Causes and Cures of Sanding Aesthetics
- By Roy Roy
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- 10 Oct, 2019
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Sanding hardwood is not a skill that can be learnt through a quick DIY tutorial or a crash course on carpentry. It’s a skill that’s acquired and perfected with experience, and this is what distinguishes professionals from amateurs.
Be it about how the machine cuts, or wheels are placed, motor is pitched, or the rhythm with which you move—only the masters know the most essential tricks about sanding. They have the technical expertise to run the equipment and the aesthetic eye to measure the progress.
Even then, to err is human and even the most trained experts, falter. Following are some irregularities that might occur and ways to cure them.
Sanding Marks
There are many kinds of imperfections that can result from sanding:
- Side cuts
- Scratches
- Wave-like indentations
- Bars running perpendicular to the wood grain
- Drum marks
These faults become more visible in sharp lighting and that’s why you need to refine your sanding aesthetics before putting your craft up for show.
Recurring undulations become more pronounced after a finish has been applied to the hardwood. Sanding can also result in an uneven surface if the wood was dished out initially. This happens because the softer regions deepen and the hard areas are able to stand the force.
Such errors in sanding aesthetics can taint your reputation as a thriving business. This is why it’s important to always approach experts who can be trusted.
Causes of Sanding Problems
- Lack of expertise of the professional sanding
- Faulty operation of the machine or an inaccurate first cut angle
- Inadequate overlap with each pass of the buffer or the sander
- Insufficient power supplied to the machine
- Inefficient speed of the machine used or inconsistency in operation
- Sanding a wooden floor paneled with materials of varying hardness
- Leaving behind debris on the floor before sanding
- Unstructured integrity of the subfloor
- Joist truss deflection causing undulations
- Parallel paneling of boards with floor joists
Possible Cures
- It’s important to remember that any kind of wood will display signs of sanding after being refinished, because the refinishing process is incomplete without sanding. The best way to assess the final look is to evaluate the surface from high above, in ambient lighting. Observing your refinished hardwood in harsh lighting will not serve your purpose well.
- To prevent unpleasant hardwood refinishing results, make sure your subfloor has sufficient structural integrity. This is usually not the responsibility of the flooring contractor so make sure you’re on it before signing them up.
- It’s best to re-sand the floor at a maximum 15-degree angle with the machine ready for the first cut for flattening undulations. Working on the opposite angle can cause uneven flattening of the floor.
- Avoid sanding opposite to the direction of the wooden grain.
If you’re based in Ontario, give us a call right away at 519-672-5547. Our flooring experts have been offering floor refinishing and sanding services since 1986 and can do it for you as well!
Hardwood floors look amazing—they give a warm and appealing look to the house. However, keeping them maintained is really hard. They can get scratches and marks easily. That’s why you have to clean them frequently and apply remedies to make them last longer.
Following these great general guidelines will help you maintain strength and lasting beauty for years to come.
Vacuum and Sweep
It is recommended to vacuum and mop your hardwood floor regularly with a soft-bristle mop especially in high traffic areas of your home like the kitchen or lounge. This will reduce dirt buildup that can scratch the wood surface. Make sure to use a vacuum that doesn’t have a beater bar that can harm your floor’s surface.
Wipe Spills Immediately
If there’s a spill, wipe it immediately and apply a hardwood cleaner which can clean it properly before the stain sets. Use a microfiber cloth to ensure no scratching.
Floors are crucial to any home's décor. Some homeowners go for wooden floors , some tile, and others rock, vinyl, or even concrete.
Combined, wooden and porcelain floors are used in almost half of the homes in the US. Over 23% wooden and 24% ceramic or porcelain floors, making these classics everlasting.
So if you're remodeling or renovating your home, here are the best 2021 flooring trends to choose from.
Hardwood Flooring with Patterns
Hardwood floors have always been classic. Homeowners have vintage flooring options with a twist. You may have seen these hardwood floors or refinished staircases before, but the latest trend is patterned wood.
The stoic-looking flooring has
patterns that can transform any room. With Chevron or Herringbone specifically,
the look 2021’s homes are bound to spot the old rustic look.
Vinyl Flooring
With an easy floor installation, water resistance, and good durable wear, what's not to like in Vinyl flooring. These features keep vinyl in demand as a good-looking and practical choice. With a wide array of designs and colors mimicing tile and wood, it's the top choice for most homeowners.
With a lower
cost than engineered wood and bearing a resemblance to hardwood, vinyl is
available as timber planks. Vinyl is waterproof and offers easy
installation. Vinyl flooring looks perfectly mimics wood with bevelled edges
and textures.
When it comes to flooring, wooden floors are a favorite choice amongst homeowners. Their classic look and warm feel are matchless. In addition, hardwood floors can be stripped, sanded, and refinished with a light or clear stain to match your furniture. In terms of functionality, wood is an excellent insulator that helps in keeping room temperatures optimal. Moreover, with easy maintenance, hardwood floors are resilient and durable. Here are four time-specified tips that will keep your vintage wooden floor shinning and beautiful for decades.
Daily Sweep or Dust
Wooden floors can be scratched by debris, which is why keeping a doormat outside really helps. Swipe daily to avoid any debris or grit getting under the shoe and scratching the floor. However, make sure you don’t use sheet vinyl or tile floor care products on wood floors. Only use wooden floor cleaners recommended by wood flooring experts and avoid wet-mopping. Standing water can dull the finish and leave a discoloring residue. In case of a spill, wipe up immediately with a moist, soft cloth.
As mentioned in a CNN report , a modishly installed hardwood floor can raise your home’s commercial value by 3% to 5%. Plus, it’ll also give a trendy and polished outlook to your home. So, it is a win-win move, whether you’re planning on selling your property or just simply making improvements to your home.
Flooring experts in London, Ontario, have mentioned a few ways in which adding hardwood floors can increase the value of your home. So keep on reading to learn more.
A Luxurious Addition that Increases ROI
The best way to see hardwood floors is as an investment. It’s similar to a beautiful piece of art or wine, as the value of the investment just keeps on appreciating. It is a stunning addition to your home if you’re planning to sell, as hardwood floors are coveted by the home-buyers and are sure to increase the ROI. They give your home an ethereal appearance and are easy to clean and maintain.
A More Durable Option
Hardwood floors can last for over a century if cared for properly. The process of refinishing hardwood floors needs to be done only once every ten years as compared to changing carpeting when it gets stained or damaged. It’s smarter to pay for something that’s a one-time investment rather than spending money every few years to purchase new carpets and repair the floors beneath. Longevity is one of the major benefits of hardwood floors that contribute to an increase in your home’s value.
Good flooring goes a long way in determining the overall vibe of your home. From repairing to installing new types of flooring, you can do a lot to make your home’s flooring look the absolute best. Good flooring is like a red carpet for a celebrity, so make sure you treat it that way!
Here are some ways you can completely transform the look of your home.
A CNN report shows how your newly installed hardwood floors can raise your commercial property’s value by 3 to 5%. It can also give your office a phenomenal facelift.
But do you know how to make it stay that way? Maintaining hardwood floors isn't an easy task, especially for an area like an office that receives a lot of foot traffic during the day.
It's only through proper floor maintenance and regular cleaning that you can increase the durability and life of your hardwood floor.
Flooring experts in London, Ontario, have mentioned a few tips to maintain your hardwood floor's finish. Keep on reading to learn what they are.
Cleaning
To effectively clean your office hardwood flooring, use a microfiber mop to dust the entire floor. This mop is handy as it can trap dust, dirt, and other allergens around the office space. It’s more effective than sweeping or vacuuming as it doesn’t allow for scratches.
Your best bet while cleaning spills or stains off a hardwood floor is using a damp cloth rather than a wet clot. This will prevent moisture from settling on your wood and damaging it.
Polishing
Hardwood floors, after installation, receive a thorough polish of polyurethane. This acts as a finish and protects the wood giving it a glossy finish. Over time, due to wear and tear and scratches on the wood, your flooring to go dull. Buffing your floor will remove scratches and marks, and polishing it will help restore its shine.
Protection from sunlight
Your hardwood floors are very delicate when it comes to sunlight exposure. The UV radiations and the heat from sunlight cause the wood to expand and contract.
Curtains and drapes covering your office windows can help increase your floor’s life. Use effective indoor lighting to ensure that your employees get sufficient light to work while maintaining your hardwood floor’s shine all year long.
Hardwood flooring is rising in popularity and is emerging as an ideal alternative to most other types of flooring. Homeowners are choosing hardwood floors because of their stylish appearance as well as durability. This blog post will highlight everything you need to know about different types of hardwood flooring.
Ash
Ash is a naturally light-coloured material for hardwood flooring that can help you brighten up your space. It looks great for areas that have darker coloured furniture. Not only is it tough but also resistant to wear and tear. The best part is that it’s more affordable than most other alternatives. However, keep in mind that due to its lighter color, it requires more maintenance and care.
Cherry
Cherry hardwood flooring can add an elegant touch to your house and make your space stand out. Since it is available in a rich, dark, and reddish-brown colour, you can pair it with lighter coloured furniture. You won’t have to clean it too often either. Scratches and dust, however, may be more apparent on it than others.
So you think you’ve taken good care of your hardwood floor and gotten all damages repaired
? Ideally, most hardwood flooring issues can be resolved with relatively cheaper options like floor refinishing or floor sanding—hardwood floors can last for years, and that's what adds to their charm. However, there are times when replacing them is the right thing to do, especially when the damage is extensive.
Here are a few signs that it’s time to let go of your old hardwood and give your space a makeover :
Mold or Rot over the Floorboards:
Mold or rot over hardwood indicates that it’s time to replace the flooring in your house. Mold grows when the wood is exposed to moisture and humid conditions over some time. Extensive exposure to water does not necessarily mean mold will grow. However, if you find that there is more than one place around the house where you can see smut, it's time you check under the floorboards, too, in case it has become an extensive issue all over.
Remodeling your hardwood floors can be expensive and time-consuming, but there are various benefits to installing hardwood flooring in your home. One of them being the increase in your property’s value as most buyers prefer investing in homes with new flooring.
The most popular hardwood flooring styles of 2021 include the following:
Dark and Cool Toned Hardwood
Compared to warmer colors, dark, cool-toned colors have become popular because they are more difficult to stain and easier to maintain. However, before going with this option, it is essential to note that darker colors are challenging to clean. Another popular option close to this is antique or coffee brown, which is a darker alternative.
Patterned Hardwood Flooring
Having Herringbone and Chevron floor patterns is a great way to make your house look more modern. The difference is that the chevron pattern has a 45 degree angled end, while the herringbone pattern has a 90-degree end. Since patterned hardwood flooring has various colors, patterns, and designs, it is a great option to consider.
Whether your hardwood floor has horizontal or diagonal patterns or it’s a mixed-width of herringbone, the patterns make it more aesthetic, scratch resistant and long lasting.
Rustic parquet blocks are another kind of patterned hardwood flooring that allows you to embrace the modern yet rustic look due to the variety of colors and textures available.
Sanding gives you the chance to restore your old damaged flooring, and also it's color. Sanding is one of the safest and cheapest options to maintain your hardwood flooring. There are many sanding mistakes people make, which can often end up damaging the floor . Certain technicalities must be kept in check to avoid any mistakes and further ruining your floor's look. Continue reading to find out about the most common sanding mistakes people make.
1. Incorrect Sandpaper
An essential thing when it comes to sanding is the sandpaper. Most people go for the wrong sandpaper, which is one of the most common mistakes. There are different types of sandpapers for different purposes. Finding out the right sandpaper is the key to get your hardwood floor in the right shape. Starting with a 24 grit sandpaper is perfect. It will save you cost and time; you wouldn’t need to replace your sandpaper with a new one again and again.