Bamboo floors are a popular flooring choice due to their natural beauty, durability, and eco-friendly qualities. However, like any floor, bamboo can show signs of wear and tear over time. Restoring bamboo floors helps bring back their original luster and extend their lifespan. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know how to restore bamboo floors:
Assessing the Condition of Your Bamboo Flooring
The first step is evaluating the current state of your bamboo floors to determine the best restoration method. Here are some things to look for:
Surface Scratches and Scuffs
Everyday wear and tear can lead to fine scratches and scuff marks on the surface. These are only in the clear urethane finish and do not damage the bamboo itself.
Gouges or Deep Scratches
Heavy furniture, pets, and high traffic areas can cause deeper scratches that penetrate through the finish into the upper fibers of the bamboo.
Fading Color
Bamboo’s rich caramel tones can fade after prolonged exposure to sunlight. This is often more noticeable near windows and doors.
Worn Finish
Over time, the protective urethane finish breaks down, leading to a dull, worn appearance. This exposes the bamboo below to potential damage.
Water Damage
Excessive water can cause bamboo planks to cup, swell, or warp. This requires special attention to repair and prevent further issues.
Pet Urine Stains
Cat or dog urine can leave unsightly stains and an unpleasant odor if not promptly cleaned and sealed.
Carefully inspecting all areas of your floor will enable you to pinpoint any problem spots. This allows you to tailor the restoration techniques to the specific needs of your bamboo flooring.
Cleaning and Prepping the Floors
Thorough cleaning lays the groundwork for a successful restoration process. Here are some tips:
- Sweep or vacuum to remove any loose dirt and debris. For a deeper clean, use a soft bristle broom.
- Mix a mild, bamboo-friendly cleaner (like Bona or Method) with warm water per label instructions. Mop the floors and let completely dry.
- For pet stains, use an enzyme cleaner formulated to remove urine odors from bamboo. Thoroughly rinse afterward.
- Fill any cracks or gaps with a thin layer of filler tinted to match the bamboo color. Let dry completely.
- Lightly sand rough areas or defects using 150-180 grit sandpaper on a sanding block. Vacuum away all dust.
Proper cleaning and prep removes contaminants from the surface while evening out any small imperfections. This provides the ideal foundation before refinishing the floors.
Refinishing Options for Bamboo Flooring
There are several refinishing methods that can restore the beauty of worn bamboo floors:
Screen and Recoat
This light resurfacing preserves the existing finish while renewing the appearance. It involves:
- Screening with an abrasive pad or 150 grit screen to lightly scuff up the old urethane coating.
- Thoroughly vacuuming away all dust particles.
- Applying 2-3 coats of a new water-based urethane finish.
Screening and recoating revitalizes the surface while adding protection. It’s the quickest and least expensive refinishing option.
Sand and Refinish
For extensive wear, sanding is required to remove the old finish and expose the raw bamboo below:
- An orbital sander evenly sands off the finish using progressively finer grits of 80, 100, and 120.
- Edging along baseboards is done by hand with sandpaper or a detail sander.
- After thoroughly vacuuming, 2-3 fresh coats of urethane are rolled on to seal and protect the sanded floors.
Sanding and refinishing enables deeply worn floors to be restored to a like-new condition. This full refinishing provides the most dramatic results.
Spot Repairs
For minor localized damage, targeted spot repairs preserve good areas while improving flaws:
- Use painter’s tape to mask off damaged regions. Carefully sand using a sanding sponge or block.
- Stain if needed to blend color. Apply filler to even the surface.
- Once dry, lightly sand again and remove dust. Brush 2-3 thin coats of urethane just on the repaired areas.
Spot repairs provide an economical way to fix isolated scratches, pet stains, or discoloration without refinishing the entire floor.
Tips for Refinishing Bamboo Floors
Follow these best practices to achieve professional quality results refinishing your bamboo floors:
- Only use products specifically designed for use on bamboo flooring. Look for water-based urethane finishes.
- Test stains, sealers or finishes in an inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility with the bamboo.
- Apply thin coats of urethane and allow ample drying time between layers for maximum durability.
- Maintain proper ventilation while working to allow fumes to escape.
- Work in sections starting at the farthest corner from the doorway to avoid trapping yourself.
- Keep children and pets out of the work area until the floors are completely cured and dry.
- Avoid walking on the freshly refinished floors for at least 24-48 hours.
Refinishing bamboo floors yourself can save thousands over hiring a professional. By exercising care and patience, you can achieve beautiful, revitalized floors.
Alternatives to Refinishing Bamboo Flooring
In some cases, refinishing may not be the best option for restoring your bamboo floors. Here are a few alternatives:
Floor Coverings
For extensively damaged floors beyond sanding, or if you want a new look, consider covering the existing bamboo with:
- Luxury vinyl plank flooring – Durable, affordable, easy DIY installation
- New bamboo flooring – Float over the old floor if structural integrity remains
- Carpeting – Choose low-pile commercial grade carpet for durability
- Area rugs – Use large area rugs to minimize view of flawed floor areas
Floor coverings provide a fresh floor without the dust and fumes of refinishing.
Replacement
With extensive pet damage, moisture issues, or warping, replacement may be required:
- Assess if tongue and groove connections are still tight – gapping can indicate the need for full replacement.
- Weigh the cost/benefits of repair vs. replacement if damage is extreme.
- A complete teardown allows for inspection and correction of any subfloor problems before installing new bamboo planks.
Although more costly and time consuming, replacement ensures your floors remain structurally sound and beautiful for years to come.
Maintaining Bamboo Floors After Restoration
Restored bamboo floors require proper ongoing care to retain their renewed beauty:
Implement a Routine Cleaning Schedule
- Dry mop or sweep daily to remove surface grit that can scratch floors.
- Damp mop weekly using dilute hardwood floor cleaner. Avoid excessive moisture.
- For high traffic areas, consider microfiber mop pads which are gentle on floors.
Protect Against Dents and Scratches
- Attach felt pads to all furniture legs to prevent scratches.
- Lift heavy furniture or appliances rather than sliding across floors.
- Use doormats and area rugs in entryways and kitchens.
Control Moisture
- Immediately wipe up spills and wet areas.
- Maintain proper humidity levels in your home between 30%-50%.
- Do not wet or steam mop bamboo floors.
Limit Sun Exposure
- Rotate area rugs occasionally to minimize uneven color changes.
- Use UV filtering window films to reduce fading effects of sunlight.
Proper maintenance maximizes the longevity of restored bamboo floors and enables them to retain their beauty for many years before needing to be refinished again.
Signs It’s Time to Refinish Your Bamboo Flooring Again
Depending on wear, bamboo floors may need recoating every 3-5 years or a full refinish every 5-10 years. Watch for these cues:
- Finish is worn away or dulled in traffic areas
- Noticeable scratches, gouges and blemishes
- Fading color from UV light exposure
- Floor feels rough rather than smooth
- Hazy, patchy appearance in certain spots
When these symptoms appear, it’s time to consider restoring your bamboo floors again. Addressing issues promptly reduces overall damage and repairs needed.
Costs of Professional Bamboo Floor Restoration
If tackling a DIY refinish seems daunting, hiring a professional Flooring contractor provides expertise for outstanding results. Average costs:
- Screen and recoat: $1.50 – $3 per sq. ft.
- Sand and refinish: $3 – $5 per sq. ft.
- Spot repairs: $100 per hour (materials additional)
- Full replacement: $4 – $10 per sq. ft.
Factors impacting bamboo floor restoration costs include:
- Floor size – Larger areas take more time.
- Location – Higher labor rates apply in major metro areas.
- Site conditions – Moving furniture and prep adds to job costs.
- Degree of repairs needed – Sanding takes more time than screening.
- Specialty finishes – Custom stains or tinted coats add expense.
- Accessibility – Remote or hard to reach areas may cost extra.
Professional refinishing costs can be worthwhile to restore extensive damage or achieve perfect results. Get multiple quotes to find the best value.
DIY Restoration Tips for Bamboo Flooring
With proper care, restoring bamboo floors yourself can save thousands over hiring a contractor. Follow these top tips:
Choose the Right Products
Consult with your flooring supplier to ensure cleaners, abrasives, stains, fillers, and urethane finishes are formulated for use on bamboo. Using the wrong products risks damage.
Work in Sections
Divide the floor into sections of approximately 10′ x 10′ to work in stages. This is more manageable than tackling the whole floor at once.
Allow Ample Drying Time
Ensure each urethane coat dries fully according to manufacturer guidelines before applying the next layer. Temperature and humidity impacts dry times.
Keep Out Dust
Seal doorways with plastic sheeting and use a window fan to pull dust outside. Preventing dust settling between coats results in a smoother finish.
Maintain a Wet Edge
While applying polyurethane, maintain a wet edge where new and drying finish overlap. This prevents lap marks as sections dry.
Be Patient
DIY refinishing is labor intensive. Expect the process to take 2-4 days depending on floor size. Remaining patient leads to better outcomes.
With careful planning and preparation, refinishing bamboo floors yourself can restore their elegance affordably.
Hiring Professional Bamboo Floor Refinishing Services
Seeking professional expertise offers advantages for refinishing bamboo floors:
Advanced Equipment
Pro flooring contractors use commercial grade sanders, edgers, and dust extractors for fast, efficient results less prone to imperfections.
Expert Knowledge
Experienced refinishing crews understand all intricacies of finishing bamboo floors to achieve flawless outcomes.
Efficient Process
Teams work swiftly to complete jobs in 1-2 days while diligently containing mess and dust.
Custom Finish Options
Pros can apply specialty stains, create custom colors, and use commercial grade urethanes for maximum durability.
Warranties
Many flooring companies warranty refinishing work for 1-2 years against defects. DIY jobs carry no guarantees.
Complete Service
Reputable firms handle all aspects – moving furniture, prepping floors, applying finishes, and cleanup.
While pricier than DIY, professional refinishing provides beautiful, long-lasting results with minimal hassle and risk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Restoring Bamboo Floors
Here are answers to some common questions about revitalizing bamboo flooring:
Can you refinish bamboo floors yourself?
Yes, with care and patience, DIY refinishing of bamboo is possible using the proper abrasives, stains, fillers, and urethane finishes formulated for bamboo.
How many times can you refinish bamboo flooring?
Bamboo can typically be refinished 2-5 times depending on the depth of sanding and floor wear before reaching the exposure limit of the bamboo fibers.
Does it take longer to refinish bamboo floors?
Bamboo is slightly more labor intensive than hardwoods due to its density and hardness. The refinishing process itself is similar but bamboo requires extra sanding efforts.
Can you change the color when refinishing bamboo?
Yes, bamboo floors can be stained darker or lighter during the refinishing process. Test stains first on a scrap piece to confirm suitability. Custom coloring is also an option.
What are signs my bamboo floor needs refinishing?
Noticeable dull areas in heavy use portions, fingerprints showing, discoloration, many surface scratches, and rough texture indicate a bamboo floor is due for refinishing.
How soon can I walk on a refinished bamboo floor?
It’s best to avoid walking on a freshly refinished bamboo floor for at least 24-48 hours. Allow 72 hours before replacing heavy furniture or appliances.
Will refinishing get rid of pet stains?
Sanding and refinishing is effective for removing discoloration from pet stains. Using a pet odor neutralizing primer first aids in eliminating urine odors from bamboo.
Revitalizing tired, worn bamboo floors through proper refinishing restores their warm, inviting look while adding years of enjoyment. With some diligence and care, you can tackle refinishing bamboo floors yourself or hire a professional for outstanding results.