Dust-Free Sanding: The Secret of Hardwood Floor Refinishing in Utah

dust free sanding hardwood floors in and near salt lake city, utah

 

Say goodbye to cluttered workspaces during hardwood floor refinishing with dust-free sanding! By using advanced technology that minimizes the amount of dust released during the process, you’ll be able to breathe easier while enjoying immaculately finished floors every time. Trust us at Woody’s Hardwood Flooring located near Salt Lake City, Utah – we provide superior consultation and application processes for all your flooring needs. To ensure that the hardwood floors in your home or business are refinished without any mess or health hazards, Woody’s Hardwood Flooring has developed a proven method called dust-free sanding.

What is Dust-Free Floor Sanding?

Unlike traditional sanding methods, this technique uses advanced equipment, including high powered, industrial vacuum trucks and specialized techniques to collect dust as soon as it is created. This results in clean, healthy air quality while leaving behind beautifully polished floors. Sick of dealing with all the dust when you refinish your hardwood floors? Look no further than Dust-Free Floor Sanding.

The History of Floor Sanding

This revolutionary process uses specialized equipment designed to suck up all potential debris from sanding, leaving your space free from harmful particles or residue. The result? A perfectly smooth and polished finish without all the messy cleanup you’re used to. The history of floor sanding is a long one, dating back centuries. In ancient times, people would use stones or shells to smooth out their flooring surfaces manually.

As society progressed, so did technology. By the late 1800s, sanding machines were invented to lessen the workload for home and business owners alike. And even though electric-powered tools were introduced in the following years (*1930’s*), they still generated copious amounts of dust – an unproductive side effect.

When it comes to hardwood floor refinishing, one common complaint has always been about the amount of dust generated during sanding. But did you know that there are now ways to minimize or even eliminate this problem? Enter: dust-free floor sanding techniques that use specialized equipment and methods to significantly reduce airborne particles. What if we told you it’s possible to update your floors without exposing yourself or others around you dangerous levels of harmful sawdust?

The Difference Between “Dustless Sanding” and “Dust-Free Sanding” of Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floor refinishing is known for creating an enormous amount of dust – enough to make most people hesitant about scheduling it in their homes. Traditional methods of “dustless” sanding use vacuums and filters to reduce particles left behind from wood removal, while still producing some level of airborne dirt in your space after completion.

The difference between traditional methods and true dust-free technologies is massive: well-maintained equipment designed to capture all debris results in little-to-no excess surface waste for every wood type. When it comes time to choose a floor sander, don’t forget to inquire about their sanding equipment. One of the most important questions to ask is whether they use dust-free options – if so, this ensures a healthy environment during and after the procedure. By selecting a team with top-quality tools and materials, you’re making an investment in yourself and keeping everyone around safer from unnecessary harm.

By opting for dust-free services utilizing specialized machinery capable of keeping airborne particles under control while completing necessary work on your flooring surfaces- there’s no need for anyone involved in renovations become exposed unknowingly!

Ask us today how we can partner together towards achieving beautiful new floors in addition total safety assurances all-around. The decision to install hardwood flooring can be daunting because of the many types of hardwood available on the market today. Fortunately, several choices have stood the test of time due to their superior quality and longevity.

Top Types of Hardwood Used for Flooring

For instance, oak boasts immense durability and can resist wear and tear better than other options. Similarly, cherry looks elegant while also being strong enough for everyday use. Ultimately, select what appeals most to you as each kind possesses distinct characteristics tailored for different styles.

Selecting the right hardwood flooring for your space is key when considering design aesthetics and durability. Each variety has its own distinct characteristics such as color or grain pattern that requires careful consideration before deciding on a type.

Additionally, budget constraints can affect which option would work best for you. The level of foot traffic in your area also plays a critical role in making sure the floors remain polished; to aid this endeavors, dust-free sanding techniques using specialized equipment are available – here a high-powered sander equipped with an efficient dust collection system achieves just that.

Environmentally Friendly – Inside & Out

When performing any kind of sanding task on wood surfaces, preventing dust creation is key to preserving a clean and safe work environment. One promising way to accomplish this is through implementing an efficient dust collection system designed to capture airborne particles before they escape into the surrounding area.

Additionally, using advanced sanding tools with specialized capabilities like high-speed or random orbit movement can significantly reduce dust production while also ensuring optimal results.

Lastly, choosing water-based finishes instead of traditional ones also helps mitigate potential health hazards associated with airborne contaminants.

When is Dust-Free Floor Sanding Recommended?

Sanding hardwood floors is critical to maintaining their beauty and longevity. However, traditional sanding techniques often create more problems than they solve with excessive dust production causing health risks to workers and individuals in the area. Dust-free floor sanding removes this barrier by minimizing airborne particles while maximizing efficiency and safety.

This technique is particularly useful when working in areas where individuals with respiratory issues or allergies are present. Say goodbye to messy traditional sanding methods when making a floor addition or repairing your flooring!

Dust-free sanding is an excellent alternative that minimizes mess and hassle for homeowners. During the process, a thin layer of the existing finish is expertly removed to make space for your new addition or repair. By utilizing this technique, you can almost guarantee that it will adhere correctly to your current flooring surface without any issues.

Dust-Free Sanding Resources in the United States

Looking to invest in achieving immaculate hardwood flooring? Consider opting for dust-free sanding which according to Bona is one of the “healthiest, cleanest and most efficient ways” when preparing floors. Want further information about succeeding at this task? Check out Bona.com, an online resource where you’ll find all of the necessary tools and products required.

By choosing dust-free sanding not only will you create fresher air, but its proven efficiency in leaving behind no mess ensures less time spent cleaning up after.

Are you tired of dealing with the aftermath of messy wood floor refinishing jobs?

You’ll love Woody’s Hardwood Flooring’s innovative dust-free sanding system! By eliminating the need for cleanup after technicians perform cleaning or maintenance services on your floors it provides convenience without sacrifices on quality or results.

The NWFA supports this approach as well because it also reduces exposure to harmful airborne particles during refinishing projects.

Whether you live or operate a business in Sandy, Lehi, Taylorsville, Murray, Draper, Herriman, Cedar City near Salt Lake City, UT, we welcome you to enjoy all these amazing perks firsthand. Say goodbye to hazardous particles and hello to pristine floors with dust-free sanding!

You won’t regret opting for this method when either installing new or fixing existing hardwood flooring because it significantly minimizes mess and maximizes productivity. The importance of maintaining a clean working space should never be underestimated since it helps prolong the beauty of one’s flooring too.

Luckily, online platforms such as Bona.com and the National Wood Flooring Association exist side by side with top-quality Utah flooring professionals that can walk you through everything.

Call our team of hardwood flooring experts to discuss your project today!

 

hardwood floor refinishing in Utah by Woody's Hardwood Flooring

The Benefits of Hardwood Floor Refinishing

A Utah red oak floor refinishing project by Woody's Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors are beautiful, especially when they are new and well maintained. The challenge, of course, is to keep your floors looking their best for years to come. Over time, hardwood floors start to show their age through day-to-day use and changes in interior design styles.

As your floor ages, these signs are not something you want to see in your home. These signs may be in the form of scratches, dullness, and discoloring. Can you spot any of these signs in your Utah home?

If the answer is yes, then you’re probably thinking about how you can have your hardwood floors restored to their best look once again. Fortunately, professional hardwood refinishing can help restore the beautiful look that your floors once had.

With great hardwood refinishing practices from the best professionals, your hardwood floors can be brought back to life.

If you’re looking for hardwood flooring Utah, we’re proud to say that we have provided hardwood floor installs, refinishing, repairs and additions since 2001. As a dedicated flooring company, Woody’s Hardwood Flooring is your best choice in the Salt Lake City area. We can bring your floors back to life. Read on to discover more about hardwood refinishing.

What is hardwood refinishing?

Hardwood refinishing involves removing the existing finish of your wood floor and putting on a new coating. This restores the wood back to a like-new condition.

A hardwood floor is durable and beautiful. But, over the years, continual use wears down the finish with drops, spills, and grit tracked in on shoes. And worst of all, scrabbling claws of family pets.

However, the damage caused does not have to be permanent. Real hardwood floors can be refinished. This is done by carefully sanding a paper-thin layer off the top and then sealing it with three coats of clear polyurethane finish.

Hardwood refinishing returns the floor back to a like-new state. It will also allow for a contemporary finish that better fits your home’s décor and lifestyle.

You don’t have to remain with a dull, worn-out floor and who would really want to? By hiring a professional to restore the initial look of your floor, you can continue enjoying the comfort of your home.

How refinishing a wood floor can improve your Utah home?

As one of your home’s biggest assets, hardwood floors can improve the resale value of your home when properly installed and maintained. Hardwood floors, when looking their best, are known as a major factor when selling your Utah home. You will be able to sell your home faster and for more money when you have professionally finished wood floors in your home.

Hardwood flooring has long been the preferred flooring choice among home buyers. so taking care of this asset naturally improves the look, function and value of your home.

The National Wood Flooring Association surveyed a majority of real estate agents who said that houses with hardwood flooring are easier to sell. They also sell for more money, more quickly. The majority of home buyers are simply willing to pay more for a home with hardwood flooring.

You may get some interest from home buyers if you have worn-out floors with a dated finish. However, they may put in a much lower bid than you wish because they will need to refinish the floors once they’ve purchased the home. Choose a refinishing company who only uses high quality products and has the experience and knowledge needed to do the job right, at a competitive price. you will be able to attract home buyers willing to pay your asking price.

A completed Utah red oak floor refinishing project by Woody's Hardwood Flooring

View full project photo gallery here

The trend towards hardwood flooring Utah keeps growing year after year. It is a natural choice for it’s rich look and feel. However, as allergies and asthma are on the rise, the number of home buyers requiring hardwood flooring has increased as families move away from carpeted floors.

Hardwood flooring is a smart investment not only because real wood looks beautiful and feels luxurious, but they are also easier to clean and maintain. Hardwood floors are known to last for decades and decades in both residential and commercial locales.

Refinished hardwood floors add more elegance and natural charm to any room in the home. But this is only true when they make sense from a functional and fashionable point of view. Their natural beauty creates a visually warmer and welcoming feeling within your home.

Whether you have a traditional or contemporary design in your home, wood flooring offers style and versatility. This allows you to decorate and redecorate without having to perform very expensive renovations.

Refinishing your solid wood flooring improves your Utah home much more than laminate. And, of course, just by refinishing, your hardwood floors will last a lot longer than laminate floors. Wood floor refinishing will make your home look more attractive, cleaner and more spacious.

Refinishing your hardwood helps keep it more durable. If your hardwood is old, then your home will also look old. Refinishing allows us to give a new look, but also add a new, stronger finish using the latest technologies and product lines. In this way, we can help prevent hardwood floors from getting scratches, dents and other damage.

If the hardwood flooring in your Salt Lake City UT home is badly scratched up, you should have it refinished professionally. Find a company that has years of experience and provides superior service. This winning combination will make your hardwood flooring look good as new and show your home at its best.

Do you have to sand your floor to refinish it?

Refinishing your floor involves sanding away the paper-thin layer off the top and then adding a coating material on your floor. Therefore, sanding must be done. All wood flooring projects require different levels of sanding. Ideally, using a dust free sanding and refinishing professional is best.

It is recommended to consult a professional regarding your wood flooring project to identify the necessary tools to complete your project. A professional will determine the best sanding option for your flooring project and they will sand with the grain.

Refinishing your floor means that you’ll sand multiple times. This is something that cannot be done by the use of just one grit of sandpaper and sanding over your floors one time.  This means it will take at least four passes, each with a progressively finer level of sandpaper to fully refinish most old floors. To accomplish this, you need the right tools and the knowledge and experience of how to use them.

A hardwood flooring refinishing professional will determine the perfect grit starting pass for your floor. This decision is nearly impossible to determine without the experience of a professional. Remember that every floor is different and the condition of your floor will determine how it will be sanded. You can see that there is a fine art and craftsmanship when it comes to sanding your floor.

Why refinish your existing hardwood floor?

Hardwood floors are an elegant and timeless addition to any home, but all floors are subject to wear and tear over time. Hardwood refinishing can be daunting to try and tackle on your own if you’re in Salt Lake City, Utah area.

Woody’s Hardwood Flooring can do a great job. We can handle your wood floor refinishing project with expertise and ease. Professional hardwood refinishing can restore the initial shine of your floor.

There are several reasons to consider refinishing your hardwood floors:

  • Aesthetics: A hardwood refinishing can restore the elegant and classic design to its original shine and beauty. When wood flooring gets old, many patterns become discontinued, but refinishing restores the patterns and thus can raise the value of your home.
  • Price: Your hardwood floors may be aged and damaged, but refinishing is less expensive than replacing your entire floor. This task is best left to professionals who have the skills and the tools to get the job done efficiently and within budget. Calling in your local flooring experts is always your best bet for the integrity of your floors and your own piece of mind.
  • Longevity: Hardwood floors are durable, but with years of usage, they can wear and tear. Refinishing can dramatically extend the life of your floor. Additionally, this can save you the costs associated with replacement and will keep your floors looking great for long.
  • Value of Your Home: Refinishing your wood flooring will increase the value of your home. When you plan to sell your house, refinished floors are very attractive to potential buyers. This allows you to set a higher price for your home.
  • Failing the Water Test: It is important to check your hardwood floors every once in a while, to make sure they’re sealed well. You can perform a test by pouring a tablespoon of water on your floor, especially in an area that looks worn. If the water pulls into droplets without seeping into the wood, the floors are still sealed well. If the water seeps into the wood, you should get your floors refinished. The faster the water soaks in, the more urgently you need to have the refinishing done.
  • Extensive Staining: If you have kids, stains become part of life. It is less likely that you will prevent the stains entirely, so having a realistic maintenance plan is best. At some point stains on your hardwood floors can be too much to deal with. And if you’re considering selling your house, you have to try to get rid of the stains as much as possible. Your best bet to getting rid of all the stains is to refinish your floors.
  • Change of Style: Sometimes refinishing can be done if you just want a change of style. You don’t have to replace your hardwood floors to change the color of your flooring. If your floors are in good shape, you only need to change the color by refinishing your existing floors. This will save you money as well as improve the resale value if you can retain the original flooring.

How long does it take to refinish hardwood floors?

This is one of the most common questions homeowners ask. This is a great question as this of course affects the cost and amount of time that the project will affect your living and/or workspace.

The length of time it takes to refinish hardwood flooring depends on the coat of finish. Specifically, what type of polyurethane you use. There is oil-based polyurethane and water-based polyurethane.

In general, it usually takes 3-5 days to refinish hardwood floors with an oil-based polyurethane. If you’re using water-based polyurethane, it takes about 2 days to refinish hardwood floors. The latter floor finish dries faster and is often the preferred choice if you’re in a hurry, and sometimes it can solve your time challenges.

Should I refinish my hardwood floor or replace it?

Many homeowners with hardwood floors tend to ask is they should refinish their hardwood floor or replace it with a new one. Well, this depends on several factors including the condition or age of your hardwood, the price tag of your current hardwood and your budget.

In general, however, it is almost always less expensive to refinish your hardwood floors. Replacing your hardwood floors involves a few costs such as paying for additional wood, installation sanding and ripping up and hauling away existing wood. If portions of your wood flooring are damaged, probably through stains, you can refinish them and it will look all new.

In some cases, you will be able to replace a damaged section of floor, such as this one due to water damage, and then sand and refinish all of the flooring for a consistent look and feel.

 

If your floors are very old and have been refinished many times, it may be time to replace them with new ones. By old we mean that your floors have been there for decades and refinished more than five times.

Also, if you want to change the species of your wood, you may consider replacing your wood flooring. In the majority of homes in the US, you will find wood flooring made of oak because of the look and graining of oak. However, you can achieve a new look and finish simply by refinishing your existing floors.

What are the best/worst wood floors for refinishing?

There are both the best and worst wood floors for refinishing. Describing wood floors as best or worst for refinishing depends on the type and condition of your wood flooring. The truth is not all hardwood floors can be refinished.

The best hardwood floors for refinishing are those that have common problems that can be addressed and fixed without replacing the entire floor.

The worst type of wood floors for refinishing are those that have structural damage that can only be addressed by ripping up the floor and replacing it. Severe flooring damage such as ugly stains, warping, chipping and termite infestation, is worst for refinishing, and a replacement would make more sense.

What can I do to prepare my home for a hardwood floor refinishing project?

Once you have scheduled your hardwood floor refinishing project, you can prepare your home for the hardwood refinishing Utah project:

  1. Remove all furniture and rugs.
  2. Take down picture and wall hangings or items on shelves.
  3. Remove clothes, shoes and other items from closets in the project area.
  4. For kitchen refinishing project, remove refrigerator and stove.
  5. Cover doors, vents, windows and surfaces with plastic sheeting and painters’ tape to prevent dust from traveling all over your house. Woody’s provides dust free hardwood floor sanding, so if you are using our services, you can skip this step entirely.
  6. Make arrangements for your pets and kids.

So, whether you are living in Salt Lake City or surrounding areas such as Salt Lake, Draper, Bountiful, Herimon, Blockdale, West Jordan, Payson, Park City, Spanish Fork, Provo, South Jordan, Orem or Sandy, Utah, Woody’s Hardwood Flooring is your go-to flooring company.

Hardwood floor refinishing in Utah is a time-consuming project that requires skill and attention to detail. It can protect this valuable part of your home, give it a new shine, or both.

If your floors require refinishing or professional installation or flooring repairs, reach out to Woody’s Hardwood Flooring. We do our utmost to make wood floor refinishing as easy on you as possible. Book your free consultation and quote today or visit our flooring store in Murray, UT!

Gaps and cracks in Utah home's hardwood floor

Are You Concerned About Cracks and Separation Between Hardwood Floor Boards?

Gaps and cracks in Utah home's hardwood floor

Cracks & Separations Happen to All Hardwood Floors

Every hardwood floor endures some separation between boards. In the winter months when the home is heated and the air is dry, wood flooring releases some of its moisture and therefore shrinks. When this happens, thin cracks appear between boards. This is normal and is acceptable. Hardwood flooring is designed and installed to handle this type of movement.

Cracks and separations can be alarming to the proud owner of a new hardwood floor, especially when it looks nearly flawless in the summertime, when by winter some noticeable cracking and separating of the floor boards appear. In some cases, these changes in the floor don’t occur until years after installation.

utah hardwood flooring separation gap

 

Homeowners should not call their hardwood installers at the first sign of cracks. Cracks that developed during the winter months may easily reach the thickness of a dime or a quarter. Generally speaking, wider boards will show more gapping than narrow boards. Lighter colored flooring material such as maple or floors with a lighter stain tend to show cracks and separation more than darker wood tones and stain colors.

Remember, Utah has a dry climate, which is classed as semi-arid to desert, in spite of its variety of smaller climates found among its varying terrain, from Salt Lake to the peaks of the Uinta Mountains, not to mention that it also lies in the path of monsoon precipitation from the Gulf of California in the summer months and is subject to unique temperature inversions across its valleys that can last for weeks.

How to Help Prevent Cracks and Separations in your Hardwood Floor

Homeowners should add moisture to the air during dry periods. It is the homeowner’s choice and responsibility to maintain humidity levels. Homeowners can either live with the cracks and separation or install a whole home humidification system to minimize this natural adjustment in their flooring.

To Humidify or Dehumidify, that is the Question

By stabilising your home’s relative humidity year-round, you can help lessen the number of cracks and separations that naturally occur. You can do this by using a humidifier in the winter months and exhaust fans and dehumidifiers in the case of too much moisture in the summertime. The best time to determine your home’s humidity levels with respect to your hardwood floors is when you are having them installed.

What is the ideal humidity level for your Utah home if you have hardwood floors?

Having a balanced level of humidity in your Utah home is good for you, your family, your pets and plants…and your hardwood floors! It is recommended to keep your home’s humidity between 35% to 55%. If your home’s humidity drops below 35%, then it increases the likelihood of the floor cracking and separating. An ideal room temperature for flooring is between 60 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also look to purchase a “wood moisture meter” that can help you determine the ongoing fluctuations in relative humidity in your home throughout the year.

When Woody’s Hardwood Flooring installers assess an installation, we use a variety of tools that help with the process, such as this “pinless moisture meter” (on left) and a smaller one to test temperature and relative humidity (on right).

An example of our Orion moisture metre and humidity tester for hardwood flooring. This helps us minimize cracking and gapping in hardwood floors due to humidity changes in your Utah home.

Hardwood Floor Cupping, Crowning and Buckling

Cupping can be caused by water being spilled onto a hardwood floor, or from having too high of a relative humidity in your home. The floor boards curve in a concave fashion.

Crowning is similar to cupping in how it is formed, however, the floor boards instead form a convex curve. This can again occur when the floor is exposed to water or high humidity for long periods of time. The saturation of moisture causes the crowning effect.

Buckling is one of the most extreme issues with moisture and humidity in your hardwood floor. It occurs when the floor actually separates from the subfloor, noticeably lifting up to a few inches in one or more places in your home. Thankfully, this issue is quite rare and is often a result of more extreme circumstances such as flooding over a longer time period.

Make sure you first fix the imbalance in your moisture/humidity levels to allow the floor boards to dry and find a neutral, balanced state of humidity and moisture levels within. This way, any sanding or restoration efforts will be most effective for the long-term.

Here is a good summary from the NWFA regarding cupping and crowning:

Cupping and crowning of hardwood floors illustration from NWFA publication 2019

Image content copyright National Wood Flooring Association

 

When is the best time of year to install hardwood flooring?

While you can have hardwood flooring installed year-round in Utah, Autumn’s cooler temperatures are ideal for installing your new floor. However, it always helps if you do your best to balance your home’s humidity levels using a humidifier and dehumidifier, your family and floors will benefit in every season.

If you notice that you have gaps in your floor boards in the winter, this is a key sign that your home’s humidity could be further optimized. It is best to wait until spring to see if the gaps remain, reduce in size or close up.

Larger gaps in hardwood flooring that don’t close up in the summer time may be due to excessive moisture below the floor, so your flooring can be somewhat of a “canary in the coal mine” in revealing things like structural settlement and water-based issues that are not visible otherwise.

If you are considering to have a new hardwood floor installed in the Salt Lake City area, we recommend you discuss your project with a professional installer, who is located in Utah, who can provide you with specific advice around the best type of wood for your home and lifestyle and what will work best to minimize such issues as cracking and gapping in your floor boards in the future.

When Hardwood Flooring needs to be repaired

As with any type of flooring, your hardwood floor may require repairs over its lifetime. Similar to the best time to install your floor, repairing larger gaps and separations are best done in the shoulder seasons, such as April and October.

If you need help with hardwood flooring repairs or need a flooring addition, please contact us.