Hardwood Floor Restoration: Unraveling the Key Differences Between Recoating and Sanding

Hardwood floors have been a timeless and elegant choice for homeowners, offering a natural and warm look to any living space. Over time, however, these floors can lose their lustre and shine, leading to the need for maintenance. Recoating and sanding are two common methods to restore the beauty of hardwood floors, but understanding the differences between these processes is essential for homeowners to make an informed decision. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the differences between recoating and sanding, their benefits and drawbacks, and how to determine which method is best for your hardwood floors.

I. Recoating Hardwood Floors

A. What is recoating?

Recoating involves applying a new layer of finish on top of the existing one to restore the floor’s shine and protect it from further wear and tear. This process is often referred to as “screen and recoat” because it starts with a light sanding or screening of the existing finish to remove any surface contaminants and create a better bond with the new finish.

B. Benefits of Recoating

1. Cost-Effective: Recoating is generally more affordable than sanding and refinishing because it requires less labour and materials.
2. Time-saving: The recoating process is quicker than sanding, as it only involves a light screening rather than a complete removal of the existing finish.
3. Less Dust: Recoating produces significantly less dust than sanding, making it a cleaner and more convenient option for homeowners.
4. Preservation of the Floor’s Life: Since recoating only removes a small layer of the existing finish, it helps preserve the thickness and life of the hardwood floor.

C. Drawbacks of Recoating

1. Limited Repair: Recoating cannot fix deep scratches, gouges, or discoloration in the wood. These issues require more extensive repairs, such as sanding and refinishing.
2. Compatibility Issues: Recoating may not be suitable for floors with certain types of finishes, like wax or oil-based polyurethane, as they may not bond well with the new finish.
3. Ineffective on Severely Worn Floors: Recoating will not provide adequate protection for floors with worn or damaged finishes, leaving the wood susceptible to further damage.

II. Sanding Hardwood Floors

A. What is sanding?

Sanding involves removing the existing finish and a thin layer of the wood surface using a floor sander. This process exposes a fresh layer of wood, which is then stained and refinished to restore the floor’s appearance and protect it from future damage.

B. Benefits of Sanding

1. Comprehensive Repair: Sanding can address deep scratches, gouges, and discoloration, providing a complete restoration of the hardwood floor’s appearance.
2. Customization: With sanding, homeowners can choose a new stain colour or finish type, offering the opportunity to update the floor’s look and style.
3. Improved Durability: By removing the damaged wood layer and applying a fresh finish, sanding can enhance the floor’s durability and resistance to wear and tear.
4. Increased Home Value: A freshly sanded and refinished floor can increase the overall value of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers.

C. Drawbacks of Sanding

1. Cost: Sanding and refinishing are more expensive than recoating due to the increased labour and materials required for the process.
2. Time-consuming: The sanding process takes longer to complete than recoating, and additional time is needed for the stain and finish to dry.
3. Dust and Mess: Sanding produces a significant amount of dust and debris, which can be a nuisance for homeowners and require thorough cleaning after the process.
4. Reduced Floor Life: Sanding removes a thin layer of the wood surface, which can shorten the overall lifespan of the hardwood floor if done too frequently.