Wood Floor Restoration - Southern CA

Wood Floor Restoration

Even the highest-quality wood floors can take a beating over time, losing their rich luster through constant wear, and developing scratches and stains. At AJC Building Maintenance, we understand that your hardwood flooring is a significant investment and deserves the very best workmanship and care. You can trust our knowledgeable team to dramatically improve the appearance of your hardwood floors.

Wood floor restoration in southern ca

Our Deep Cleaning Process

Our deep cleaning process includes vacuuming with equipment fitted with HEPA filtration. If we are cleaning after new construction, we scrape any paint or drywall compound that may have inadvertently dropped on the floor. We scrub the floor with a weighted floor machine with nylon floor pads and a pH-neutral, non-toxic cleaner formulated specifically for hardwood. Then, we vacuum again to remove any grit or particulate created from the scrubbing process.

Our Buffing and Coating/Refinishing Process

If the shine of your floor is obscured, the finish appears thin in areas, your floor needs some TLC but you’re on a budget, or you are getting ready to sell your home, our buffing and coating services will be just right for your needs.

The first step in hardwood floor refinishing is to clean the slate, so to speak. Our extremely thorough deep cleaning process described in the previous paragraph properly prepares your floor for refinishing. When we buff and refinish floors we combine the deep cleaning and buffing process and then tack the floors with a micro-fiber cloth to remove any trace of dust that might interfere with refinishing. 

Buffing is a light sanding process that erases minor scratches and damage and helps the new finish adhere to the existing finish. Our buffing and coating does not require harsh chemicals or the expense of a full sanding. We apply a new coat of finish to the prepared floor to brighten, shine, and obscure minor blemishes. Our buffing and coating process makes a dramatic difference in the appearance of the floor.

Why Buffing and Coating Instead of Sanding?

Some floors do not require a full sanding for a like-new, beautifully reflective finish. Our buffing and coating or light refinishing process rejuvenates an existing polyurethane finish by top coating it. This process achieves incredible results at less cost than a full refinishing. 

Please note that some polishes and coatings are not compatible with this process and must be removed with sanding. Floors with deep gouges that break through the finish, pet stains, or water marks will need a full sanding.

We can consult with you and give you an honest assessment about whether buffing and coating will achieve the results you want or if a full sanding will be necessary.

Wood Floor Sanding & Refinishing

Let AJC Building Maintenance sand and refinish your wood floors so that they look fresh, clean and welcoming. Even very damaged floors can be restored to a walk-on-me-barefoot appeal.
 
If your wood floor has any of the following issues, it may be time to refinish.
 
  • The walk areas look worn, dull or thin compared to other areas
  • There are scratches or marks from furniture or things tracked or dragged across the floor, such as chairs, heavy furniture, toys, and even high heels
  • The scratches or gouges feel deep, gaping or go through the finish
  • There is evidence of pet damage, such as urine marks, nail scratches, and chewing
  • You can see dark water marks, rings or black areas on the boards, from plants, water leaks, leaky windows, appliance failure, sink overflow, etc.
  • Milky or cloudy patches are seen on the floor, or pealing or blistering off areas in the finish
  • Direct sun lit areas have faded. There may be a difference when area rugs are removed from the floor or moved.
  • Polish has been used on the floors, or popular coatings readily available to treat the floors. Even furniture polish over-spray can impact the finish.
  • Boards are damaged, missing, split, cupped or curled
  • You have “vintage,” old, outdated wood, but you are looking for an updated “fresh” look

Popular Questions

The right treatment depends on the condition of the wood floor and its existing finish. Floors that are mainly dull or have accumulated soil may respond well to professional deep cleaning, while floors with minor surface scratches, worn finish, or loss of shine may be good candidates for buffing and coating. Deeper scratches, gouges, pet stains, water damage, damaged boards, or problems that extend through the existing finish may require sanding and refinishing. A professional evaluation can determine which restoration method is appropriate without performing more extensive work than the floor actually needs.

In many cases, yes. If scratches are relatively minor and have not penetrated deeply through the existing finish, buffing and coating may dramatically improve the floor’s appearance without a complete sanding. The process lightly abrades the existing finish to address minor surface imperfections and prepare it for a new protective coat. However, deep gouges, significant staining, water damage, incompatible coatings, or extensive deterioration may require full sanding and refinishing to achieve the desired result.

Buffing and coating is a less invasive restoration process designed primarily to rejuvenate an existing finish that is worn, scratched, or dull but still in suitable condition. The floor is thoroughly cleaned, lightly buffed, carefully prepared, and given a new coat of finish. Sanding and refinishing is a more extensive process that removes the existing finish and addresses more significant wear or damage before a new finish is applied. The condition of the floor, depth of the damage, and type of existing coating help determine which approach will provide the best result.

The results depend on how deeply the damage has penetrated the finish and wood. Minor surface scratches and wear may be improved through buffing and coating, while deep scratches, gouges, dark water marks, pet stains, and other damage that extends below the existing finish typically require sanding and refinishing. Some severe stains or damaged boards may require additional repair or replacement. AJC Building Maintenance evaluates the condition of the flooring before recommending a restoration process so homeowners understand what can realistically be improved.

Many hardwood floors that look worn, scratched, faded, or outdated can still be excellent candidates for restoration. Professional restoration may address deteriorated finishes, surface damage, discoloration, and years of wear while preserving the existing wood flooring. Even older or vintage hardwood floors may be restored and updated depending on their condition. Before considering replacement, it is worthwhile to have the floor professionally evaluated to determine whether deep cleaning, buffing and coating, sanding and refinishing, or targeted repairs can restore its appearance and extend its useful life.

AJC Building Maintenance services the Southern California area. For a FREE consultation and estimate on professional wood floor restoration services, call (805) 844-9458 or fill out our contact form. We look forward to hearing from you!