Sandless floor refinishing is, as the name implies, a method of refinishing your floor without sanding it. Instead, you use a machine with abrasive pads combined with a liquid solution to remove surface debris from the floor. Sandless refinishing can give an old floor some shine back without the messiness of sanding.
This method of refinishing a floor can be a great option, but it isn’t always the best choice.
In the following article, we will look into what sandless floor refinishing is, when it should be used, and whether it is worth the money.
Sandless Floor Refinishing Process
Sandless floor refinishing is a method of refinishing a floor that is different from sanding and buffing because it doesn’t remove any scratches. Instead, this process should be looked at as more of a deep clean.
The abrasive pads of the machine combined with a cleaning solution are doing more scrubbing than sanding or buffing. As the abrasive pads spin around the barrel of the machine, they combine with the liquid, which is slowly etching away debris. This liquid and debris are then scrubbed off by the pads and sucked up by a vacuum.
While this method can’t remove scratches, it’s great for removing old floor wax, polish, and stains. However, it won’t be able to remove scratches, dents, or correct fading. But it can be a wise choice if you have pets or children and want to deep-clean your floor.
When You Should Use Sandless Floor Refinishing
Although this wouldn’t be my first choice, there are times when this process works excellently. Say you have a relatively new floor that’s just beginning to show signs of minor wear and tear. Sandless floor refinishing will help it to look shiny and new for much longer.
Another great place for using sandless floor refinishing is when you have a floor with character. With all other refinishing methods, some of this character will be taken away. But when using this process, character is preserved.
I would also recommend using this technique on an old hardwood floor that has been sanded a few times. After each time a floor is sanded, the boards get thinner and thinner. If you’re experiencing this, then sandless floor refinishing may be right for you. Because this method doesn’t remove any wood, it’s the perfect way to give a thin and heavily sanded floor a new life.
Knowing What to Expect
If you’re considering sandless floor refinishing, keep your expectations in line with what the service offers. If your floor is heavily scratched and dented, then this method of refinishing isn’t going to be right for you.
Sandless floor refinishing is basically just a good deep clean followed by a coat of colored finish. The results will have your floors sparkling and clean, but they won’t look brand new again.
In the past, some homeowners have been left disappointed thanks to salespeople overselling the benefits of this method or exaggerating the drawbacks of sanding your floor instead. I recommend being wary of any salesperson who tries to convince you sandless refinishing will totally refurbish your floor, or who steers you away from sanding by suggesting it will take too long and permanently fill your home with dust.
Is it Worth the Money?
The answer to this question is a personal opinion. If you’re just looking to give your floor a good clean and add some shine, then this may be perfect for you. It just depends on the cost and your expectations. Sandless refinishing can cost anywhere from $4 to $8 per square foot. Compared to sanding and refinishing a floor, which is $3 to $8 per square foot.
The clear difference is that if you sand and refinish your floor, you’ll remove scratches, dents, oxidization, all stains, faded boards, wax, and polish. Plus, once you’ve done this method of refinishing, you won’t have to do it again for 7 to 10 years. Compared to sandless refinishing only removes wax and polish and has to be done again in 1 to 4 years, depending on the company.
Summary
Sandless floor refinishing is a good option for people who want to give their floor a bit of shine quickly and easily. It’s clean and quick when compared to sanding and refinishing your floor, but both methods give different results.
If your floor is relatively new and needs a good clean and shine, then go with the sandless option. But if your floor is dented, scratched, or faded then I recommend sanding and refinishing your floor.
Like with all services, make sure you research the company or person you are looking to hire. Some businesses are selling sandless floor refinishing as something that it’s not.
