Hardwood flooring can be really beautiful. But what do you do when your floors are scratched or faded beyond repair? Cover it with a rug? Or do you bite the bullet and repair your floors?
Refinishing a hardwood floor takes a lot of patience and time combined with the proper techniques and tools. With all of these aspects combined,
the end results can be nothing short of extraordinary. If the flooring in your home is beginning to appear a little worn, you may be surprised to find that your shine is just a refinish project away. In this article, we will outline this process in order to help you better understand the procedure.
Sanding
Begin by removing any and all items off the floor. This includes furniture, pets, and rugs. Next, check the floor for any nails that may rip your sandpaper and pound any you find into the surface. Pull any tacks or carpet staples. Rent yourself a floor sander and purchase a good supply of sandpaper in a range of grits (36, 60, 80, 100) that will fit the sander. Using the heaviest grit, run the sander over the floor, following the direction of the wood grain. Once you’ve completed a round, switch to a lighter grain paper in order to sand subtle scratches and lines. Repeat the process as needed.
Keep in mind that a sander can get out of control very quickly, especially an industrial sander that is able to sand your floors. Hardwood flooring is precious, so make sure you have the skills to complete the job, or hire someone who does.
Staining
You should decide whether to stain the floor or leave the wood a natural tone. In the case that you decide to stain, make sure the floor is clear of all sawdust, using a broom and vacuum. Apply the stain with a rag to a corner area to make sure it’s the one you want.
Apply your first coat of stain to the wood. Using a brush, you will be able to apply heavier, darker coats. If you seek lighter tones, try using only a rag. Use long, even strokes along the grain, during application.
Allow time for the first coat to dry. Evaluate the job and decide whether to apply a second coat. Be sure to touch up any light or uneven spots. Once you are finished, allow time to dry.
If you are staining any new boards, if you've had to replace them, know that the stain may be uneven for newer boards versus older boards. Make sure you spend extra time matching these areas.
Finishing
Evenly stir the polyurethane finish. Take care not to shake the mixture, as this will create air bubbles that will ultimately show in the final finish. Apply the finish with a roller or brush, using even, smooth strokes along the grain in order to avoid marks in the finish. Once the application is complete, allow ample time to dry; most brands take roughly 3 hours. Add a second coat, and allow to dry overnight. Give yourself at least 3 days before moving furniture or rugs back into the room.
And there you have it! Give yourself a good pat on the back and enjoy your new beautiful wood floor!
