Floor refinishing looks bad - rootcause?

Question

Hi biggerpockets forum!

I got a hardwood refinishing job for a SFH. My contractor sent me the picture attached below today (1st layer of stain).

All floors are sanded already, only this one room is stained with the first coat. Can anyone share advice on what has gone wrong with these floors? Is it possible to tell from the pictures if it's related to how the stain was applied or whether it's related to a bad sanding job?

What are my best options? For that room below, would a second coat of stain be helpful to even things out a bit? Could I just apply sealer in the other rooms to avoid that the unevenness is coming to the surface?

Thanks!

PS: Not looking for a GC or PM to reach out to me letting me know I can't do it and that I need their help for everything. I understand that I am learning and I may make (expensive) mistakes but I also consider that as part of the learning journey :)

Carlton B. · Answer

it's been awhile since I have done floors, but the good thing about hardwood is you can sand them again and start over.

Account Closed · Answer

It's hard to tell from a picture, the lighting may make it look worse than it really is, but it looks uneven and maybe over sanded in spots. I don't know if whoever did this is experienced or a novice but I'd guess, if they used a belt sander, they went a short dstance and stopped for a second and then started again. Not supposed to do that kind of thing. Since you say the whole house has been sanded, have him send a picture of another, sanded floor, to you so you will know what he has to work with. With floors, I always visit the site before, during and after new floors, be they wood, tile, carpet, just because they cover so much space, take so much time and cost so much to do.It's clearly an old floor, they didn't putty the gaps between the boards, which is "okay" but it shows. It should be sanded with the grain, overlapping on each full floor run, without stopping, to the wall until you are down to the wood itself.  From looking at it, I wonder if they sanded to the wood or just removed the verithane. It makes a difference. It also depends on the type of wood.

Stain can be light or can be dark or in between, so that's a color decision to be made by the owner.

There are various woods and you can't expect the top photo reults if your floor wood is the bottom photo

If your floor is

Nancy Thomas · Answer

here is hardwood floor refinishing and potential solutions which I know so far

Staining Issues:

• Streaks or Uneven Color: Uneven staining can be caused by various factors, including inconsistent sanding or improper application of the stain.Solution: To address uneven staining, you can consider applying a second coat of stain. Ensure that the first coat is dry and lightly sand the surface before applying the second coat for better adhesion and even coloring.
• Solution: To address uneven staining, you can consider applying a second coat of stain. Ensure that the first coat is dry and lightly sand the surface before applying the second coat for better adhesion and even coloring.

• Solution: To address uneven staining, you can consider applying a second coat of stain. Ensure that the first coat is dry and lightly sand the surface before applying the second coat for better adhesion and even coloring.

Sanding Issues:

• Inconsistent Sanding: If the sanding job was not done uniformly or if the grit progression was not followed correctly, it can result in uneven staining.Solution: If you suspect that the issue is related to sanding, it might be necessary to resand the affected area to achieve a smooth and even surface. This can be time-consuming but is crucial for a quality finish.
• Solution: If you suspect that the issue is related to sanding, it might be necessary to resand the affected area to achieve a smooth and even surface. This can be time-consuming but is crucial for a quality finish.

• Solution: If you suspect that the issue is related to sanding, it might be necessary to resand the affected area to achieve a smooth and even surface. This can be time-consuming but is crucial for a quality finish.

Sealing and Topcoat:

• Sealer: Applying a sealer before staining can help prevent uneven staining, especially if the wood has varying absorption rates.Solution: In rooms where the stain has already been applied, you can apply a sealer as the next step to create a consistent surface for the topcoat.
• Solution: In rooms where the stain has already been applied, you can apply a sealer as the next step to create a consistent surface for the topcoat.

• Solution: In rooms where the stain has already been applied, you can apply a sealer as the next step to create a consistent surface for the topcoat.

Alecia Loveless · Answer

@Sylvia Schumacher Personally I just like the look of floors with poly on them and no stain. It picks up a lively coppery undertone and doesn’t darken up the room so much.

Bob Stevens · Answer

You GC did NOT sand them all he did was stain them, other words he ripped you off, As I have posted 100x, DO NOT DO ANYHTING in Cleveland without a proper team, look what happens. You are trying to learn ONLINE, not a good way to do it. You are hiring guys you do not know. You are creating a unnecessary headache.  I live on the beach and do A LOT of work out there, \

Good luck

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Floor refinishing looks bad - rootcause?

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