reduce the risk of damage.
9. Consider using area rugs or runners in high-traffic areas.
10. Schedule professional maintenance and floor refinishing periodically to remove any surface scratches, restore the finish, and keep the hardwood floors looking their best.

Your beautiful store floors

Remember that the beauty and specific maintenance requirements for your Philadelphia hardwood floors may vary depending on the type of hardwood floor you have in your store, the condition of the flooring, and the finish applied.

It’s always a good idea to consult with a professional to discuss the particular flooring you have.

Reach out to Hudson Hardwood today and we will help you to navigate the process of refinishing your Philly hardwood floors. We are experts in hardwood floor refinishing Philadelphia PA!

Your store will look fantastic, and you will be thrilled with the results!