What does buffing do to floors?
Floor buffing uses a machine to polish your floor’s surface, which can remove light scuffs and scratches and restore its original shine. It’s a great way to make floors like hardwood or vinyl look new again without the cost of a full refinishing.
Can I buff my floors myself?
Yes, you can buff your floors if you rent the proper equipment. However, floor buffers can be heavy and difficult to control without experience. Using the wrong buffing pad or cleaning solution for your specific floor type could also cause permanent damage, so it's important to do your research first.
Here are a few reasons why you may want to hire a pro for this task:
Reason #1: They have specialized, high-speed buffers that achieve a far better shine than consumer-grade rental equipment.
Reason #2: A pro understands which pads and cleaning solutions to use to prevent irreversible damage to your floor.
Reason #3: Their experience allows them to complete the job quickly and effectively, saving you a lot of time and effort.
Reason #4: They manage the entire process, including prepping the area and cleaning up afterward, for a completely hands-off experience.
What questions should I ask before hiring pro to buff my floors?
Before hiring a floor buffer, be sure to ask your pro these questions:
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
What process and products will you use, and are they safe for my specific floor type, kids, and pets?
What factors can impact the final cost of the project?
Does your quote include moving furniture and cleaning up after the job is done?
How long will the buffing process take, and how soon can we walk on the floors?
Can you provide references or show me photos of your previous work?
Do you offer a satisfaction guarantee for your services?
What factors can impact the cost of getting your floor buffed?
There are several factors that might impact the cost of this project, including:
The size of the area. Most pros base their price on the total square footage you need buffed, so a larger space will generally cost more than a smaller one.
The type of flooring you have. The process and products can vary for hardwood, vinyl, or concrete. While buffing restores shine, some people with concrete floors also explore options from garage floor painters for a different finish.
Your floor’s current condition. If your floors have deep scratches, stains, or old wax that needs to be stripped away first, it will likely add to the overall time and cost.
The finish you want. Achieving a high-gloss, mirror-like shine often requires more buffing passes and specialized pads than a standard satin or matte finish.
Furniture and prep work. You may pay extra if your pro needs to move heavy furniture or other obstacles out of the way before they can start working.
How often should you have your floors buffed?
It’s recommended that you buff your floors every three to five years. The exact frequency depends on the type of floor and how much traffic it gets. This regular maintenance removes surface scratches and scuffs to restore the floor's original shine. It also protects the finish from wear and tear, potentially extending the life of your flooring.
What can I expect during my pro's visit?
During your floor buffing, your pro will typically start by inspecting the floor and preparing the area, which often includes a thorough cleaning to remove any surface dirt. Next, they’ll use a professional floor buffer to gently polish the surface, removing scuffs and restoring its shine. Depending on your floor type and the agreed-upon service, they might also apply a fresh coat of finish before cleaning up.