Wood Floor Refinishing Contractors in Tacoma, WA

Tacoma Wood Floor Refinishing

As part of the Seattle metropolitan area, Tacoma, Washington, offers a variety of amenities including arts and culture, outdoor recreation and a steady housing market. Tacoma features a thriving artistic community filled with musicians, writers and artists. Family-friendly neighborhoods, challenging trails and a delicious culinary scene attract everyone from foodies and outdoor enthusiasts.

Although it may be tempting for Tacoma residents to tackle floor refinishing as a do-it-yourself (DIY) project, it’s important to understand the potential problems that could occur. Weigh the potential extra costs against the expense of hiring a flooring professional.

Prominent Tacoma Neighborhoods

Upscale living with convenient access to major highways and area attractions make many of Bradenton’s neighborhoods desirable among the city’s diverse population. Some of the more prominent neighborhoods include the following:

Old Town

As its name implies, Old Town is one of the city's oldest neighborhoods. It's also one of its priciest. Residents of Old Town enjoy stunning views of Mt. Rainier and Commencement Bay in addition to having easy access to Ruston Way and all the restaurants along the Tacoma waterfront. The architectural styles in Old Town include charming bungalows, Craftsmans, and sleek, modern homes, with a few condos here and there along the water.

Downtown

Although it was once a downtrodden area and one of the city’s seediest spaces, Tacoma’s downtown is now a revitalized hub for business and the arts. It’s packed with amenities such as theaters, spas, restaurants, bars, boutiques, and even a branch of the University of Washington. Fun museums and galleries pepper the hilly streets, and historic factory building condo conversions make for great urban living. This walkable area connects residents and businesses to create a thriving community set against the backdrop of beautiful Mt. Rainier. Housing options include townhouses, condos, lofts, and apartments, all of which provide easy access to the freeway and public transportation.

North Slope

The North Slope Historic District is home to a tight-knit community and a variety of beautiful stately homes. The district is one of the largest of its kind in the United States, and its residents take great pride in maintaining their historic houses. From its large mansions to charming cottages, roughly 80 percent of the homes here were constructed before 1930.

Proctor

This North End neighborhood feels like a charming small town in and of itself. Dotted with charming specialty shops, a historic library, great schools, and a fabulously gourmet grocery store, the Proctor Business District is also surrounded by older bungalows that give the neighborhood an old-timey character. Homes built in the 1920s to 1950s abound here, and keeping up their wood floors—a very common feature—is critical for maintaining their value.

Local Costs for Refinishing Wood Floors

Scratches, dings, and dullness can wreak havoc on the look of wood floors, which are quite common in Tacoma’s older houses. Refinishing them restores their appearance for a fraction of the cost of replacing them. Most homeowners in Tacoma spend $1,477 to $2,897 to refinish their wood floors, which has a direct impact on the look of the interior of the home. For a quick look at how local costs compare to the national average, consider the following table:

Although Tacoma prices run slightly higher than the national average, homeowners should keep in mind that the cost of this project depends largely on the condition of the floors and the square footage involved. Homeowners tempted to try their hand at refinishing the floors have several factors to consider, including the materials and tools needed for the job and the risk involved in the project.

DIY Floor Refinishing

Refinishing floors can be straightforward, or it can be tricky. This is particularly true for floors that have undergone numerous refinishes because the process can ultimately leave the wood too thin to refinish again. Additionally, homeowners will need to rent or buy the materials, tools, and supplies needed for the job.

Homeowners who are unsure about the thickness of their floor can check it by removing a heat register or a plank and measuring to make sure that there's at least 1/32-inch of wood on the top. Even if there’s enough thickness, other risks of a DIY job include leaving an uneven sanding pattern in the wood, failing to remove the old finish completely, and forgetting to fill cracks and scratches.

Necessary Licensing and Qualifications

Washington State requires its contractors to register with the Washington Department of Labor and Industries. Additionally, homeowners should verify that their flooring professional is fully insured. The State of Washington requires its contractors to carry general liability insurance with a $250,000 combined single limit policy. If he or she fails to verify the contractor’s license or insurance, the homeowner could be liable for damages or other costs associated with an accident that occurs during the project. Washington contractors must also purchase a $12,000 surety bond.

Other Projects to Consider 

Once those floors are shining like new, many homeowners choose to upgrade other details, including molding and light fixtures. Other common projects include painting the walls and buying new furniture.