Refinishing hardwood floors is an excellent way to revitalise a worn or damaged surface and restore the natural beauty of wood. Over time, scratches, stains, and dullness may make your floors look tired, but refinishing can breathe new life into them without needing costly replacements.
This process involves several critical steps, including sanding, cleaning, and applying protective finishes. By following the correct method, you can achieve professional-quality results that enhance the value and appeal of your home.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Refinishing hardwood floors is a cost-effective way to restore their beauty and durability. Key steps include gathering tools (like sanders and polyurethane), preparing the room by removing furniture and baseboards and sanding the floors with progressively finer-grit sandpaper.
After sanding, clean the floor and fill any cracks or holes. Optionally, apply a stain before sealing the floor with polyurethane, using two to three coats for protection.
Proper drying and curing times should be allowed, and the floors should be maintained with regular cleaning and protective measures to extend their lifespan.
Gather Tools And Materials
Refinishing hardwood floors requires specific tools and materials to ensure a professional finish. Having the correct equipment before you begin will make the process smoother.
Tools And Materials Checklist
- Floor Sander (Drum or Orbital Sander): Essential for surface sanding.
- Edge Sander: Used for sanding along edges and corners.
- Sanding Paper: Coarse, medium, and fine grits for different stages of sanding.
- Vacuum Cleaner: To remove dust and debris after sanding.
- Wood Filler: For repairing any cracks or gaps in the floorboards.
- Stain (optional): If you wish to change the colour of your floors.
- Polyurethane Finish: A durable finish to protect the hardwood.
- Paintbrushes and Rollers: These are used to apply the finish evenly.
Preparing The Room
Proper preparation is vital to avoid damage to your belongings and ensure a clean working space.
Clear The Room And Protect The Walls
Begin by removing all furniture, rugs, and decor from the room. Dust from sanding can spread, so it’s crucial to discover any remaining items with plastic sheeting.
To prevent dust from settling, use painter’s tape to cover doorways, vents, and the bottom of the walls.
Remove Baseboards And Moulding
For a more professional finish, remove any baseboards and moulding before sanding.
This ensures you can sand and refinish up to the room’s edges. Use a pry bar carefully to avoid damaging the walls or wood.
Sanding The Hardwood Floors
Sanding is one of the most critical steps in the refinishing process.
It removes the old finish and smooths out imperfections, preparing the floor for a new stain or finish.
Start With A Coarse Grit
Using a drum or orbital sander, begin by stripping away the old finish with coarse sandpaper (around 36 to 40 grit).
Move the sander slowly and evenly across the floor, following the grain of the wood. Avoid pressing down too hard, as this can gouge the floor.
Sand The Edges
Use an edge sander for corners and edges. A handheld sander is ideal for areas where the larger floor sander cannot reach, such as tight corners or along the baseboards. Sand evenly to maintain a uniform surface.
Progress To Finer Grits
After the first round of coarse sanding, switch to medium-grit paper (60 to 80 grit) and repeat the process.
This will smooth out rough patches and prepare the surface for the finish. Finish with fine-grit sandpaper (100 to 120 grit) to create a smooth surface ready for staining or finishing.
Repairing And Cleaning The Floor
Once sanding is complete, inspect the floor for any imperfections that need repair before applying the finish.
Fill Cracks And Holes
Use a wood filler to repair any cracks, gaps, or nail holes in the floor.
Apply the filler with a putty knife, smoothing it out until it is level with the rest of the floor. Allow it to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Vacuum And Wipe Down The Floor
After repairing, vacuum the entire floor to remove dust and debris left from sanding.
It is important to ensure the floor is completely clean before applying any finish. Use a damp cloth to wipe the floor one last time, ensuring no dust particles remain.
Staining And Finishing The Floor
Now that the floor is clean and prepped, you can move on to the final steps—staining (if desired) and applying a protective finish.
Apply Wood Stain (Optional)
If you want to change the colour of your hardwood floors, now is the time to apply wood stain. Use a paintbrush or roller to apply the stain evenly across the floor, working in small sections.
Wipe off any excess stains with a clean cloth. Allow the stain to dry thoroughly before moving on to the next step.
Apply The Polyurethane Finish
Polyurethane provides a durable finish that protects the wood from wear and tear. There are two types: oil-based and water-based.
Oil-based finishes are more durable but take longer to dry, while water-based finishes dry faster and have less odour.
- Stir (don’t shake) the polyurethane to avoid bubbles.
- Using a brush or roller, apply a thin, even coat of polyurethane, following the grain of the wood.
- Allow the first coat to dry (usually 4-24 hours, depending on the product).
- Sand lightly with fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit) between coats to ensure a smooth finish.
- Apply at least two to three coats of polyurethane for maximum protection.
Drying And Curing
Proper drying and curing time is critical to ensure the longevity of your refinished floors.
Allow Ample Drying Time
After applying the final coat of polyurethane, give the floor plenty of time to dry. Depending on the finish used, this could take up to 24 hours.
Avoid walking on the floor or placing furniture until the floor is completely dry to prevent damage.
Curing Time
While the floor may be dry enough to walk on within a day, full curing can take several days to weeks. Avoid heavy foot traffic or placing heavy furniture on the floor during this time.
Maintaining Your Refinished Hardwood Floors
Proper maintenance is key to extending the life of your newly refinished hardwood floors.
Regular Cleaning
Sweep or vacuum your floors regularly to prevent dirt and debris from scratching the surface. Use a damp mop for occasional cleaning, but avoid excess water, as hardwood floors are susceptible to water damage.
Protect The Floors
Place felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratching. Use rugs or mats in high-traffic areas to reduce wear and tear.
Recoat the floors with a fresh layer of polyurethane every few years to maintain their appearance.
Conclusion
Refinishing hardwood floors is a rewarding project that can breathe new life into your home. By following these steps—assessing the floor’s condition, preparing the room, sanding, and applying a durable finish—you can achieve professional results and prolong the lifespan of your floors.
Regular maintenance will keep your hardwood floors looking fresh and well-preserved for years. Whether you’re updating a single room or your entire home, refinishing hardwood floors is an excellent way to enhance your space’s beauty and value.
FAQs About Hardwood Floors
What Are The Recommendations For Hardwood Floors?
The best hardwood floors are made with readily available wood species and – you guessed it – very hard. Oak flooring, maple flooring and cherry flooring are all good choices. Other species include bamboo, walnut, ash and mahogany.
How Long Can Hardwood Flooring Last?
Typically, hardwood floors should be refinished every 8-12 years, but this varies depending on how rough your floors are. Some people don’t refinish/recoat their floors and are perfectly content leaving them the way they were installed.
Are Hardwood Floors Easy To Maintain?
Hardwood floors are not low-maintenance by any stretch of the imagination. They require regular sweeping and cleaning to prevent surface damage and keep them looking nice. You need to clean them with products that won’t damage the finish and be extra careful with water.
Is Hardwood Flooring Waterproof?
Still, homeowners have questions about wood flooring, including, “Is hardwood waterproof?” The answer is an unequivocal “no,” but that doesn’t mean hardwood isn’t for you. In many instances, hardwood can survive water and other damaging incidents.
Can You Mop Hardwood Floors?
When mopping hardwood floors, make sure to wring most of the water out of the mop so it’s damp and not sopping wet. Rinse the mop when necessary. Avoid leaving standing water on the floor and damaging the wood. This is especially true for prefinished hardwood floors.
