This is, ultimately, up to you, but if you hire a professional, your job will look and feel much better and it will be noticeable. Sanding is very difficult skill to learn. 2 years is about how long it takes for a professional to be refined. [1] This page has more information about our floor sanding process.
And the pros have commercial-grade equipment. That is not what you would find at your home improvement store. The main machine costs around $20,000 and professionals can invest in their equipment and maintain it well. The following are 5 reasons why a professional is a better investment:
1. The Job Won’t Be Done As Well
This is, ultimately, up to you, but if you hire a professional, your job will look and feel much better and it will be noticeable. Sanding is very difficult skill to learn. 2 years is about how long it takes for a professional to be refined.
And the pros have commercial-grade equipment. That is not what you would find at your home improvement store. The main machine costs around $20,000 and professionals can invest in their equipment and maintain it well. [2]
2. The Finish Won’t Last As Long
If the sanding isn’t done properly, the stain will not penetrate the best and the polyurethane will not adhere as well as it should. The finish will not last, and will likely need to be redone within 2 to 4 years (vs the typical 7 to 10 years). So, it will need to be done more often.
3. It Will Take Your Longer
Professional sanders do this frequently, so they are more experienced at this work and can do it faster. Most crews can sand and refinish about 1,000 square feet per day. It will take 2 to 4 times as longer for the homeowner to do the same thing. [3]
It will also take longer for the material to dry. Most people don’t use the best materials and this can make the drying process longer. Also, novices often apply too thick of coats. The process taking longer can result in coagulation. The floors, in that case, would need to be completely sanded again and refinished.
4. It is More Dangerous
The floor sanding professionals’ machines can collect more dust. Their vacuums are often stronger, also. They will often take care of the mess for you, though.
The United States Department of Occupational Safety and Health Administration states that, “Wood dust and the chemicals used in finishing are health hazards, and workers in this industry can suffer from skin and respiratory diseases.” [5] The good news is that the pros are already well aware of this and know how to prevent it from being a problem. In dangerous situations, it is well-advised to let those with more experience do the job.
5. It is Cheaper Overall
Most home improvement stores charge by the day for the equipment and, since this is likely your first time taking on this project, then you will more than likely have the equipment, which we have already established is inferior, for more than one day. Not to mention, the cost in cleaning it up and taking the health risks of doing so. Even if things seem to be going well, if you mess something up, then it will often cost more for the professional to correct the mistake and then do the job correctly. [6]
References
The Washington Post, “What to do when the dog has worn the floor down to fresh wood” – Removed
The United States Department of Occupational Safety and Health Administration, “Guide for Protecting Workers from Woodworking Hazards”, https://www.osha.gov/Publications/woodworking_hazards/osha3157.html
Digital Journal, “Hardwood Flooring for Stairs: Choosing the Right Provider”, http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/4356502
Call Mark
Refinishing Your Hardwood Floors: Why You Won’t Want To Do This Yourself
This is, ultimately, up to you, but if you hire a professional, your job will look and feel much better and it will be noticeable. Sanding is very difficult skill to learn. 2 years is about how long it takes for a professional to be refined. [1] This page has more information about our floor sanding process.
And the pros have commercial-grade equipment. That is not what you would find at your home improvement store. The main machine costs around $20,000 and professionals can invest in their equipment and maintain it well. The following are 5 reasons why a professional is a better investment:
1. The Job Won’t Be Done As Well
This is, ultimately, up to you, but if you hire a professional, your job will look and feel much better and it will be noticeable. Sanding is very difficult skill to learn. 2 years is about how long it takes for a professional to be refined.
And the pros have commercial-grade equipment. That is not what you would find at your home improvement store. The main machine costs around $20,000 and professionals can invest in their equipment and maintain it well. [2]
2. The Finish Won’t Last As Long
If the sanding isn’t done properly, the stain will not penetrate the best and the polyurethane will not adhere as well as it should. The finish will not last, and will likely need to be redone within 2 to 4 years (vs the typical 7 to 10 years). So, it will need to be done more often.
3. It Will Take Your Longer
Professional sanders do this frequently, so they are more experienced at this work and can do it faster. Most crews can sand and refinish about 1,000 square feet per day. It will take 2 to 4 times as longer for the homeowner to do the same thing. [3]
It will also take longer for the material to dry. Most people don’t use the best materials and this can make the drying process longer. Also, novices often apply too thick of coats. The process taking longer can result in coagulation. The floors, in that case, would need to be completely sanded again and refinished.
4. It is More Dangerous
The floor sanding professionals’ machines can collect more dust. Their vacuums are often stronger, also. They will often take care of the mess for you, though.
The United States Department of Occupational Safety and Health Administration states that, “Wood dust and the chemicals used in finishing are health hazards, and workers in this industry can suffer from skin and respiratory diseases.” [5] The good news is that the pros are already well aware of this and know how to prevent it from being a problem. In dangerous situations, it is well-advised to let those with more experience do the job.
5. It is Cheaper Overall
Most home improvement stores charge by the day for the equipment and, since this is likely your first time taking on this project, then you will more than likely have the equipment, which we have already established is inferior, for more than one day. Not to mention, the cost in cleaning it up and taking the health risks of doing so. Even if things seem to be going well, if you mess something up, then it will often cost more for the professional to correct the mistake and then do the job correctly. [6]
References
Quick Links
Recent Posts