Choosing The Right Stain For Your Hardwood

Choosing the Perfect Stain: A Guide to Custom Wood Floor Staining

Written by customhardwood on June 3, 2024. Posted in Floor Care, Floor Repair. No Comments on Choosing the Perfect Stain: A Guide to Custom Wood Floor Staining

Choosing the right stain for your wood floors can transform your home’s look and feel. This guide covers the basics of wood floor staining, types of stains available, and the benefits of professional staining services. For expert results, consider Custom Hardwood Flooring LA to ensure a flawless and lasting finish.

Choosing the right stain for your wood floors is a crucial decision that impacts the overall look and feel of your home. A well-chosen stain can enhance the natural beauty of your wood, complement your interior decor, and add value to your property. In this guide, we will explore the key aspects of wood floor staining, including different types of stains, the benefits of professional staining services, and tips to ensure your floors look their best. For residents in Los Angeles, Custom Hardwood Flooring LA offers expert services to help you achieve the perfect finish.

Understanding Wood Floor Staining

Wood floor staining involves applying a colored liquid to the surface of the wood to change its appearance. The process enhances the wood’s natural grain and can either darken or lighten its color. Staining is a popular choice for homeowners looking to refresh their flooring without the expense of a full replacement. The right stain can bring out the best in your wood floors, highlighting their unique characteristics and ensuring they match your interior design.

Types of Wood Stains

There are several types of wood stains to choose from, each offering different effects and benefits:

Oil-Based Stains: Known for their rich, deep colors, oil-based stains penetrate the wood deeply, providing a durable finish. They are easy to apply and have a longer drying time, allowing for a more even application.

Water-Based Stains: These stains offer a quicker drying time and are available in a wide range of colors. They are less odorous than oil-based stains and are considered more environmentally friendly.

Gel Stains: Ideal for vertical surfaces and less absorbent woods, gel stains provide a uniform color and are less likely to streak. They sit on the surface of the wood rather than soaking in, which can create a unique finish.

Lacquer Stains: These stains dry quickly and offer a very durable finish. They are often used in commercial settings or high-traffic areas but require more skill to apply evenly.

Benefits of Professional Staining Services

While DIY staining can be tempting, hiring a professional service like Custom Hardwood Flooring LA ensures the best results. Here are some benefits of choosing a professional:

Expertise and Experience: Professionals have the knowledge and experience to choose the right stain for your wood type and desired look. They understand how different stains interact with various wood grains and can achieve a flawless finish.

High-Quality Products: Professional staining services use high-quality stains and finishes that offer better durability and a more polished look than store-bought products.

Proper Preparation and Application: Professionals ensure that the wood surface is properly prepared, sanded, and cleaned before applying the stain. This preparation is crucial for a smooth and even finish.

Time and Convenience: Staining floors is a time-consuming process that requires careful attention to detail. Hiring professionals saves you time and ensures the job is done correctly, without the hassle of a DIY project.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the perfect stain for your wood floors can transform the look of your home, adding warmth and elegance. By understanding the different types of stains and the benefits of professional staining services, you can make an informed decision that enhances your living space. Custom Hardwood Flooring LA offers expert staining services to help you achieve beautiful, long-lasting results. Contact us today to discuss your wood floor staining needs and schedule a consultation.

FAQ’s

What types of wood stains are available for my floors?

There are several types of wood stains available, including oil-based, water-based, gel stains, and hybrid stains. Each type has its own benefits and is suitable for different wood types and desired finishes. At Custom Hardwood Flooring LA, we help you choose the best stain to achieve your desired look.

How do I choose the right stain color for my wood floors?

Choosing the right stain color involves considering the existing décor, natural light, and the wood species of your floors. Custom Hardwood Flooring LA provides samples and expert advice to help you select a color that complements your home’s aesthetic and enhances the natural beauty of your wood floors.

Why should I hire a professional for wood floor staining?

Professional staining ensures an even application, proper penetration, and a flawless finish. Custom Hardwood Flooring LA has the expertise, tools, and experience to handle the staining process efficiently, avoiding common DIY mistakes and ensuring long-lasting, beautiful results.

Top Hardwoods Perfect for LA’s Climate: An Expert Guide

Written by customhardwood on October 10, 2023. Posted in Floor Care.

Los Angeles’s unique Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, demands specific considerations when selecting hardwood flooring. For homeowners in the City of Angels, here are the top five hardwood choices tailored for the local climate.

Why LA’s Climate Matters for Hardwood Flooring

Wood, being a natural material, reacts to environmental changes. In a city like Los Angeles, where humidity levels fluctuate, wood can expand during humid conditions and contract in dry periods. This can lead to issues like warping or gaps between floorboards. Hence, choosing the right type of hardwood is crucial.

Top Hardwoods for LA Climate

1. Oak Hardwood

It has been a favorite for centuries. Its dense grain structure gives it a visually appealing texture and offers robust resistance against moisture changes. This hardwood comes in various shades, from light tan to deep brown, allowing homeowners to choose a hue that complements their decor. Its durability ensures it stands the test of time, even in fluctuating humidity.

2. Bamboo

Though technically a grass, bamboo offers the strength and durability of traditional hardwoods. It grows rapidly, making it an eco-friendly choice. Bamboo’s natural resistance to moisture, combined with its unique patterns and shades ranging from light beige to dark brown, makes it a stylish and practical choice for LA homes.

3. Teak Hardwoods

Teak is synonymous with luxury. Its rich golden-brown hue, combined with a tight grain pattern, exudes elegance. Beyond its beauty, teak is usually infused with natural oils that repel water, making it resistant to humidity and decay. While often used for outdoor furniture, teak’s resilience makes it perfect for LA’s indoor flooring needs.

4. Engineered Hardwoods

Engineered wood offers the best of both worlds. It combines a hardwood veneer atop multiple plywood layers, ensuring stability even in varying climates. This structure minimizes natural wood movement, making it a reliable choice for LA homes. Plus, it comes in many designs, mimicking almost any hardwood appearance.

5. Maple Hardwoods

Maple is renowned for its smooth finish and consistent grain pattern. Its light, creamy color can brighten spaces, while its durability ensures longevity. Maple’s tight, uniform grain makes it resistant to moisture penetration, ideal for LA’s climate.

Tips for Maintaining Hardwood Flooring in LA’s Climate

Acclimation: Let the hardwood acclimate to your home’s conditions before installation. This reduces post-installation movement.
Humidity Control: Use dehumidifiers during humid days to maintain consistent indoor humidity.
Regular Maintenance: Clean and seal your hardwood floors periodically to extend their lifespan and preserve their beauty.

In the vibrant city of Los Angeles, where the climate plays a pivotal role in home maintenance decisions, choosing the right hardwood is essential.

With these top five choices of hardwoods and expert tips, you as a homeowner, can ensure your floors remain stunning and durable for years to come.

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Top 6 Wood Flooring Stain Color Trend

Written by customhardwood on June 12, 2023. Posted in Floor Care.

Choosing the right hardwood floor color can add warmth, beauty, and value to any home. One of the key decisions when it comes to hardwood floors is selecting the right stain color. Stain colors have the power to transform the look and feel of your space, creating a unique ambiance that reflects your personal style. In this article, we’ll explore six hardwood floor stain color trends that are currently making waves in interior design. From cool and contemporary to warm and inviting, these trends are sure to inspire you.

Six Hardwood Floor Colors Currently Making Waves in Interior Design

Ashen Gray Wood Flooring Stain:

Embracing a modern aesthetic, Ashen Gray hardwood floor color stain brings a cool-toned, smoky hue to hardwood floors. This trend adds a touch of sophistication and pairs well with minimalist designs. The subtle gray tones create a sleek and contemporary atmosphere, making it a popular choice for those seeking a fresh and modern look. To achieve an ashen gray shade, you can consider a combination of Minwax’s “Classic Gray” and Duraseal’s “Weathered Oak” stain colors. Mixing these two colors in varying ratios allows you to customize the intensity of the gray tone.

Warm Caramel Wood Flooring Stain:

If you’re looking to infuse your space with timeless elegance, Warm Caramel hardwood floor color stain is the perfect choice. With its rich and inviting tone, it adds warmth and depth to hardwood floors. This trend complements traditional and rustic styles, creating a cozy and welcoming ambiance that never goes out of style. To achieve a warm caramel shade, you can combine Minwax’s “English Chestnut” and Bona’s “Golden Oak” stain colors. Experiment with different ratios to find the perfect balance of warmth and richness.

Coastal Driftwood Wood Flooring Stain:

Inspired by the calming beauty of the coast, Coastal Driftwood hardwood floor color stain trend captures a light, weathered look. The soft, muted grayish-brown tones evoke a sense of tranquility, making it ideal for beach-inspired or Scandinavian designs. Coastal Driftwood lends a fresh and airy feel to any room, transporting you to a serene seaside getaway. To achieve the Coastal Driftwood shade, consider combining Duraseal’s “Weathered Gray” with Bona’s “Beachwood” stain colors. Adjust the ratios until you achieve the desired driftwood effect.

Midnight Ebony Wood Flooring Stain:

For those who crave drama and boldness, Midnight Ebony stain color trend is a showstopper. This deep, almost black hue adds a sense of luxury and sophistication to hardwood flooring. It’s perfect for contemporary or modern spaces, creating a sleek and glamorous atmosphere that demands attention. To achieve the Midnight Ebony shade, you can use Minwax’s “Ebony” stain color. This rich, dark color creates a striking and dramatic effect on hardwood floors.

Honey Maple Wood Flooring Stain:

Bring a warm and inviting vibe to your space with the timeless Honey Maple stain color trend. Its golden tones highlight the natural beauty of the wood grain, infusing the room with a sense of lightness and freshness. Honey Maple complements a variety of interior styles, from traditional to transitional, adding a touch of classic elegance that never goes out of style. To achieve the Honey Maple shade, consider combining Minwax’s “Golden Pecan” with Bona’s “Early American” stain colors. This combination will create a warm and inviting hue reminiscent of honey maple.

Vintage Chestnut Wood Flooring Stain:

For those who appreciate vintage aesthetics, Vintage Chestnut stain color trend is a perfect choice. Its warm, reddish-brown tones evoke a cozy and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of days gone by. This stain pairs beautifully with eclectic or farmhouse styles, enhancing the charm and character of any space.

To achieve the Vintage Chestnut shade, consider combining Duraseal’s “Coffee Brown” with Minwax’s “Red Mahogany” stain colors. Begin by mixing equal parts of each stain color and testing it on a small, inconspicuous area of your hardwood flooring. Assess the color and adjust the ratio as needed to achieve the desired Vintage Chestnut hue. Remember to stir the stain colors thoroughly before mixing and follow the application instructions provided by the manufacturers.

Expert Tips for Achieving the Perfect Stain Color

Please note that the exact measurements and results may vary based on factors such as the type of wood and personal preference. When working with stain colors, it’s always a good idea to test small samples on the actual wood flooring you plan to use. This will help you assess the color and make any necessary adjustments before applying the stain to the entire floor.

To achieve the desired stain color, it is recommended to consult with a professional wood flooring contractor or reach out to the specific stain manufacturers for guidance. They can provide expert advice on the best combinations and ratios to achieve the stain color you desire.

Remember, achieving the perfect stain color often involves experimentation, and the final result may depend on the unique characteristics of your wood flooring and the application technique.

To Explore More Hardwood Flooring Colors, Check Out Our Hardwood Flooring EBook

Frequently Asked Questions on Wood Floor Staining

Q1: How do I prepare my hardwood floors for staining?

To prepare your hardwood floors for staining, thoroughly clean them to remove dust, dirt, or debris. You can use a broom, vacuum cleaner, or a damp mop to achieve this. Next, inspect the floors for existing finish or wax coatings and remove them using an appropriate stripping agent. Finally, sand the hardwood floors to ensure a smooth and even surface, removing any imperfections or scratches that may interfere with the staining process.

Q2: What types of stains are suitable for hardwood floors?

There are two main types of stains commonly used for hardwood floors: oil-based stains and water-based stains. Oil-based wood flooring stains offer a richer and deeper color but take longer to dry and can have a stronger odor. Water-based wood flooring stains dry more quickly, have lower VOC emissions, and are easier to clean. Both types can achieve beautiful results, so it comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your project.

Q3: How many coats of stain are applied to hardwood floors?

The number of coats of wood flooring stain used depends on the desired color intensity and the hardwood you’re working with. In general, one coat is usually sufficient. Still, additional coats can be applied if a darker or more vibrant color is desired. Following the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the drying time between coats is important to ensure optimal results. Remember to test the stain on a small inconspicuous area or a sample board before applying it to the floor.

Q4: Should a sealer or a topcoat be applied after staining the hardwood floors?

Yes, after staining hardwood flooring, applying a sealer or a topcoat is recommended to protect the stain and enhance the floor’s durability. A sealer helps to seal the wood pores, preventing the wood flooring stain from penetrating too deeply and providing a more uniform finish. A topcoat, such as polyurethane, protects against wear, moisture, and other potential damages. Consider using a water-based sealer or topcoat to minimize the odor and drying time.

Q5: How long should I wait before using my hardwood floors after staining?

A5: The drying time for stained hardwood floors varies depending on humidity, temperature, and the type of stain and finish used. Generally, you should wait at least 24 to 48 hours before walking on the floors and avoid placing furniture or rugs on them for a few days. However, it’s best to consult your professional hardwood flooring contractor, as they will know the instructions provided by the stain and finish manufacturers to ensure you allow enough time for the stain to fully cure before resuming regular use of the floors.

Schedule For a Free On Site Estimate

Ready to transform your home with the perfect hardwood floor color? Contact us today to schedule a free on-site estimate. Our expert team is here to help you choose the ideal stain color and ensure a flawless installation. Don’t wait—bring your vision to life with beautiful, custom-stained hardwood floors.

Refinishing Hardwood Floors

Written by customhardwood on December 11, 2022. Posted in Floor Care, Refinishing.

One sure way to restore the beauty of your hardwood floors is by refinishing. Hardwood floor refinishing entails sanding away the imperfections on the wood flooring such as dents, scratches or stains and applying fresh coats of polyurethane finish and sealers. To get the best result, it is recommended that a licensed, professional hardwood flooring refinisher do the work.

In any case you are wondering how to refinish hardwood floors, here are the standard steps:

Start by cleaning the floor thoroughly with a vacuum and a wood floor cleaner. This will remove any dirt, debris, or dust that may be on the surface of the floor.
Next, use a drum sander to sand down the surface of the floor. Be sure to sand in the direction of the wood grain, and make sure that you remove all of the old finish from the floor.
After sanding, use a hand-held orbital sander to sand the edges and corners of the floor, as well as any areas that the drum sander couldn’t reach.
Once the floor is sanded, use a shop vac to remove all of the dust and debris from the floor.
Apply a new finish to the floor using a T-bar or roller. Be sure to apply the finish evenly, and allow it to dry completely before walking on the floor or placing furniture back in the room.
Once the finish is dry, your hardwood floors should be looking like new!

If you need help or have any questions, consider hiring a professional flooring contractor in Los Angeles to assist you with the project. For a Free On Site Estimate Call 323-799-9954

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How to Professionally Refinish Hardwood Flooring

Written by customhardwood on May 31, 2022. Posted in Floor Care, Hardwood Floors, Refinishing.

How do you refinish hardwood floors? What are the steps taken to resurface wood flooring? What kind of flooring can be refinished? What does it takes to refinish hardwood floors?

These are but some of the questions a homeowner might ask when wanting to tackle some home improvement projects.

One feature of wood flooring is the ability for it to be refinished and restored. Depending on the thickness of the wood floors wear layer, it usually can be sanded and allow the unexposed grains of the wood to be resurfaced.

Here are the steps Custom Hardwood Flooring LA takes to refinish hardwood floors.

Work Area Preparation

Before starting a hardwood floor refinishing project, the work area needs to be prepped. Refinishing wood floors involves sanding the top surface of the wood floor and can create dust.

Though there are dustless sanding available, there is no guarantee that it would be 100% dust free sanding. Hence, the work area needs to be prepped by clearing it with all furniture and personal artifacts. Walls and immovable items are then covered with plastic.

Usually refinishing hardwood floors require preparation such as an another room or place for the client to temporarily stay while the hardwood refinishing work is being done.

It is also best practice that any painting job be done prior to doing and refinishing of hardwood floors so to eliminate the possibility of having to redo the entire work. Last thing we need is having to refinish the floors again when a can of paint accidentally got spilled over it.

Sanding Hardwood Floor

To refinish hardwood floors it entails sanding hardwood floors. Sanding is removing the top layer of the wood flooring with the use of a sander that has sanding paper attachments with varying grit.

It can remove the floorings current stain color, deep scratches, gauges, stains and other imperfections that are deeply seeded in the wood.

The higher the number of grit the finer the sanding will be. Usually sanding starts with a very rough sanding paper and move its way up to a finer sand paper to make the wood flooring surface smooth and ready to be stained and or refinished.

An experience hardwood floor refinisher uses professional grade sanding machines and knows how to evenly sand the floor without taking out too much from the wear layer. Usually the quality of the stain and finish application is determined by how well the floor is prepped and sanded.

After the sanding is complete, the entire work area is vacuumed throughly to make sure that its free of dust as much as possible.

Custom Staining

One can definitely be creative with their hardwood floors as it allows putting any stain color your heart desires. The ultimate outcome of the hardwood floor’s color and shades can be affected by the kind of wood specie the flooring is made from.

For example a Brazilian Cherry hardwood floor has a pinkish/ reddish color tone naturally. Staining this kind of wood, especially with a reddish stain can produce a darker red color compared when you are staining a white oak flooring.

This needs to be considered greatly especially if one is going for a natural or colorless floor finish. A flooring that has a natural reddish tone needs to be bleached first if one would like to get a very light, white and fresh natural look for the floor.

Apply Polyurethane Finish

After the wood flooring is sanded and stained, it is now time to apply coats of finish. The finish needs to be dried first before the next coats are applied. First coat usually is the sealer followed by the polyurethane finish.

There are different types of base for wood flooring finishes. Some have oil base while others have water base. In the Los Angeles county water base polyurethane finish is whats allowed and recommended.

Some of the things that needs to be considered when choosing the right hardwood flooring finish is the ease of application, warranty, VOC – (Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, according to www.lung.org VOCs are gases that are emitted into the air from products or processes.

Some are harmful by themselves, including some that cause cancer. In addition, they can react with other gases and form other air pollutants after they are in the air.

They are usually found in finishes, paint, paint thinners or flooring.), and product quality. We personally prefer to use Bona products as we have already tried and tested it over the years.

It is highly recommended that no one walks on the floor until the polyurethane finish completely dries. Also, it is best to refrain from walking on the floor wearing shoes especially high heels until the finish is fully cured and hardened.

It is recommended to regularly clip pets claws / nails, so that the maintenance and the beauty of the newly refinished flooring is prolonged.

Schedule A Free Hardwood Flooring Estimate

Ready to transform your hardwood floors? Custom Hardwood Flooring LA offers professional refinishing services to bring new life to your wood flooring. Our experienced team will handle everything from preparation to the final finish, ensuring a stunning result. Contact us today to schedule a free on-site estimate and let us take care of your hardwood flooring needs. Don’t wait—revitalize your home with beautifully refinished floors!

How To Care For Hardwood Floors

Written by customhardwood on September 1, 2021. Posted in Floor Care.

Hardwood floors are among the easiest to keep clean. Protect their warmth and character with simple, everyday cleaning techniques. It’s important to know how to prevent damage to your solid hardwood floors.

Top Tips On Maintaining Your Hardwood Floor

These hardwood flooring guidelines apply to any wood floor. Following them will help your floor go longer between re-coating and re-sanding. Regular cleaning is the key to keeping your floor in top condition but there are a few things to bear in mind. Protect your investment by doing proper maintenance.

Dirt and grit:

Dirt, grit, and sand are your hardwood floor’s finish worst enemies. They act like sandpaper on the finish, causing scratches, dents, and dulling and finish wear. Place floor mats at entrances to trap dirt and prevent damage.
Sweep and/or vacuum the floor as often as possible.

Water and other spills:

Standing water can warp a poorly finished hardwood floor and can damage the finish. Simply wipe up all spills as they happen.
Never, ever wet-mop a floor.
Wipe up all spills immediately. Products such as Kool-Aid will stain most finishes if left on the floor.

Hard cleaners:

Avoid oil soaps. They can build up and create problems when it’s time to put a maintenance coat on the floor. Instead, neutral pH cleaners made specifically for wood floors are recommended.
Only use cleaners that are recommended by major wood floor finish or wood floor manufacturers.

Furniture:

Lift the furniture to move it — avoid dragging. Felt contacts under the legs will help prevent scratches.
Put floor protectors on the bottom of all furniture and anything else (baby ExerSaucers, toys, etc.) that might rub on the wood floor.

Dents:

Vacuum with a brush attachment — don’t use vacuums with beater bars.
Keep pet nails trimmed. Know that dogs running through the house will scratch any finish.

Sun Exposure:

Direct sun can discolor your hardwood floor. Close curtains and blinds or add sheer drapes to protect from the sun’s intense UV rays. Regular Care
Consider using runners/area rugs in high-traffic areas. Just be sure to lift the rugs out even now and then to air out the area. This way you may prevent sun spots or discolorations on your wood flooring due to the area being covered.

Sweep / Dust mop:

Brooms with fine, exploded ends trap dust and grit effectively. Use a well-padded mop and a hardwood flooring cleaner only
Use walk-off mats and area rugs at all doorways.

Vacuum:

Canister vacuums with special bare floor attachments are the surest way to get rid of all the dirt and dust.

Humidity and Temperature

It is recommended that Los Angeles Area residents should maintain their homes humidity between 35% to 55% to maintain hardwood floors. Too high of a humidity can cause to increase the chance for moisture to build up, causing swelling or buckling of hardwood floors. While humidity that is too low can cause the wood to not have enough moisture in the air. It could result for the hardwood flooring to dry out too much and have cracks and gaps on wood floors.

How to Remove Stains on Hardwood Floors

1. Assess the condition of your floor. If your hardwood floor is new and is sealed well, the stain may be only on the surface and hasn’t reached the wood. In this case, chemical removal should work. If your hardwood floors are older and the seal has worn off or down, you might need to strip and sand the floors for stain removal, and then refinish and seal them.

2. Determine the nature of the stain. Determining the best procedure to address the stain problem on your flooring can vary. If your current flooring is light in color and you want to keep it that way, the wood floors might need to be sanded and bleached to completely remove the stain and even then if the stain isn’t removed, the option to custom stain the flooring with dark wood flooring stain color should be considered.

3.Eliminate the cause of stains on hardwood floors. Wipe off pet urine, liquids etc. as soon as possible and while it still is fresh. If the stain or discoloration is deep into the wood flooring, it will need to be sanded off and refinished with coats of polyurethane. Sanding and refinishing stubborn stains that have penetrated to through the hardwood flooring requires professional hardwood floor refinishers so to not further damaged your flooring.

About Custom Hardwood Flooring LA

CHFLA is a family owned hardwood flooring business since 1994. We provide professional hardwood flooring services with the best customer service that we can possibly give to our customers. Licensed, bonded and insured; we offer wood flooring services such as hardwood floor refinishing, all types of wood floor installation, custom staining, sanding, repair and restoration for the Greater Los Angeles area and its neighboring communities.

Need to schedule a free on-site estimate?

Custom Hardwood Floors LA, flooring contractor that offers competitively priced Hardwood Floor Refinishing and Hardwood Floor Installation Services throughout Los Angeles, specializing in Refinishing, Installation, Repairs, Custom Floors, Exotic wood.

Call us today at: 323-799-9954 or Schedule a FREE On-site Estimate

How to Care For Solid Hardwood Floors

Written by customhardwood on August 18, 2021. Posted in Floor Care.

Solid hardwood floors are among the easiest to keep clean. Protect their warmth and character with simple, everyday cleaning techniques. It’s important to know how to prevent damage to your solid hardwood floors (By the Hardwood Manufacturers Association).

Prevention

DIRT and GRIT: Dirt, grit, and sand are your hardwood floor’s worst enemies. They act like sandpaper on the finish, causing scratches, dents, and dulling and finish wear. Place floor mats at entrances to trap dirt and prevent damage.

WATER AND OTHER SPILLS: Standing water can warp a poorly finished hardwood floor and can damage the finish. Simply wipe up all spills as they happen.

HARD CLEANERS: Avoid oil soaps. They can build up and create problems when it’s time to put a maintenance coat on the floor. Instead, neutral pH cleaners made specifically for wood floors are recommended.

FURNITURE: Lift the furniture to move it — avoid dragging. Felt contacts under the legs will help prevent scratches.

DENTS: Vacuum with a brush attachment — don’t use vacuums with beater bars.

SUN: Direct sun can discolor your hardwood floor. Close curtains and blinds or add sheer drapes to protect from the sun’s intense UV rays.

Regular Care

SWEEP: Brooms with fine, exploded ends trap dust and grit effectively.

VACUUM: Canister vacuums with special bare floor attachments are the surest way to get rid of all the dirt and dust.

DUST MOP: Use a well-padded mop and a hardwood flooring cleaner— Spray the cleaner onto the floor and clean by mopping.

With proper and regular care, solid hardwood flooring can last you a lifetime and a return on your investment will clearly be realized. Make sure that from the very beginning your hardwood flooring is installed by a professional wood flooring installer. This will ensure that the beauty, function, and integrity of the flooring are not compromised.

About Custom Hardwood Flooring LA

CHFLA is a family owned hardwood flooring business since 1994. We believe in providing professional hardwood flooring services with the best customer service that we can possibly provide. Licensed, bonded and insured; we have provided hardwood floor refinishing, all types of wood floor installation, custom, staining, sanding, repair and restoration for the Greater Los Angeles area and its neighboring communities.

Need to Schedule a Free On-Site Estimate?

Custom Hardwood Floors LA, a flooring contractor, offers Low Price Hardwood Floor Refinishing and Hardwood Floor Installation Services throughout Los Angeles, specializing in Refinishing, Installation, Repairs, Custom Floors, Exotic wood.

Call now Toll free: 323-799-9954 or Schedule a FREE On-site Estimate

Hardwood Floor Refinishing VS Buffing, What’s The Difference?

Written by customhardwood on July 2, 2021. Posted in Floor Care, Floor Repair, Refinishing.

Hardwood Floor Refinishing Vs Buffing, What’s The Difference?

You had hardwood floors installed at your beautiful home. Several years after, they no longer look as vibrant, finish started looking dull and have minimal, light, micro scratches. Still beautiful though. But now you just want to revive your wood flooring without having to sand the floor, so what are your wood flooring options?

Refinishing Hardwood Versus Hardwood Floor Buffing

Stained Damaged Hardwood Floors that will need to be sanded and refinished

We have encountered this numerous times over the years. Sometimes homeowners will call and tell us they don’t want to have their wood floors sanded but they just want to “clean” them. We call this hardwood floor buffing or wood flooring screening. Buffing hardwood floors is just lightly sanding off the top finish of the hardwood flooring. This process can help improve the overall look of the floor, remove light scratches and other imperfections that are just on the finish.

However, hardwood floor buffing or screening have its limitations. It does not effectively remove deep scratches that are on the wood. It will also not remove deep stains, dents, and gauges or other hardwood floor imperfections. To take care of all this hardwood flooring issue, we recommend sanding the hardwood floor and refinishing it by applying coats of the polyurethane finish.

Sanding hardwood floors, on the other hand, is the process wherein the top layer of your hardwood flooring is sanded off with different grits of sandpapers at different phases of the process. Whether your floors can be sanded or not depends on the wear layer that your wood flooring currently have. If there is no longer enough wear layer left and the engineered wood flooring is still sanded down, you expose the plywood plank and risk breaking the flooring plank. At this point it is usually when replacing your hardwood floors is recommended.

This type of restoring or rejuvenating your hardwood floors requires much more intensive work compared to just buffing the hardwood floors.
Hardwood floor buffing or screening is quite a popular choice with homeowners that have wood flooring that is not so worn out and are just looking to have their floors looking fresh once again. Also, we found that buffing hardwood floors are sometimes the last recourse we can do to improve the clients’ hardwood floors, when they can no longer be sanded. After buffing the wood floors, a fresh coat of finish is applied. Clients have the option to apply as little as one coat of polyurethane finish or more depending on their preference.

As we have indicated before, hardwood floor buffing is recommended for addressing concerns that are far more superficial on the wood flooring. So depending on the extent of the issues your wood flooring might have, be prepared to opt for a much extensive hardwood flooring restoration with having to sand and refinished it instead.

So the next time that you are considering having some hardwood flooring restoration work done, figure out if buffing your wood flooring can be an alternative choice over sanding and refinishing your hardwood floors. Both can improve the overlook of your floor and potentially address wood flooring problems such as hardwood flooring dullness, scratches, dents, gauges, etc.

It is also best that a professional hardwood flooring service provider is employed. This ensures that the work is done right the first time and the homeowners are spared from any liability arising from hiring non-qualified wood flooring installers or refinishers.

About Custom Hardwood Flooring LA

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Call us today at: 323-799-9954 or Schedule a FREE On-site Estimate

Resurfacing Hardwood Floors

Written by customhardwood on April 20, 2021. Posted in Floor Care, Floor Repair, Refinishing.

Resurfacing hardwood floors is a sure fire way to update your wood flooring. Specially during the spring time when it usually means spring cleaning! So before you start busting your chops making your home sparkly clean; Let me remind you that nothing like a well polished, newly buffed or refinished hardwood floor to bring your spring cleaning in full circle. So what is the Difference? When do we buff the floors and when do we do sanding?

LA Hardwood Floor Resurfacing

Having your hardwood floor buffed occasionally would make your wood floor more durable and will usually take care of the light stains and scratches on the finish. Buffing is a lighter process of sanding the floor and applying a coat of polyurethane finish.

Sanding hardwood floors is a more thorough way of resurfacing the floor. It requires a more abrasive kind of sandpaper to remove deeper scratches, dents, and imperfections off of the wood flooring. After evenly sanding we apply three coats of the polyurethane finish. The finish that we apply is water-based and if our clients have a special preference for a finished example with no VOC finishes then we apply that as well.

It is fairly important that you have a professional and experienced Los Angeles hardwood floor refinisher do the Resurfacing of your floors. This ensures that the sanding process is done right the first time and will not waste the precious wear layer of your hardwood flooring.

About Custom Hardwood Flooring LA

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Happy Holidays From Custom Hardwood Flooring LA!

Written by customhardwood on December 25, 2020. Posted in Floor Care, Hardwood Floors.

“Restoring Your Hardwood Floors: Expert Refinishing Services”

Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any home and can last for decades if properly maintained. However, even with the best care, hardwood floors can show signs of wear and tear over time, such as scratches, scuffs, and faded color. This is where hardwood floor refinishing comes in. Refinishing hardwood floors can give them a new lease on life, bringing back their natural beauty and restoring them to their former glory.

But what exactly is hardwood floor refinishing, and what makes it so important?

Hardwood floor refinishing is the process of removing the top layer of the flooring, usually around 1/16 of an inch, to reveal a fresh and clean surface. This surface is then sanded smooth, and a new finish is applied to protect and enhance the wood. Refinishing your hardwood floors can help to eliminate scratches and scuffs, restore the color, and protect your investment for years to come.

Why is Hardwood Floor Refinishing Important?

There are several reasons why refinishing your hardwood floors is essential, including the following:

Protecting your Investment: Hardwood flooring is a significant investment and refinishing can help to protect it. If hardwood flooring is well-maintained it can last for decades, and refinishing can help to extend its life and keep it looking great.
Improving the Look of Your Home: Refinishing your hardwood floors can restore the natural beauty of the wood and bring back its original color and shine. A fresh coat of finish can also enhance the grain patterns and knots in the wood, making your floors look even more stunning.
Making Your Home Safer: Hardwood floors worn and scratched can become slippery and increase the risk of slips and falls. Refinishing your hardwood floors can help to eliminate these risks, making your home safer for you and your family.
Increasing Your Home’s Value: Refinishing your hardwood floors adds to the value of your home, making it for potential buyers more attractive and increase the likelihood of your home getting sold as soon as possible.

Restoring Hardwood Floors

Whether we did hardwood floor installation, custom staining, water damage/scratch repair or wood floor Sanding, buffing refinishing for you; Rest assured that we strived for perfection. Every measure was taken to make sure that you are 100% happy with the result. Each job was treated like, it’s our very own hardwood floor that we are working on.

In this coming year, we once again commit ourselves to continue providing the greater Los Angeles area and its surrounding communities, with the best professional hardwood floor services as we have been doing since 1994.

Custom hardwood flooring is looking forward to be at your service. In this holiday season, we wish you and your family peace, good health, love and happiness. Have A Wonderful Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year! Los Angeles hardwood floor customers, Clienteles, Suppliers, fellow contractors, and friends. The trust and opportunity you’ve all given us only makes us want to do things better!