In a recent article, I shared the exciting journey of selecting the perfect stain color to refinish the hardwood floors in my kitchen and living room. That detailed account, “How I Chose the Color to Stain the Hardwood Floor,” laid the groundwork for this transformation. Now, it’s time to dive into the captivating second phase: the actual refinishing process. This installment will reveal how my vision for a beautifully renewed floor came to life, thanks to innovative techniques and products.
The hardwood flooring throughout these two key areas of my home boasts a distinct layout pattern. From the outset, my goal was not merely to update the color but to truly accent this unique design element with a fresh, contemporary stain and a sophisticated matte finish. This wasn’t just about changing a color; it was about enhancing the architectural character of the space, ensuring the floors would complement the overall aesthetic of my lake house.
For many homeowners, the thought of refinishing hardwood floors conjures images of significant disruption: the pervasive, lingering odor of polyurethane and an inescapable, fine layer of sanding dust coating every surface. My own past experiences echoed this sentiment. When I had the hardwood floors refinished in my previous house, it was a multi-day ordeal involving extensive cleaning and airing out, a true test of patience and planning.
However, this time around, the experience of refinishing the wood floors at my lake house was remarkably different. This stark contrast was entirely thanks to the innovative solutions provided by Bona, a leader in hardwood floor care. Bona has truly revolutionized the refinishing process, addressing the most common pain points with ingenious technology.
Bona’s approach to floor refinishing stands out for two primary reasons. Firstly, their advanced floor refinishing products are formulated to minimize the harsh, unpleasant odors typically associated with drying polyurethane, making the home environment far more tolerable during and after the process. Secondly, and perhaps most impressively, Bona utilizes a state-of-the-art dust containment system that is truly unparalleled. This system effectively captures nearly all sanding dust, preventing it from spreading throughout the house and eliminating the arduous task of post-refinishing cleanup.
Transforming Hardwood Floors: The Bona Refinishing Process Explained
Bona offers homeowners a tiered approach to hardwood floor maintenance and renovation, providing three distinct treatments: RESTORE, REVIVE, and REFINISH. Each is designed to address varying levels of floor wear and desired transformation, from light touch-ups to complete overhauls.
Adios… amber orange color. 🙂
For my floors, I opted for the comprehensive REFINISH treatment. This robust process includes a full sanding down to the bare wood, application of a new stain, and sealing with two protective layers of Bona Traffic HD. This complete renovation promises not only enhanced beauty but also superior, long-lasting protection, ensuring my floors will withstand the rigors of daily life for years to come.
I am incredibly enthusiastic about the outcome. The new color scheme flawlessly coordinates with the other flooring materials on the first floor of my house, creating a harmonious and cohesive design flow. This seamless integration extends to the overall decor, pulling the entire space together with a refreshed and updated aesthetic.
The transformation was immediate and striking even after the initial sanding phase. Above, you can see what the floor in my kitchen looked like once the old, dated amber orange stain was completely sanded off. While I appreciated the light, natural tone of the raw wood, my vision was to achieve a slightly darker hue. This darker shade was crucial for perfectly coordinating with the adjoining flooring in the foyer, hallway, and my studioffice, ensuring a consistent and sophisticated look throughout the entire space.
The sanding process itself is a meticulous art, performed by a Bona Certified Craftsman. The floor was sanded multiple times, each pass utilizing progressively finer sanding grit. This gradual refinement ensures that by the final sanding, the floor surface is exceptionally smooth and perfectly prepared to accept the new stain and finish. This attention to detail is paramount for achieving a flawless, long-lasting result that looks and feels premium.
Greg Martin, the expert Bona Certified Craftsman leading my project, utilized a variety of specialized sanders to ensure every inch of the floor received meticulous attention. One crucial tool was the edge sander, specifically designed to carefully remove the old finish right up against the baseboards. This ensures a seamless and professional transition between the floor and the room’s perimeter, a detail often overlooked in less thorough refinishing processes.
A cornerstone of the Bona refinishing process is their revolutionary dust containment system. Every sander Greg used was connected directly to a powerful vacuum system, ensuring immediate dust removal at the source. This is visibly demonstrated in the photo, where the system is strategically positioned just outside the sliding door, continuously extracting dust from the indoor environment. If you’ve noticed the subtle red lines on the floor, that’s a clever trick of the trade. Greg marked the areas he had sanded to ensure that every section of the floor was sanded an equal number of times with the same grit sandpaper, guaranteeing uniformity and a perfectly prepared surface.
This advanced dust containment system is truly a game-changer. It effectively eliminates up to 99.8% of airborne dust compared to traditional sanding methods. This means the air inside your home remains significantly cleaner and safer for you, your family, and even your pets. The absence of pervasive dust not only contributes to a healthier living environment but also drastically reduces the post-project cleanup, allowing you to enjoy your newly refinished floors sooner and with far less hassle.
Inside the dust containment unit, a large bag collects all the sanding debris. Once full, this bag is simply removed and replaced with a new one, all without releasing dust into the indoor atmosphere. The efficiency of this dustless system meant there was no need to drape off rooms with plastic sheeting to protect furniture and surfaces from sanding dust. This eliminates a huge inconvenience and Mess, allowing the rest of the house to remain functional and tidy during the refinishing process.
How Long Does Professional Hardwood Floor Sanding Take?
For my project, Greg typically went over the floor 3 to 4 times, ensuring a thorough and even sanding. This detailed process took a total of two days for my kitchen and living room. However, the exact duration of the sanding phase can vary. It depends significantly on several factors, including the overall size of the room or rooms being refinished, the current condition of the existing floors, and the type of wood. Floors with deep scratches, uneven surfaces, or multiple layers of old finish may require additional passes and therefore more time. A Bona Certified Craftsman can provide an accurate estimate after an initial assessment.
The Art of Staining Hardwood Floors
As I elaborated in my previous post, the crucial decision for the stain color was “Grey.” This contemporary choice offered the perfect balance of warmth and modernity, aligning with my desire for a sophisticated and cohesive aesthetic throughout the lake house. The versatility of grey allowed for subtle variation while maintaining a unified feel across the adjoining spaces.
The application of the stain itself is a skill that combines precision and efficiency. Greg began by carefully pouring sections of the chosen stain directly onto the floor. He then utilized a Bona buffing machine, specially adapted for stain application, to expertly smooth the stain evenly across the main expanse of the floor. This method ensures consistent coverage and penetration, which is vital for achieving a uniform color without streaks or blotches.
For the delicate task of staining along the edges of the room and against the baseboards, a different technique was employed. Here, the stain was carefully applied with a rag and then meticulously rubbed in by hand. This precise method allows for greater control, ensuring the stain reaches every corner and edge without accidentally staining baseboards or adjacent surfaces, resulting in a clean and professional finish.
Following the successful application and proper drying of the stain, the next critical step in the refinishing process was to apply the protective topcoat. This layer is paramount for both the durability and the aesthetic appeal of the newly stained hardwood floors.
The chosen topcoat for my floors was Bona Traffic HD. This product is renowned in the industry for its exceptional performance, particularly its superior durability. After just 24 hours of curing, Bona Traffic HD is designed to outperform virtually all traditional urethane finishes in terms of resistance to wear, scuffs, and scratches, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas like a kitchen and living room. For the sheen, I specifically chose a matte finish. My reasoning was that a glossy shine, while popular, might inadvertently hide or distract from the unique layout pattern of my floor, which I was eager to accent. A matte finish, conversely, provides a sophisticated, contemporary look that allows the natural beauty of the wood grain and the subtle nuances of the stain color to truly shine through without an overly reflective surface.
When Can You Safely Walk on Your Newly Refinished Hardwood Floors?
Once Greg had applied the first coat of the Bona Traffic HD topcoat, the clock started ticking for the drying and curing process. We were advised to avoid walking on the floor for a few hours immediately following application. This initial period is crucial to allow the finish to set properly without any disturbances. It was during this waiting period that I carefully stood at the door to capture a photograph with my phone, eager to document the beautiful transformation already taking place.
Experience the Difference: Low VOC Topcoat with Minimal Odor
One of the most significant advantages of choosing Bona products is their commitment to homeowner comfort and health. The Bona Traffic HD topcoat is water-based, which translates to a remarkably low odor profile. It contains very low VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), making the refinishing process far less intrusive than traditional methods. This low-VOC formulation meant we could comfortably remain in the house throughout the entire project, avoiding the need to relocate or endure overwhelming chemical smells. The low odor was a huge relief, allowing us to sleep normally without being disturbed by the strong, lingering scent of polyurethane that often accompanies conventional floor refinishing. This topcoat cures to an incredibly hard and durable surface, providing lasting protection without compromising indoor air quality.
The next morning, Greg returned promptly to apply the second, equally important, coat of the topcoat. This layering approach significantly enhances the floor’s durability and longevity. After the final coat, there are specific guidelines to follow to ensure the finish cures properly and achieves its maximum strength:
- 3-4 hours after final coat: The floor may be walked on with stocking feet only. This timeframe can vary slightly depending on environmental conditions like humidity and temperature.
- 72 hours after final coat: Furniture can be carefully lifted and placed back onto the floor. It is absolutely critical to avoid dragging furniture at all costs. To further protect the newly finished surface, use felt floor protectors on all items that will come into contact with the floor. This prevents scratches and dents.
- 72 hours after final coat: The floor may be cleaned using Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner and a Bona Microfiber Mop, designed specifically for gentle yet effective cleaning. Additionally, walk-off mats and area rugs can be placed on the floor to help trap dirt and grit, further protecting the finish.
While we could walk on the floor in socks after 24 hours, the recommendation was to stay off it for as long as possible and not return any furniture for at least three days. Knowing this in advance and wanting to ensure the best possible curing process, we wisely decided to take a short trip for a few days. This allowed the floor to dry and cure undisturbed, giving the Bona Traffic HD finish ample time to harden to its optimal state without any risk of premature wear or damage.
The final result is nothing short of spectacular. The chosen grey color is absolutely perfect – striking the ideal balance, neither too light nor too dark. It captures the essence of modern elegance while maintaining the natural warmth of the hardwood.
I am utterly delighted with how seamlessly it blends in with the darker flooring in my studioffice, creating a cohesive and sophisticated flow throughout the entire living space. The refinished floors have truly transformed the ambiance of these rooms, bringing a fresh, updated, and stylish foundation to my home.
Discover More: The Bona Floor Refinishing Journey
For those inspired to explore the full scope of this transformation, be sure to revisit:
- Part 1: Selecting the Stain and Finish – Dive into the initial decision-making process for choosing the perfect stain color and finish for your hardwood floors.
- Part 3: The Grand Reveal and Video – Get ready for the exciting conclusion, featuring the complete transformation and an exclusive video documentary of the entire refinishing process. You might not know this, but a professional video crew was at my house throughout the floor refinishing, meticulously documenting every step. Watching their skilled work alongside Greg, the Bona Certified Craftsman, was truly a fascinating experience.
Are you feeling inspired to achieve amazing things with your own hardwood floors? I highly recommend checking out Bona’s flooring inspiration site. It’s a treasure trove of ideas and beautifully refinished spaces. For even more hardwood floor design concepts and visual inspiration, make sure to head over to their incredibly rich Pinterest boards. You’ll find countless examples of how Bona can help transform your home.
