Paint Or Refinish Floors To Redecorate And Increase Home Value

Paint or refinish floors? Either is a great way to perk up, modernize, or redecorate any home. Real estate experts state that older, dull, or ugly floors not only offend the eye, they knock thousands off the price of a home. On the other hand, choosing to paint or refinish floors can increase the value of the home by thousands more than they cost.

When deciding whether to paint or refinish floors, you should first picture in your mind how you want the room to present itself. Painting hardwood floors a white or off white color can make a room cheery and sunny. This is great for sunrooms and children's bedrooms. Bathrooms can also be made brighter with a white floor, and they are easy to clean. Also, rooms that have very old, wide planked floors often appear less antiquated when painted. Many times, people will choose to paint these floors a darker color.

Painting a hardwood floor tends to be easier than refinishing. Both require the floor to be thoroughly cleaned and sanded. Normally, the painting only needs two or three coats and can be applied with a paint roller. Also, painted floors do not need a finish. Oil based paints are recommended over latex because they are more durable and easier to clean.

Interior designers choose a refinished floor versus a painted floor because refinished hardwood floors have a more classic look. A dining room can be made more formal with a stained floor. Rooms that need to appear more spacious do well with a finish over natural wood. People sometimes choose a darker finish because it does not show scuff marks as easily as lighter and painted floors.

Refinishing a floor takes a little more work than painting. It is typically applied by brush or sponge, according to the products directions. One coat of stain should be thinly applied and thoroughly dry before beginning a new coat. Once they are stained, they will need to have finish applied. Most products require a very light sanding between coats of finish.

Whether you choose to paint or refinish floors it can be hard work. Once completed, you will be very glad you did it. You will have a beautiful new room accented by the new flooring. Not only will you have increased the value of your home, you will have a room that you will want to spend all your time in.

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