Don’t DIY: Why Refinishing Hardwood Yourself is a Bad Idea

While the Internet would love to convince you that refinishing your own hardwood floor is an easy “do it yourself” (DIY) project, it’s not. Refinishing hardwood takes certain tools, expertise and patience, so by hiring a ServiceWhale contractor, you could save yourself from such a daunting task. Here are a couple of reasons why it is not the best idea to refinish hardwoods yourself.

You’ll Waste Time and Money

Though hiring a contractor can seem expensive, when it is compared to the investment you would have to make to DIY, it’s no contest. On average, ServiceWhale contractors spend about $1 to $2 per square foot to rebuff your floor’s finish. In order to do it yourself, you would have to rent a buffer and purchase a gallon of polyurethane finish.

After all is said and done, you could be spending anywhere from $75 to $125 to do an average-sized room by yourself. The cost for sanding and finishing your hardwood is an even greater difference, as you would have to purchase even more tools.

The process of doing the research, purchasing or renting the tools and actually doing the project by yourself can take much longer than simply finding a contractor on ServiceWhale. When you hire a contractor, you know that the job will be done correctly and efficiently, providing you with long-lasting flooring, even if you are on a budget.

The Job Could Be Done Incorrectly

Refinishing hardwood can be a tedious process, and result in a bigger mess when it is not done correctly. If you have not been properly trained in refinishing hardwood floors, you wouldn’t be able to detect if your flooring was flawed or not.

Not to mention the fact that sanding your hardwoods is an involved process. Sanding hardwood down with a fine-grit sandpaper can create quite the mess. Professional contractors will have the proper tools to not only sand your floor, but to clean up afterwards as well. If you tried to DIY, this dust could reach all corners of your house, and you would have to have it professionally cleaned.

Additionally, if there are any cracks or holes in the floor, they will need to be filled before the floor is stained and refinished. Doing so will ensure that your floor will be even, and that the finish will not fail. Certain finishes also need longer drying times, and professionals will know when to apply the second and third coats. If these coats are not applied correctly, the finish could be ruined, and you would have to start over from the beginning.

Contractors Have the Paperwork

Aside from having the tools and experience, ServiceWhale contractors also come with the proper paperwork. They have the warranties and certifications to support their work, so you know that you will only be getting the best service for your money. And with our user-friendly website, finding contractors has never been easier.

If you are interested in hiring a ServiceWhale contractor for refinishing hardwood in your home or place of business, go to our website to find contractors in the Philadelphia area today.