Wood Floor Refinishing Contractors in Seattle, WA

Seattle Wood Floor Refinishing

From the glittering skyscrapers and historic buildings to lush forests and sparkling waters of the Puget Sound and Lake Washington, Seattle, Washington, is a picturesque and vibrant city. Known as the "Emerald City" for its dense forests, or the "Rain City" in a nod to the gloomy drizzle that seems to linger, Seattle is a city with many nicknames. The metropolitan area is home to a culturally diverse population totaling more than 2.8 million people.

With its damp climate, protecting and maintaining wood floors is particularly important here. Seattle homeowners can repair, refinish, or replace their wood floors with ease, thanks to the city's variety of reputable flooring companies. Maintaining hardwood floors adds beauty and value to the home, making it an important investment.

Local Cost Information

Square footage and the price of the materials needed to finish the floor are among the main factors that affect the price of a wood flooring project. In general, larger square footage and refinishing exotic woods translate into higher prices. Additional considerations include:

• The amount of repair and preparation needed
• Stairs included in the area
• Extras such as new joists or boards that need replacing
• Removal of carpeting or other flooring

In cases of extensive water damage, cracking, or thinness, homeowners might be better off replacing the floor completely. Repairing and refinishing wood floors usually offers the most cost-efficient way to spruce things up. The table below looks at the local costs of some of the most common flooring projects in comparison to the national average.

As the above table demonstrates, Seattle homeowners pay above-average prices for repairing or refinishing wood floors. To get a better idea of the cost of each individual project, homeowners should request a free estimate from a reputable flooring company.

Repairing Wood Floors

Preventing damage with regular cleaning and maintenance can go a long way to prolonging the life of a wood floor. Using throw rugs to lessen the wear and tear on floors in high-traffic areas can also help keep the floor in good shape. Even with careful prevention wood floors can be damaged, and this damage needs to be fixed before the refinishing process occurs. Common wood floor repairs include buffing scratches out with fine steel wool and filling cracks or gouges with wood filler. Other repairs may include:

• Replacing rotted or damaged floor joists
• Inserting shims to halt floor squeaking
• Filling cracks and sanding out scratches
• Replacing damaged planks

Whether they DIY or hire professionals, Seattle homeowners typically spend between $250 and $3,000 on repairing wood floors to prep for refinishing.

Refinishing Wood Floors

Although refinishing the existing floor is a more cost-effective alternative to replacing hardwood floors, the costs can add up quickly depending on the condition of the floor, the materials used to stain and finish it, and the number of coats required. Most Seattle homeowners spend a total of $900 to $4,000 to refinish their wood floors.

Recoating Vs. Refinishing

Recoating a wood floor costs less and takes less time. This simple process involves adding an extra layer of a protective finish on top of the floor. There's no sanding or staining required.

Refinishing a wood floor involves sanding it down to remove the existing finish and expose bare wood. The floor receives layers of stain and a protective finish that keeps the floor in tip-top shape.

Necessary Licensing and Qualifications

Look for a flooring contractor or flooring company with a current Washington State license. Most contractors also need to have a Seattle business license tax certificate. Some companies or contractors may pursue voluntary certification from a professional organization such as the National Wood Flooring Installers Association or the Certified Floorcovering Installers Association. Having certification demonstrates a high level of expertise and competence.

Ideally, the flooring company or contracted should also be bonded and insured. Bonding protects consumers from unfinished or shoddy work. Insurance (general liability and worker's compensation) protect consumers from the costs of accidents or damages that could occur during the project. Hiring a flooring specialist who isn't insured leaves the homeowner on the hook for anything that goes wrong.

Other Projects to Consider

In some cases, refinishing wood floors just isn't enough. Homeowners who want to change the layout or upgrade to a thicker wood may be better off replacing the existing floor with a new one. Whether homeowners repair, refinish or replace the floor, another optional project to consider is installing radiant heating. These systems can be retrofitted to go under an existing floor, although it's easiest to install them before laying a new floor.

Popular Seattle Neighborhoods and Districts

Sometimes known as the "city of neighborhoods," Seattle is home to a large selection of neighborhoods and districts, each with its own personality. From quiet historic districts with family-friendly amenities to vibrant culturally diverse neighborhoods that appeal to young professionals, Seattle's nooks and crannies ensure that nearly everyone can find their perfect spot to call home. Some of the city's most popular neighborhoods include:

Belltown- Everyone from empty nesters to young professionals calls Belltown home. As one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, Belltown has lots of charm and history, along with lovely views along the waterfront. With its fabulous parks, upscale apartments and condos, hip shops, and delicious restaurants, Belltown has plenty of amenities to offer its residents.

Pike Place Market- Located in the West Edge area, Pike Place Market attracts visitors and residents alike with its vibrant arts scene and charming "fish throwers" ensconced at the market, which has the distinction of being one of the oldest working farmers’ markets in the United States. Approximately 500 people call this historic district home, living in historic buildings converted into rental units near the water.

Pioneer Square- Built around Occidental Park, the 20-block area known as Pioneer Square contains a lively mix of historic architecture and hip amenities. This fabulous neighborhood offers nightlife, restaurants, galleries, boutiques, and museums. The real estate offers more space for the prices compared to other downtown neighborhoods.

Bainbridge Island- Located 10 miles away, and accessible via the Seattle-Bainbridge ferry, Bainbridge Island offers a quiet, coastal alternative to the hustle and bustle of the city. From breathtaking parks and expansive green spaces to fine-dining and live music, the island provides its own dazzling selection of amenities along with sweeping views of the Puget Sound and million-dollar homes.