"Sure, it won't win any perfection awards, but who needs perfect anyway?"
Couldn't agree more with this sentiment. In my experience, homeowners often get hung up on perfection when a practical fix is more than enough. I've seen clients spend thousands refinishing floors that honestly weren't that bad to begin with, and they end up stressed about every small scratch afterward—kind of defeats the purpose of hardwood if you're afraid to walk on it, doesn't it? Buffing and touch-up pens are underrated; they're exactly what I recommend for minor everyday wear. Plus, a good-quality cleaner formulated specifically for hardwood floors can keep them looking fresh longer between touch-ups. Just remember, wood is meant to be lived on, not admired from afar like some museum piece. A little maintenance and a realistic mindset go a long way in preserving both your sanity and your wallet.
I get your point about not obsessing over perfection, but sometimes those quick fixes like touch-up pens just don't cut it long-term. I've tried them myself, and while they're okay for minor scratches, deeper marks or worn areas tend to stand out even more afterward. Personally, I've found that investing in a decent protective finish every few years saves me from constantly worrying about every little scuff. It's not about perfection, just practicality—keeping the floors protected enough so I don't have to stress about them daily.
I've been thinking about protective finishes too, but I'm always hesitant about the cost and effort involved. Have you found a particular finish that's budget-friendly but still holds up well over time? I've seen some DIY kits at the hardware store, but I'm skeptical about their durability...wondering if anyone's had luck with those or if it's better to just bite the bullet and go professional every few years.
I've actually had some decent luck with the DIY polyurethane kits from the hardware store. I mean, they're not gonna give you that flawless, showroom-level finish you'd get from a professional, but honestly, for the price and effort, they're pretty solid. I refinished my dining room floor about two years ago with one of those kits, and it's held up surprisingly well—even with kids and pets running around.
The key is prep work, though. If you skimp on sanding and cleaning beforehand, no finish—DIY or pro—is gonna last. Also, go for a water-based polyurethane if you can; it's way easier to apply, dries faster, and doesn't stink up your house for days. Sure, you might have to touch up a few spots every now and then, but it's way less hassle than redoing the whole thing professionally every few years. Have you tried any of the DIY stuff yet, or just browsing options?
I've had mixed experiences with DIY polyurethane kits myself. You're spot-on about prep work being crucial—honestly, that's half the battle right there. I've seen floors done beautifully with DIY kits because the homeowner took their time sanding and cleaning meticulously. On the flip side, I've also seen some pretty rough outcomes when people rushed through prep or skipped steps.
One thing I'd add is to pay attention to humidity and temperature when applying polyurethane. Even water-based finishes can get finicky if it's too humid or cold. I once had a client who did everything right prep-wise but applied the finish on a rainy weekend... let's just say it didn't dry evenly, and they ended up having to redo it anyway. Lesson learned!
Overall though, DIY kits can definitely be worth it if you're patient and careful. And like you said, touching up a few spots here and there beats shelling out for a full professional refinish every few years.
