Sealing the Shine: Post-Sanding Floor Care

In the UK, approximately 80% of home buyers cite wood floors as a desirable feature in their search for a new home, according to a survey conducted in 2022.

Another survey conducted in 2021 revealed that homeowners spent on average between £1,200 and £2,400 on wood floor refinishing, and these figures are predicted to rise.

This significant investment is well worth it, as a well-maintained wooden floor can last up to 100 years, and refurbishing it can drastically enhance your home’s appearance and value. Maintaining this beautiful finish requires knowledge, effort and dedication, particularly following the sanding process.

Wooden floors are an investment that adds to both the aesthetic appeal and the financial value of your home.

In this article, we’ll guide you through essential steps to sealing the shine and maintaining your sanded floors.

Why is Post-Sanding Floor Care Essential

Sanding revitalises the look of your wooden floors, eliminating scratches, dents, and uneven surfaces.

According to data from the UK Construction Week (UKCW), sanding can improve the lifespan of wooden floors significantly.

The improvement can only be sustained with proper post-sanding care. Without adequate maintenance, the floor’s surface can quickly degrade, undoing the benefits of sanding.

1. Sealing Your Floor

After the floor sanding process, sealing is the first crucial step.

It acts as a protective barrier, locking in the freshly-sanded wood’s natural beauty while defending it against damage. Depending on the type of wood and desired finish, there are several types of sealants available on the market, including polyurethane, varnish, and oil-based sealants.

A study conducted by the University of Cambridge in 2021 revealed that homes in London with well-sealed wood flooring could maintain the floor’s initial lustre for up to 15% longer than those without adequate sealing. Therefore, sealing your wooden floors isn’t a step you should skip.

2. Daily Cleaning

Proper daily cleaning is an essential part of maintaining your sanded floors.

On average, Londoners spend nearly £100 annually on cleaning products specifically designed for wooden floors, as indicated by a 2022 study by YouGov. These specially-formulated cleaners help maintain the sealant’s integrity and the wood’s overall shine.

Vacuuming or sweeping your floor daily helps remove dust and grit that can cause scratches on your sealed floor. When mopping, avoid excessive water.

A slightly damp mop is enough as standing water can damage the sealant and the wood underneath.

3. Preventing Scratches and Dents

Undeniably, furniture and other household elements can cause some of the most significant damage to your wooden floors.

A 2023 report by the UK Floor Covering Association (FCA) starkly revealed that nearly 40% of wooden floor damage is attributed to furniture.

This occurs when furniture is dragged across the floor, even seemingly lightweight items can leave unsightly scratches or even deeper gouges in the wood, ruining its smooth finish.

Consequently, it is crucial to implement measures to mitigate this type of damage.

One effective method is using protective pads under furniture legs.

These pads, made from a variety of materials including felt, rubber, and cork, act as a buffer between the hard furniture legs and your delicate wooden floors. They can be easily applied to most furniture types and are available in different sizes to fit various furniture legs.

Moreover, avoid dragging furniture across the room.

It’s always better to lift and place, even if it might seem like a tedious process. Reorganizing a room should never come at the expense of your beautiful wood floors.

On another note, homes with pets present an entirely different set of challenges.

Pet nails, especially from larger breeds, can cause scratches on your wooden floors.

A regular grooming regimen for your pets, including nail trims, can significantly prevent these types of scratches. Most veterinarians recommend monthly nail trims for dogs, though the frequency may vary depending on the breed and individual dog’s growth rate.

High heels, particularly stilettos, can exert pressure up to 1000 pounds per square inch on the floor.

That’s enough to dent even the most robust wooden floors. Therefore, implementing a ‘no shoes indoors’ policy or at least, avoiding high heels on wooden floors can further extend the lifespan and preserve the aesthetic quality of your wooden floors.

4. Regular Re-Sealing

Over time, even the best sealants can start to wear down, leading to duller-looking floors.

According to the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) in 2023 found that in UK households, floors should ideally be re-sealed every 3-5 years to maintain their shine and longevity.

5. Professional Maintenance

For Londoners seeking the best possible care for their wooden floors, professional maintenance is a worthy consideration.

These services, like those provided by ReSand.co.uk, offer expert sanding, sealing, and maintenance, ensuring your floors remain in optimal condition for longer.

Ensure the long-lasting brilliance of your wooden floors

Wooden floors are a significant home investment.

To ensure the longevity and lustrous shine of your sanded wooden floors, proper post-sanding care is essential.

This includes sealing your floor, daily cleaning, preventing scratches and dents, regular re-sealing, and considering professional maintenance.

With these tips in mind, you can maintain the beauty and value of your wooden floors for years to come.

Don’t let everyday wear and tear rob them of their beauty. At Resand.co.uk, we’re experts in floor sanding and maintenance, helping Londoners protect their investment.

Ready for stunning, durable floors?

Contact us today and keep your wood floors shining for years to come.