Floor stripping and waxing: what makes the price vary
Floor stripping and waxing is one of the most common searches by managers of stores, schools and offices. The price is generally calculated per square foot, but several factors make it vary from one space to another. Here they are, to help you understand a quote and know how to lower the bill.
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1. The area to be treated
This is the first factor. The larger and more open the surface (gym, corridor, large hall), the faster the work goes and the lower the cost per square foot tends to be. Conversely, small separate rooms, partitioned offices or washrooms require more handling for a small area.
2. The type of flooring
Vinyl composition tile (VCT) and linoleum are the floors most often stripped and waxed. Ceramic, terrazzo and polished concrete call for different products and methods. Each flooring has its own finish and its own precautions, which affects the time and products needed.
3. The condition of the floor and the number of coats to remove
A floor that has not been stripped in a long time builds up yellowed, embedded layers of wax. The more layers there are, the longer the stripping takes. Stains, deep scratches and calcium residue in winter also add preparation work.
4. Full stripping or a recoat?
Not every floor needs a full stripping. If the old finish is still in good condition, the floor can simply be deep cleaned and given a new coat of finish: it is faster and less expensive. Full stripping becomes necessary when the finish is yellowed, flaking or too thick.
5. The number of coats of finish applied
After stripping, several coats of finish (wax) are applied, each one having to dry before the next. A very busy corridor or a gym generally gets more coats than an office with little traffic, for longer-lasting protection.
6. Access, furniture and schedule
- Furniture to move: chairs, tables, shelving, equipment.
- Schedule: evening, night or weekend so your operations are not disrupted.
- Access to water and drains, elevator or stairs for the equipment.
- Drying time to respect before traffic resumes.
How to lower the cost of stripping
- Install good entrance mats to trap sand, salt and calcium.
- Keep up regular maintenance (washing and buffing) between strippings.
- Apply a new coat of finish before the old one is too worn, to avoid a full stripping.
- Schedule the stripping at the same time as other maintenance work.
Getting an accurate price
Because every floor is different, a reliable price can only be given after seeing the premises. HygiePro comes out free of charge to assess your floor and gives you a detailed quote, with no obligation.