Our hardwood feels rough after refinishing — is that a sanding issue?

Yes, rough hardwood after refinishing is typically a sanding issue - either incomplete sanding progression, contaminated sandpaper, or rushing through the grits without proper dust removal between stages.

Proper sanding requires a systematic progression through increasingly fine grits, usually starting around 36-60 grit for initial cuts and finishing with 100-120 grit before applying stain or finish. Each grit should remove the scratches from the previous grit, creating a progressively smoother surface. If any step is skipped or rushed, those coarser scratches remain visible under the finish, creating that rough texture you're feeling.

Dust contamination is another common culprit in Ottawa's older homes where drywall dust or debris can settle on the floor between sanding and finishing. Even microscopic particles can create texture issues when they get trapped under the polyurethane. Professional refinishers use dust containment systems and tack cloths to ensure completely clean surfaces before applying finish coats.

The finish application itself can also contribute to roughness if applied too thick, in poor environmental conditions, or without proper surface preparation. Ottawa's humidity fluctuations mean timing is crucial - applying finish when humidity is too high can cause texture problems as the coating cures.

This issue requires professional correction through light sanding with fine grits (150-220) and recoating, or potentially a full re-sand if the problem is severe. The existing finish needs to be evaluated to determine the best repair approach without damaging the wood further.

For a professional assessment of your refinishing issue, request a consultation from Ottawa Floor Install - we can determine whether a simple screen and recoat will solve the problem or if more extensive correction is needed.

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