How To Refinish Wood Floors: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you have hardwood floors in your home, refinishing them can bring new life to your space. Refinishing wood floors can also save you money compared to replacing them entirely. In this guide, we’ll provide a step-by-step process to help you refinish your wood floors.

Gather Your Tools and Materials

Before you begin, gather all the necessary tools and materials. You’ll need a drum sander, an edge sander, sandpaper, a vacuum, a tack cloth, stain, and varnish. Make sure you have enough sandpaper for each sander and enough stain and varnish for your entire floor.

Clear the Room and Protect Your Home

Refinishing wood floors creates a lot of dust. Clear the room of all furniture, rugs, and curtains. Cover any vents, doorways, and electrical outlets with plastic to prevent dust from getting into your home’s HVAC system.

Inspect Your Floors

Before you begin sanding, inspect your floors for any damage, such as scratches, dents, or warped boards. Make any necessary repairs before you begin refinishing.

Start with a Rough Sand

Begin sanding your floors with a drum sander and coarse sandpaper. Start in one corner and work your way across the room, making sure to sand with the grain. Use an edge sander to sand the areas the drum sander can’t reach, such as corners and edges.

Repeat with Fine Sandpaper

After you’ve sanded the entire floor with the coarse sandpaper, repeat the process with fine sandpaper. This will smooth out any rough spots left by the coarse sandpaper.

Remove Dust

After sanding, vacuum the entire room to remove any dust. Use a tack cloth to remove any remaining dust.

Apply Stain

Apply stain to your floors with a brush or a rag. Work in small sections, applying the stain with the grain of the wood. Let the stain dry completely before applying varnish.

Apply Varnish

Apply varnish to your floors with a brush or a roller. Work in small sections, applying the varnish with the grain of the wood. Use long, even strokes to ensure a smooth finish. Let the varnish dry completely before applying a second coat.

Apply Additional Coats

Apply as many coats of varnish as you’d like until you achieve the desired look. Let each coat dry completely before applying the next.

How long does it take to refinish wood floors?

The time it takes to refinish wood floors depends on the size of the room and the condition of the floors. On average, it takes about 3-5 days.

Can I refinish my floors myself?

Yes, you can refinish your floors yourself if you have the necessary tools and materials. However, it’s important to note that refinishing floors can be time-consuming and messy.

How often should I refinish my floors?

It’s recommended to refinish your floors every 7-10 years, depending on the amount of foot traffic in your home.

Can I change the color of my floors when refinishing?

Yes, you can change the color of your floors by using a different colored stain.

Do I need to sand between coats of varnish?

Yes, it’s recommended to sand between coats of varnish to ensure a smooth finish.

Can I walk on my floors immediately after refinishing?

No, it’s important to wait until the varnish has dried completely before walking on your floors. This can take anywhere from 24-48 hours.

How do I maintain my floors after refinishing?

To maintain your newly refinished floors, sweep or vacuum regularly and wipe up any spills immediately. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools.

What if I make a mistake while refinishing?

If you make a mistake while refinishing, it’s important to correct it as soon as possible. Sand the area down and start again.

Refinishing your floors can add value to your home and bring new life to your space. It’s also more cost-effective than replacing your floors entirely.

• Wear protective gear, such as a mask and goggles, to avoid inhaling dust.
• Test the stain on a small, inconspicuous area of the floor before applying it to the entire floor.
• Work in small sections to ensure an even finish.
• Avoid using water to clean your floors after refinishing, as it can damage the varnish.

Refinishing your wood floors can bring new life to your space and save you money compared to replacing them entirely. Follow these steps to refinish your floors: gather your tools and materials, clear the room and protect your home, inspect your floors, sand with a coarse and fine sandpaper, remove dust, apply stain, apply varnish, and apply additional coats. Maintain your floors by sweeping or vacuuming regularly and wiping up any spills immediately.