Restoration is a more affordable alternative to replacing your floors, especially if the damage isn’t too great. In the end, you’ll get beautiful flooring that’ll last longer and raise your home’s value. But that’s not all; if you want a new look, you may choose a different finish that matches your new seats and wallpaper.

 

In this post, you’ll learn about flooring restoration, from the benefits and procedure to the types of flooring you can restore and the costs. You’ll also discover the best option between hiring a professional or going solo on the project to help you make a better decision.

What Exactly Is Flooring Restoration?

Flooring restoration is refurbishing old and damaged floors to look brand new, preventing more harm and extending their lifespan. The process involves sanding, staining, sealing, and polishing, depending on the type of floor and the extent of the damage.

What Are the Advantages of Restoring Old Flooring?

Reconditioning your old flooring makes it look brand new again, raising your home’s market value and creating a more inviting living space.

 

Here are other benefits of rejuvenating old floors:

 

• Reduced costs compared to replacing your flooring
• Preserves your home’s original character and history
• Eco-friendly choice by reusing existing materials
• Improved indoor air quality by sanding out accumulated dirt and dust
• Multiple customisation options with different finishes and stains
• Time-saving compared to installing new flooring

What Exactly Is the Flooring Restoration Procedure?

There’s no standard size procedure because it depends on the flooring type and the damage extent. Still, here are the basic steps for flooring restoration:

 

1. Assess the damage: Look for signs of wear and tear and confirm the extent of the damage to know whether you’ll need a complete or partial restoration.
2. Choose a reputable contractor: A professional restoration company will help you identify damages you may have missed and give you an estimate for the project.
3. Remove furniture: Take out all furniture and fixtures to make it easier to work on the floors.
4. Restore your floors: Follow the proper restoration steps for your specific flooring to look brand new.

What Type of Flooring Can Be Restored?

Different types of flooring can be renewed, from wood to concrete, and each requires a different process. Consider the following flooring types, their variations, and the steps involved:

Wood Flooring

Wood flooring is made from solid or engineered wood planks. Since the material is a natural resource you can recycle, it’s a sustainable and eco-friendly option for any room, from kitchens and bedrooms to hallways and entryways. The floors are also durable and will last decades of service with proper care.

 

Check out the variations of wood flooring you can restore:

• Solid wood
• Engineered wood
• Reclaimed wood

 

The following steps will guide you towards reconditioning your wooden floors:

 

1. Remove all furniture and clean the floor to remove dirt and debris.
2. Fill in any cracks or holes with wood or epoxy filler.
3. Sand the entire floor to a smooth finish using a drunk sander.
4. Stain the floors to change their colour and add character.
5. Apply a finish depending on the type of wood.

Floorboards

Floorboards are long, thin pieces of wood usually made from softwoods, such as pine, fir, or spruce, and hardwoods, like oak, maple, or walnut. They come in different widths and lengths and are usually restored by sanding, staining, and sealing.

 

Here are the types of floorboard species that can be reconditioned:

• Oak
• Maple
• Cherry
• Walnut
• Mahogany

 

Follow these steps when renewing your floorboards:

1. Clean the boards with a mild detergent and water solution.
2. Sand the floorboards with a belt sander to remove the top finish.
3. Fill any holes or cracks with wood filler.
4. Sand the boards again with fine-grit sandpaper.
5. Stain the floor to your desired colour.
6. Seal the floorboards with polyurethane or varnish.

Laminate

Laminate flooring is made up of multiple layers that resemble natural materials.

 

It’s a popular choice for homeowners because it requires less maintenance and is an affordable option for wood. It’s also suitable for commercial spaces like offices and restaurants because it can withstand heavy traffic and is easy to clean.

 

Check out the variations of laminate flooring you can restore:

 

• High-pressure laminate (HPL) flooring
• Low-pressure laminate (LPL) flooring

 

Laminate floors can be restored through these simple steps:

1. Clean the floor with a laminate floor cleaner.
2. Sand the floor lightly with fine-grit sandpaper.
3. Apply a coat of laminate floor restorer.
4. Allow the restorer to dry completely.
5. Apply a second coat of restorer if desired.

Stone

Stone flooring is made from natural stone that can last years with proper care and maintenance. It’s also one of the most durable flooring types, resistant to scratches, dents, and stains.

 

Here are different variations of stone flooring that can be renewed:

• Granite
• Marble
• Limestone
• Travertine
• Slate
• Sandstone

 

Follow these steps to rejuvenate your stone flooring:

1. Remove dirt, grime, and stains using specialised stone cleaners.
2. Fix cracks, chips, or damaged areas with suitable stone fillers.
3. Smooth the surface using abrasives to remove scratches and imperfections.
4. Apply fine polish for a glossy finish.
5. Use a high-speed buffer for the final shine.

Tile

Tile is a hard, durable surface made from ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone. It’s a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms due to its moisture resistance and aesthetic appeal.

 

You can restore the following variations of tile flooring:

 

• Ceramic tile flooring
• Porcelain tile flooring
• Natural stone tiles

 

Here are steps to restore your tile floors:

1. Clean the surface using a commercial tile cleaner.
2. Repair any damage with epoxy putty or grout repair kit.
3. Apply a grout sealer to protect the grout from stains and moisture.
4. Wax or polish the tiles to restore their shine.

Concrete

Concrete flooring is made from mixing cement, water, and aggregates like sand or gravel. It’s a popular choice for homeowners because of its low maintenance needs.

 

Here are types of cement flooring that can be refurbished:

 

• Stained concrete flooring
• Polished concrete flooring
• Stamped concrete flooring
• Sealed concrete flooring

 

The following steps will help you restore your concrete floors:

 

1. Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove any loose dirt or debris.
2. If the concrete has cracks or holes, repair them with a concrete patching compound.
3. Use a concrete grinder to smooth the surface and remove any remaining damage.
4. Use a concrete polisher to give the floor a smooth, shiny finish.
5. Apply a concrete sealer to protect the floor from stains and wear.

How Long Will the Restoration Typically Last Before It Needs Redoing?

Restored floors last a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 30, depending on the following factors:

 

• Level of traffic
• Environmental conditions
• Materials used in restoration
• Quality of workmanship

How Much Does It Cost to Restore Flooring?

It costs about £4 to £25 per square metre to restore flooring, depending on the floor size, type, condition, and level of service required.

 

A large floor will cost you more to restore than a smaller one because you’ll use more material, labour, and finishing products.

 

Your type of flooring will also determine the restoration cost since each material requires a different method. For instance, hardwood floors will cost you more to restore than laminate because they’re delicate and need more sanding to remove blemishes.

 

When hiring a restoration company, the flooring brand you pick will affect the overall price as some providers may use specialised techniques and tools, increasing costs. Other companies have a big reputation in the industry, so you’ll expect to pay more for their services.

 

And if your floor requires a complete restoration with services like sanding, staining, and sealing, you may pay more than if it needed partial repair or a single service like sanding.

Do You Require a Professional, or Can You Do It Yourself?

Although DIY is possible, professionals are often recommended for flooring restoration because they have the expertise to get the job done right.

 

You have to weigh the pros and cons of either hiring a professional or DIY before starting your restoration project.

Pros & Cons of Hiring a Professional

Pros	Cons
●      Has experience in getting the job done right ●      Has specialised tools for the job ●      Offers guarantees and warranties on their work ●      Has the knowledge to fix problems during the process ●      May offer insurance for any damages	●      More expensive than DIY ●      Misunderstandings or miscommunications may happen

Pros & Cons of DIY

Pros	Cons
●      Saves you money ●      Gives you more control over the process ●      Gives you a sense of accomplishment ●      Great way to learn new skills	●      Can be time-consuming ●      High risk of costly mistakes ●      Lacks a professional grade finish ●      Lacks a warranty

What if the Existing Flooring Cannot Be Restored?

If the damage is severe, the best solution is to invest in new flooring. This gives you a fresh start and allows you to customise your options to meet your needs and preferences. But you need to research your options to find the best flooring for your home.

Conclusion

Your floors deserve a second chance, and flooring restoration can make them look and feel brand new. But before you start the process, think about the type of floors you have and the extent of damage to help you prepare the right tools or hire the right professionals.

 

If you’re ready to breathe new life into your flooring, contact us for a free estimate. Our team of experts will make your floors beautiful again and your home cosy for the whole family.