When we refinish hardwood floors in Westchester NY, we often come across pet stains in the hardwood - from dogs or cats or both. Sometimes we see this during the initial estimate; other times there is carpet there, and we don't see the stains until after we rip up the carpet.
Unfortunately, if the pet urine stains have turned the hardwood black, it's too late...and those stains will NOT sand out. But, have no fear, as there are 2 good solutions for this.
1. The better solution is replace the hardwood with new unfinished wood in the damaged sections. If you do this, it's important to have a professional hardwood company to help you out. That way, you can be assured of matching the hardwood (e.g. I've sometimes seen less knowledgeable places add in oak to pine floors...or red oak w/ white oak floors...not good as this will stand out. I've also see plenty of "handyman specials" (no offense to handymen) where they cut out a rectangle and put new hardwood in...no, no, no...you need to weave it in, so it looks randomized just like the rest of the floor. If done properly, once you sand and refinish the whole room, you will never know that there sections that were replaced. Usually, this extra repair work is not terribly expenive.
2. If you can't afford to repair the floors, then an alternative solution is to change the color of the stain - go dark - go dark enough to cover the stains. Often, this will need to be around Royal Mahogany or Ebony to cover up the stains. If you were planning to go dark anyway, this might be a economical decision for you.
So, if you are looking to refinish your hardwood floors in Westchester NY, and you do have pet stains, there are solutions, and we can help you at Floor Coverings International 914-937-2950. We offer regular and dustless refinishing. Give The Flooring Girl a call and we'll help take care of you.
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