Hardwood Floor Refinishing in Newington, CT – Choosing a Lighter Natural Finish
Newington, Connecticut 06111 | Brookside Area
This hardwood floor refinishing project in Newington, Connecticut 06111 started with an important part of our process: spending time with the homeowner to determine what they actually wanted their finished floors to look like.
The home is in the Brookside area of Newington, a great residential neighborhood where we have worked on hardwood floors over the years. The existing floors had the warmer orange and amber appearance that is common with older finishes. Initially, the homeowners were considering staying fairly close to that original color.
But rather than simply assuming they should put the same look back onto the floor, we showed them another option.
Seeing the Difference Before Making a Decision
One of the advantages of looking at finish samples before we begin wood floor refinishing is that homeowners can see how dramatically the choice of finishing system can affect the room.
For this project, we showed two natural-type options. One represented the traditional warmer appearance produced by an oil-based system, while the other represented the lighter appearance we could achieve using Bona IntenseSeal with a water-based finish.
Once the homeowners saw the two choices against their existing floor, they decided they preferred the lighter appearance of the Bona IntenseSeal.
That changed the direction of the entire project.
Why the Homeowners Chose Bona IntenseSeal
The homeowners didn't want a white floor and they weren't looking for a gray floor. They still wanted to see the natural warmth and grain of the hardwood, but they wanted to get away from the stronger orange and amber appearance of the existing finish.
For that reason, we decided on Bona IntenseSeal followed by three coats of Bona Mega.
Another important consideration was timing. With the water-based system selected for this particular project, we could complete the sanding, sealing and coating process in one day, giving the homeowners the quicker turnaround they needed.
The choice wasn't simply about whether oil-based or water-based finish was "better." It was about looking at the actual floor, discussing the appearance the customer wanted, considering their schedule, and then selecting the system that made the most sense for their home.
Preparing the Stairs and Hallway
The project involved more than simply sanding the bedroom floors.
Carpeting had previously been installed around portions of the stairs and hallway, and after it was removed we could see numerous nail holes and other marks left behind.
Those details matter.
Before completing the floor, we needed to fill and prepare those areas so the old carpet installation didn't remain as an obvious distraction once the hardwood was refinished.
The stair photograph is a good example of why we like documenting a project before we begin. When homeowners see the final photographs, it's easy to forget just how much preparation was required to get there.
The Existing Floors Before Dust-Containment Sanding
This photograph really shows where we were starting.
You can see the old finish, normal wear and scratched areas throughout the floor. Once the color decision was made and the necessary repairs were identified, we were ready to begin our professional dust-containment sanding process.
The goal was to remove the old finish and bring the hardwood back to clean, properly prepared wood before applying the new system.
And that's where the transformation of this Newington floor really began.
From an Older Amber Floor to a More Natural Look
Projects like this are a good reminder that homeowners don't necessarily have to put the same color back on their hardwood floors simply because that's what has been there for decades.
Sometimes people have lived with an orange or amber floor for so long that they assume that's simply what their hardwood looks like.
It isn't always the wood. Much of what they're seeing can be the effect of the old finish.
Once a floor is professionally sanded, homeowners have an opportunity to reconsider what they want their hardwood to look like. Some still prefer the traditional warmth of an oil-based system. Others want something much closer to the natural appearance of the wood.
For this family, seeing the two options side by side made the decision much easier. They chose Bona IntenseSeal and three coats of Bona Mega for a lighter, updated appearance that would still retain the warmth and character of their hardwood.
The next photographs from this project will show just how much that decision changed the appearance of the home.
Hardwood Floor Refinishing in Newington, Connecticut 06111
Patrick Daigle Hardwood Flooring provides hardwood floor refinishing, wood floor refinishing, dust-containment sanding, hardwood floor repairs, stair sanding and refinishing, color changes and hardwood flooring installation throughout Newington, CT 06111 and surrounding central Connecticut communities.
This Brookside-area Newington project is a good example of why we spend time discussing finish choices with our customers before sanding begins. A relatively small finish sample can help a homeowner make a much more confident decision about a floor they'll be looking at for years.