Hardwood Floor Buffing in Westport
Floor buffing sits between regular cleaning and complete refinishing. When Westport homeowners call us about dull floors with light scratches, buffing is often the perfect solution.
Unlike full floor sanding and polishing service that removes layers of wood, buffing only addresses the finish coat. We use a buffer machine (sometimes called a swing machine) with abrasive pads that gently removes the thinnest layer of finish along with surface scratches and scuffs.
This approach works for floors that aren’t deeply damaged but have lost their luster. About half our Westport clients need buffing every 2-3 years to keep their floors looking fresh.
After buffing, we typically apply a fresh coat of finish – giving you that “just refinished” look without the expense or disruption of hardwood floor sanding. The process rejuvenates worn floors while extending the time between full refinishing jobs.
Buffing vs. Refinishing: What’s Right for Your Floors
Understanding when to buff versus when to refinish saves Westport homeowners significant money and hassle.
Buffing works when damage is limited to the finish layer – those white scratches from moving furniture or dull spots in high-traffic areas. If you can’t feel the scratch with your fingernail, buffing can probably fix it.
Refinishing (requiring dustless floor sanding) becomes necessary when damage reaches the wood itself – deep scratches, water damage, or significant color changes. Those dark scratches that show the raw wood need more than buffing can provide.
Most Westport homes follow a maintenance pattern: regular cleaning, occasional buffing, and refinishing every 10-15 years. This approach maximizes your floor’s lifespan while minimizing cost.
The price difference is substantial – buffing typically runs 30-40% the cost of refinishing, with much less disruption to your household routine. For many Westport families, it’s the sensible middle ground.
Our Professional Buffing Process
Our buffing approach has been refined over years of working in Westport homes:
- We start with thorough cleaning to remove all dirt and debris. Buffing a dirty floor just grinds particles into the wood, creating more scratches.
- Next, we use a commercial buffer with the right abrasive pad for your specific finish type. The machine looks similar to what you might see janitors use, but ours has adjustable pressure settings and specialized pads designed specifically for hardwood.
- After buffing removes the damaged layer of finish, we clean again to remove any dust. This step is crucial before applying new finish.
- We then apply a fresh coat of polyurethane or whatever finish matches your existing floor. Unlike wood floor polishing which adds protective coating, this step actually replaces the worn finish layer completely.
The process usually takes one day for average Westport living areas, with light foot traffic possible the next day.
Signs Your Floors Need Buffing
Not sure if buffing is right for your Westport home? Here are the telltale indicators we look for:
- White or light-colored scratches that haven’t penetrated to the wood beneath. These surface scratches catch the light but don’t show dark wood.
- Dull areas in high-traffic paths, especially from front door to kitchen or around furniture.
- Slight water spots from minor spills that didn’t sit long enough to damage the wood.
- Floors that still look hazy after thorough cleaning with wood floor products.
- Loss of shine in areas exposed to sunlight, common in Westport homes with large windows facing the water.
If your floors show these signs but don’t need deep scratch removal or have deep gouges, buffing is likely your best option. It’s the maintenance step that extends your floor’s life while avoiding the expense of complete refinishing.
The timing sweet spot for most Westport homes is buffing every 2-3 years and refinishing every 12-15 years.