( Located in the 42nd Street Station Mall )
Can You Change from Light to Dark with Your Hardwood Flooring?
The answer is almost always YES!
Many homeowners are unaware that when you refinish your hardwood floors, you can change the color. Most people are pleasantly surprised, whether they are going from light to dark or vice versa.
Countless homes in Portland, Oregon, and the Pacific Northwest region boast the timeless elegance of solid hardwood flooring. The beauty of solid hardwood lies in its ability to be sanded and refinished multiple times, unless, of course, the floors have worn down to the tongue and groove due to their age. Over the years, we’ve come across countless hardwood floors and can recall only a couple of instances where they were too worn out and delicate to be refinished.
If you have engineered hardwood, you may or may not be able to refinish it, depending on the thickness of the top layer of hardwood and how the wood was installed (floating floors cannot be sanded). This is something to consider if you’re deciding on new floors.
The Art of Sanding and Refinishing Hardwood Floors
Step 1 Start by sanding the floors with a sanding machine (or hire a professional!)
Ensuring your hardwood is perfectly smooth is crucial for achieving a flawless and durable finish with stain and/or polyurethane. After this process, the wood takes on the appearance of fresh, untouched hardwood.
Step 2 involves adding a stain, or if you prefer a more "natural" look, you can proceed to the next step. There are a variety of stain options available for you to choose from. You can go for a lighter stain like Golden Oak or Golden Pecan or opt for a darker tone with stains like Ebony, Jacobean, Dark Walnut, or Royal Mahogany.
In addition, it's worth noting that wood is a natural material and therefore exhibits color variation. This means that the way the wood accepts stain can vary, making it irrelevant to rely solely on testing one piece or looking at a stain chip. It's always a good idea to take a step back and survey the whole picture before making any final decisions.
Step 3 involves applying a few coats of polyurethane, typically around 2-3. This not only helps to create a smoother surface for the floors but also plays a crucial role in enhancing the absorption and longevity of the polyurethane coating.
When it comes to polyurethane, you have the freedom to choose the finish or sheen that piques your interest - whether it's a subtle matte, a smooth satin, a semi-gloss, or a dazzling glossy. Right now, satin is all the rage, with a staggering 90% of people opting for this stylish choice. A satin finish is quite clever at hiding scratches compared to a semi-gloss or glossy finish. As you explore the glossier territory, the light takes on a mischievous nature, exposing every dent and scratch it encounters.
It ultimately boils down to the kind of hardwood you possess. If you're aiming for a lighter look, your safest bet would be to go with a natural finish when it comes to finishes. No need to worry about any unsightly stains here, just the natural beauty of the hardwood shining through with a sleek clear coat of polyurethane. The polyurethane has a subtle hue, reminiscent of applying a glossy layer of nail polish.
Thanks for reading our blog and stay tuned for more tips and tricks from your friends at Rejuvenation Floor & Design in Portland, Oregon!
Phone: (503) 989-8997
Flooring Showroom: 2000 NE 42nd Ave #B
( Located in the 42nd Street Station Mall )
Portland, Oregon 97213-1357
Mon - Fri: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
RGC - Residential General Contractor License: 189522
General Contractor License: REJUVCL901DW
Certified Lead-Based Paint Renovation (LBPR)
WA UBI License: 602997950
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Beaverton | Canby | Clackamas | Damascus | Estacada | Gladstone | Gresham | Lake Oswego | Milwaukie | Oregon City | Sandy | Scappoose | Sherwood | St. Helens | Tigard | Tualatin | Welches | Wilsonville | Zig Zag
Beaverton | Canby | Clackamas | Damascus | Estacada | Gladstone | Gresham | Lake Oswego | Milwaukie | Oregon City | Sandy | Scappoose | Sherwood | St. Helens
Tigard | Tualatin | Welches | Wilsonville | Zig Zag