Refinishing your hardwood floors breathes new life into dull, scratched boards and reveals their hidden beauty.
But it’s not just about looks - it’s about longevity too - and a refinishing job keeps hardwood flooring going the extra mile.
So roll up your sleeves and follow our expert step-by-step guide on how to transform your floors from drab to fab.
Key Notes
- Proper sanding technique is crucial - start coarse and progressively use finer grits.
- Water test reveals if floors need refinishing or just recoating.
- Edge sanding and thorough cleaning between steps are often overlooked but critical.
- Refinishing can cost $3-8 per sq ft, while resurfacing is a cheaper alternative.
- Floors typically need refinishing every 7-10 years, but high-traffic areas may require more frequent care.
8 Simple Steps to Beautiful Hardwood Floors
Refinishing your hardwood floors is much cheaper than replacing them. Just make sure you've got enough wood left to sand down - you need at least ¾" thickness.
Check by peeking under a vent, threshold, or baseboard. If you're good to go, great! If not, new floors might be in your future.
But assuming you've got the wood to work with, here's what you need to do next:
1. How Worn is Your Flooring?
Here’s a quick way to tell if your floors need refinishing or simply recoating: Pour a little water on the most worn areas of your floor. If the water beads up, you may only need to recoat the floor. If the water soaks into the wood, it’s time for refinishing.
Also, look for deep scratches or discolored spots that indicate more extensive work.
If you only find a few surface scratches or have a dulled finish, you could restore your hardwood floors without sanding. Simply buff it up and recoat it to restore the shine without the mess of sanding.
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BROWSE NOW2. Gather Your Gear
Here’s a list of everything you need before you start:
| Tool/Material | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Drum or orbital sander | For sanding the floor; orbital is easier for beginners |
| Sandpaper (36, 60, and 100-grit) | To remove old finish and smooth the wood |
| Edge sander | For sanding tight spaces and corners |
| Vacuum and broom | To clean dust and debris after sanding |
| Tack cloth or microfiber mop | To remove fine dust before staining |
| Wood stain (optional) | To change or enhance the floor’s color |
| Polyurethane finish | To protect the floor; oil-based for durability, water-based for faster drying |
| Paintbrush or roller | For applying stain or polyurethane |
| Safety equipment (dust mask, goggles, gloves) | To protect yourself during sanding and finishing |
3. Do Your Prep Work
Preparing the room for refinishing is just as important as the actual work. This is what you can do to ensure you start with a clean slate:
- Start by removing all furniture, rugs, and decor.
- If possible, take down curtains or other items that could collect dust.
- Seal off doorways and vents with plastic sheeting to minimize dust spreading to other parts of the house.
- Clean the floor thoroughly by sweeping and vacuuming to remove any dirt or debris.
- Check for protruding nails and hammer them flat. Use finishing nails to secure loose floorboards.
4. Roll Up Your Sleeves And Sand
This part is rewarding, as you’ll start to see your floors transformed, but be prepared to use some muscle.
Sand the entire floor using a drum sander, moving with the grain of the wood. Sand progressively with finer grits to achieve a smooth surface. Be careful not to over sand, especially near the edges, to avoid damaging the wood.
- Start with coarse-grit sandpaper (36-grit) to strip off the old finish. If you’re using a drum sander, be careful and keep the sander moving to avoid gouging the floor.
- Use your hardwood floor refinishing tools, such as an edge sander, in tight spaces or along the walls where the drum sander can’t reach.
- Once the old finish is removed, switch to medium-grit sandpaper (60-grit) and sand again to smooth out rough spots.
- Finally, use fine-grit sandpaper (100-grit) for a silky smooth surface.
5. Edge Sanding and Corners
Once your main surface is smooth, it’s time to tackle the edges and corners. Use an edge sander or hand sander to blend these areas with the rest of the floor.
It’s easy to overlook this step, but attention to detail will make a noticeable difference in the final result. If scratches remain, they could stand out after staining.
6. Clean, Clean, Clean
After sanding, you’re going to have dust all over the place and before moving forward this must be thoroughly cleaned up.
Sweep and vacuum the floor to remove most of the dust, then go over it with a tack cloth or a damp microfiber mop to pick up any lingering particles.
Even small dust particles interfere with the stain and finish, so take your time cleaning.
7. Add Some Colour
If you want to change the color of your hardwood floors, now’s the time to apply the stain. This is an optional step that has the potential to really transform your space.
Choose a stain color that complements the overall design of your home. You can use a rag or brush to apply the stain evenly, following the direction of the wood grain.
Immediately wipe off any excess stain and let it dry properly before applying the finish. If you skip this step you could have to deal with uneven staining - a difficult issue to fix once the finish is applied.
8. Finish With A Flourish
The final step is applying your polyurethane finish. This protective layer not only seals your floors but also gives them a rich, glossy shine.
Start with a brush to apply the finish along your room edges then switch to a roller or pad to apply it evenly across the floor. Use long smooth strokes, always working with the grain of the wood.
Depending on which product you’ve gone for, you might need to apply multiple coats of polyurethane. Allow each coat to dry completely before sanding lightly and applying the next one.
Water-based finishes dry faster and have a lower odor, while oil-based finishes offer more durability but take longer to cure. The choice is up to you based on your priorities.
Curing
After the last coat of finish is applied, you need to practice a bit of patience.
Give the floor at least 24 hours to dry before walking on it. It’s also a good idea to wait a few days or up to a week before moving heavy furniture or rugs back into the room.
Handy Tips
- Fixing floor scratches as you sand can save time later on. Be sure to inspect every corner for deep scratches or dents. For deeper scratches, apply a wood filler or putty that matches the color of your floor, then smooth it out with a putty knife.
- Work slowly, especially with coarse sandpaper, to avoid gouging the wood.
- Test your sanding skills on a small, inconspicuous area before starting on a large section.
Refinish or Replace? Make The Smarter Choice
New floors offer durability, style, and value beyond refinishing.
CONTACT US NOWHardwood Floor Resurfacing vs Refinishing
Resurfacing is ideal for maintaining floors in good condition, while refinishing provides a more comprehensive overhaul for heavily worn or damaged floors.
| Criteria | Hardwood Floor Resurfacing | Hardwood Floor Refinishing |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Involves light sanding to remove surface-level damage like scratches or scuffs. It leaves most of the wood intact. | A deeper process involving sanding down to the bare wood and applying a new stain and finish. |
| When to Use | Ideal for floors in good condition with only minor surface damage. | Best for floors with deep scratches, gouges, or heavy wear and tear. |
| Durability | Extends the floor's life by improving the surface. It doesn't repair deep damage. | Fully restores the floor, making it more durable by removing all imperfections. |
| Cost | More affordable, usually $1-2 per sq ft. | More expensive, generally ranging from $3-8 per sq ft. |
| Time & Mess | Faster process with less mess, no need to sand down to bare wood. | Time-consuming, with more dust due to heavy sanding. |
| Result | Refreshes the floor’s appearance without altering color or texture. | Allows for complete customization with new stain and finish. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do wood floors need to be refinished?
On average, hardwood floors need refinishing every 7 to 10 years. However, high-traffic areas may need it more frequently. Regular maintenance like cleaning and using rugs can extend the time between refinishes.
What is the best way to refinish hardwood floors?
The best method involves sanding down to bare wood and applying a polyurethane finish. Using an orbital sander makes the process easier and cuts down on mistakes.
What not to do when refinishing hardwood floors?
Avoid skipping the sanding process if your floors have deep scratches or discoloration. Don’t rush the drying time between coats of finish, and make sure to clean the floor thoroughly after sanding to avoid dust settling in the finish.
Can I restore my hardwood floors without sanding?
If your floors are in decent condition but look dull, you can buff and recoat them. This process restores shine without the mess and labor of sanding.
Conclusion
Bringing your hardwood floors back to life is a journey worth taking. From sanding away years of wear to applying that final coat of finish, each step unveils the hidden beauty beneath.
While it takes some patience, with the right tools, techniques, and a bit of elbow grease, you'll soon be admiring your handiwork with pride.
However, if your floors have been refinished multiple times or are too thin, it might be time for a fresh start. Don't risk damaging your subfloor or ending up with patchy results. Contact us today for a free quote on new flooring, and let’s discuss how to elevate your home's beauty.
