Sealing is very important, especially under polyurethane finishes, because it seals the wood and helps to prevent panelization; the separation of groups of boards from others or from the rest of the floor.
That said, you can expect about three to five years before you see sufficient wear to consider a thorough maintenance coat. Since recoating hardwood floors is less intrusive than refinishing, you can actually extend the life of your floors with an occasional recoating.
If you don't seal it, it will suck up water and spills and swell, when it dries there will be unsightly and unremovable stains.
Applying sealants will add much-needed protection for the hardwood to prevent potential finish damage, especially with untreated hardwood floors.
Resealing hardwood floors
Resealing, also known as recoating, involves lightly scuffing the existing finish and applying a new coat of finish. This process refreshes the shine of your floor and provides a new protective layer. It's a quicker, easier, and less expensive process than refinishing.
Wood decks usually require sealing once a year. You need to apply deck sealant more frequently if your deck gets more foot traffic and sun exposure. As a general rule, you should stain and seal wood fences every five years. You should also recoat a wood fence every two to three years, depending on the manufacturer.
Overall, professional floor refinishers will charge anywhere from $3 to $8 per square foot. The cost jumps a bit to between $5 and $8 per square foot for the less-disruptive dustless refinishing method—a process that requires commercial vacuums.
Most new wood floors are sealed with a polyurethane coating; they're also stained or painted to protect the surface. This means they are more resistant to stains and water, so you can use a water-based floor cleaner.
Proper maintenance is essential to keep wood floors looking beautiful and performing well for the lifetime of the floor. It will enhance the performance of the floor, will prolong the lifetime of the floor, will promote long-term sustainability of raw materials, and ultimately, will protect your investment.
Most hardwood floors are coated or “finished” with a sealant that provides protection against wear and tear. Because an unfinished floor lacks this protective coating, it will likely be more susceptible to scratches, scuffs, stains and water damage, and it will tend to age more quickly.
Varathane Water-Based Clear Gloss Polyurethane
Varathane Water-Based Clear Gloss Polyurethane is a top choice for high-traffic areas. This fast-drying floor varnish is designed to resist scuffs, abrasions, and scratches, making it ideal for busy households or commercial spaces.
The sealing process prevents moisture from sinking into the floor. Try dropping a small amount of water onto the floor and see what happens. If the droplets bead up, that means your floor is sealed. If they spread out or absorb into the wood, then it isn't.
Generally speaking, wood floors can be restored without sanding by recoating, using either mechanical or chemical methods. These can be used across wood flooring ideas for a living room, wood floors for a bedroom, kitchen flooring and splash-safe wooden bathroom flooring.
However, the simplest/most generalized answer is that hardwood floors can last anywhere from 25 to 100 years, potentially even longer. The most common types of hardwood used for flooring are oak, maple, and cherry. These woods are known for their durability and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic.
The finish is worn or damaged: One of the most obvious signs that your hardwood floor needs to be refinished is when the existing finish is worn or damaged. This can happen over time from normal wear and tear, or it can be the result of a spill or other accident.
With the vast array of cleaners available today, consumers need to be aware of how to properly use their products to avoid health hazards and damaging surfaces. Murphy® Oil Soap is one natural cleaner that's effective on hardwood floors and more when used as instructed.
The ideal mixture typically involves a mild solution of diluted vinegar with just a few drops of Dawn. This blend ensures that the cleaning power is strong enough to clean the floors without leaving any harmful residues or damaging the wood.
Do not use Swiffer wet cloths on unfinished, oiled or waxed wooden floors, non-sealed tiles or carpets. If you have any questions about cleaning your particular floor, contact the manufacturer of the floor or test the cleaner in a hidden area of the floor.
Sealing Hardwood Floors with Oil-Based Sealers
Start at the corner furthest away from the door. Pour the oil onto the hardwood and use a rag to work it into the hardwood. Remove any excess before moving on to the next section. Allow to dry according to the instructions, usually 24 to 48 hours.
Wax or Polyurethane
Chances are if a smudge appears the floor has been treated with wax. On the other hand, if you run your hand across the hardwood floor and it feels smooth then chances are the floors have been treated with a polyurethane. Polyurethanes provide a protective coating to the floors.
Sealed hardwood floors can withstand the moisture and heat from a steam mop, and they clean really nicely with a streak-free finish. However, avoid using a steam mop on unsealed hardwoods, as they're more vulnerable and easily damaged by excessive moisture.
Refinishing can make the floor look new again and a new stain color can change the look entirely. However, if you're not happy with the wood floor design – type of wood, size of the planks, or basic layout – you will have to replace the floor itself.
Floor refinishing can vary in duration, but a standard 3-4 days is the typical timeframe for a 1,000 square foot job. The time that is actually needed depends on some factors like your home layout, as we will explore in this blog post.
The national average cost to install hardwood flooring is $6 to $12 per square foot for labor and material fees. For higher-end wood and larger spaces, like if you're redoing your entire first floor in hardwood, you may pay more—possibly between $13 and $25 per square foot.