Hardwood Floors April/May 2026

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Once sanding began in earnest, efficiency and restraint mattered. The team used a Bona Power Drive to strip the old finish, followed by a drum sander stepped through three passes. “We always start as least aggressive as we can,” says Stephenson. “But the old finish had soaked in deep, so we had to make sure we removed it completely.” Given the tight timeline, finish selection was just as important as sanding strategy. “They had used an oil product before, but we went with a water based system,” Stephenson said. “It saved time and kept the VOCs low. We needed it move-in ready within five or six days.” Once the old finish was removed, the character of the wood came back into view. “You could really see the tight grain and the beauty in 120-year-old wood,” shares Stephenson. “It’s a lot different from what you see today.” The floor was sealed with Bona IntenseSeal, followed by two coats of Bona Traffic HD in semi-gloss. The result balanced durability with the building’s historic character. Restoration projects like this always carry uncertainty, but Stephenson believes the outcome makes the risk worthwhile. “I’m always hesitant going into jobs like this,” he says. “But it is always worth it. The floor looks better, and there’s something incredibly satisfying about saving that history. It’s not beginner work, but when you know you preserved it, that makes it all worthwhile.”

Restoration Under Pressure (Continued from page 15) “We had to be honest and say we could do one or the other. We ended up getting two extra days for the restaurant.” Setting expectations was critical. “You really have to assess how important the customer is,” he says. “This wasn’t a situation where we could say it wasn’t going to happen. There were people who had reservations already, and a lot of money on the line. But you still have to be realistic about what actually can be done.”

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