Does Empire Refinish Hardwood Floors? (Explained)
Understanding Hardwood Floor Refinishing
Hardwood floor refinishing is a critical process for maintaining the beauty and longevity of hardwood floors. Over time, wear and tear can take a toll on these surfaces, causing scratches, dullness, and damage. Refinishing can restore the floors to their original glory, providing a fresh, clean look without the high costs associated with complete replacement.
What Is Involved in Refinishing?
Refinishing hardwood floors involves several key steps:
- Assessment: Evaluating the condition of the floors to determine whether refinishing is necessary.
- Sanding: Removing the old finish and smoothing the surface.
- Repairing Damage: Filling gaps and addressing scratches or dents.
- Staining: Applying a new stain color to enhance the wood’s natural beauty.
- Finishing: Sealing the surface with protective coatings.
Each step is crucial for achieving a high-quality result that not only looks great but also protects the wood from future damage.
My Journey with Empire
When I decided to refinish my hardwood floors, I was eager to find a reliable service provider. Empire was one of the first companies I considered due to their extensive marketing and positive reviews. I had heard a mix of experiences from friends and family, so I decided to do my own research.
Initial Consultation
I scheduled an initial consultation with Empire. The representative arrived on time, which was a good sign. They took measurements of my living room and hallway, approximately 800 square feet in total. During the consultation, they explained the refinishing process in detail, addressing all my questions.
Cost Estimates:
The estimate I received was $2.50 per square foot. For my 800 square feet, that totaled around $2,000. This seemed reasonable compared to other estimates I had received from local contractors, which ranged from $1.75 to $3.00 per square foot.
The Refinishing Process
After deciding to go with Empire, I scheduled the job for the following month. The process started early on a Tuesday morning.
Day 1: Preparation
The first day was primarily about preparation. The crew arrived with professional-grade equipment, including sanding machines and dust containment systems. They assessed the floors again and explained what they would do.
Furniture Removal:
One challenge was the furniture removal. I had to clear out my living room completely, which took a few hours. I recommend planning ahead for this part; it’s best to have a storage area or garage where you can temporarily place your items.
Dust Control Measures:
They set up dust barriers to contain the mess, which I appreciated. Dust from sanding can be pervasive, so it’s essential to take precautions.
Day 2: Sanding
On the second day, the real work began with sanding. This step is crucial as it removes the old finish and prepares the wood for staining.
Sanding Process:
The crew used heavy-duty sanders that created quite a bit of noise and dust. They started with a coarse grit sandpaper to strip away the old finish and then moved to finer grits for smoothing. This took about five hours.
Personal Experience:
I found it fascinating to watch how much wood was removed during this process. At one point, I peeked under the door where they were working and could see the lighter wood underneath—almost like revealing a hidden treasure!
Day 3: Repairing and Staining
After sanding, they moved on to repairing any damage. There were some deep scratches in my wood floors that had accumulated over the years.
Filling Gaps and Scratches:
The crew used wood filler to address these imperfections, ensuring that the surface would be smooth once finished. This step is critical because any unaddressed scratches could become more pronounced after finishing.
Choosing a Stain Color:
I chose a dark walnut stain after testing several samples on a small section of my floor. It was an exciting part of the process because it allowed me to visualize how different colors affected the room’s ambiance.
The Finishing Touches
After staining, they applied a protective finish. Empire recommended a water-based urethane for its quick drying time and lower odor compared to oil-based finishes.
Application Process:
The application took about two hours. The crew used rollers and brushes to ensure even coverage. After applying the finish, they informed me that it would take at least 24 hours to cure properly before walking on it again.
Successes and Challenges
Reflecting on my experience with Empire’s service, there were numerous successes but also some challenges that I encountered along the way.
Successes
- Professional Quality: The final result was stunning! My floors looked brand new, and I received numerous compliments from friends.
- Efficiency: The crew worked efficiently and completed the job within the promised timeframe.
- Expert Guidance: The advice I received about maintenance after refinishing was invaluable. They provided me with tips on cleaning products and methods to ensure my floors stayed looking great for years to come.
Challenges
- Dust Cleanup: Despite their best efforts to contain dust, there was still quite a bit everywhere—especially in corners and on furniture that wasn’t moved.
- Odor from Finish: The smell of the finish lingered for several days, which was uncomfortable for me since I have allergies.
- Timeframe for Cure: Waiting for 24 hours before walking on the floors felt like an eternity! I had to arrange for alternative living arrangements during this time.
Comparing Empire with Other Options
While my experience with Empire was largely positive, I also looked into other refinishing options available in my area. Here’s how they compared:
DIY Refinishing
One option I considered was doing the refinishing myself. Here’s what I discovered:
- Pros:
- Cost Savings: Materials can be significantly cheaper if you do it yourself.
- Flexibility: You can work on your schedule without waiting for contractors.
- Cons:
- Labor-Intensive: Refinishing requires physical effort, especially sanding.
- Skill Level: If you’re inexperienced, you might not achieve professional results.
I ultimately decided against DIY due to my lack of experience and concerns about making mistakes that could be costly later on.
Local Contractors
I reached out to a few local contractors as well:
- Pros:
- Competitive Pricing: Some quotes came in lower than Empire’s pricing.
- Personalized Service: Smaller businesses often provide more personalized attention.
- Cons:
- Availability Issues: Scheduling can be tricky with smaller contractors who may have limited availability.
- Variability in Quality: There’s less consistency in quality compared to larger companies like Empire.
Practical Tips for Refinishing Hardwood Floors
Based on my experience and research, here are some practical tips for anyone considering refinishing their hardwood floors:
- Research Your Options: Take time to research different companies and compare reviews.
- Get Multiple Estimates: Don’t settle for the first estimate you receive; getting multiple quotes can help you find competitive pricing.
- Prepare Your Home: Clear out furniture and valuables well ahead of time to ensure smooth progress during refinishing.
- Choose Your Stain Wisely: Consider how different stains will look in your space before making a final decision.
- Ask About Maintenance Tips: Make sure you understand how to care for your newly refinished floors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my experience with Empire refinishing hardwood floors was overall very positive despite some challenges along the way. The quality of their work restored my floors beautifully, making them look brand new again. While I explored other options like DIY refinishing and local contractors, I found that Empire offered a balance of professionalism and reliability that gave me peace of mind during the process.
If you are considering refinishing your hardwood floors, weigh your options carefully. Whether you choose Empire or another method, thorough planning will help ensure that your project goes smoothly and results in stunning floors that will last for years to come.
By sharing my journey through this process, I hope you feel better equipped to make informed decisions regarding your hardwood flooring needs—whether it’s refinishing or exploring completely new options. Remember that beautiful floors can significantly enhance your home’s value and aesthetic appeal, so investing in their care is always worthwhile!
