Hardwood floors exude timeless elegance, adding character to any space. However, they can be damaged by heavy foot traffic, harsh sunlight, or aging. This makes your home look dull and unattractive. Hardwood floor refinishing can restore its glam. If you are also dealing with a damaged hardwood floor, let’s refinish it together following the step-by-step guide.
Step By Step Guide on Hardwood Floor Refinishing
- Sand the Floor
- Clean the Floor
- Buff and Clean Again
- Stain The Floor
- Apply Topcoat and Slightly Sand the Floor
Sand the Floor
Take a belt sander with 40-grit sandpaper and sand the major areas of the floor. By major areas, we mean to leave the floor for about 8 inches near the skirting. Carefully sand in the direction of the grain and gradually switch to finer grit sandpapers (80-120 grit) to achieve a smooth surface. Pause and vacuum the floor after sanding a small chunk. This keeps the sandpaper clear and helps the sander work better. Now, take the edge sander and carefully sand the corners on the floor to avoid damage to the skirting.
Clean the Floor
Once you’ve finished sanding, vacuum the dust and particles from the floor. Be sure to vacuum every inch of the floor, windowsills, and the edges of the wall skirting to prevent the top coat from getting dusty.
Buff and Clean Again
Take a pole sander and attach a 120-grit sanding screen. Run it over the boards to remove any fibers. Remember to sand in the direction of the grain. After buffing, clean the surface using a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner. Wipe the floor with a tack cloth and denatured alcohol to remove every bit of dust.
Stain the Floor
Apply wood stain to the floor, starting from the corners. Work in small sections and use an applicator pad on the pole to spread the stain evenly. For edges, use a paintbrush to stain the floor. Work quickly to keep the stain wet but avoid streaks. Allow the stain to penetrate the wood, then wipe off any excess with a clean cloth.
Apply Topcoat and Slightly Sand the Floor
Once the stain completely dries, add a layer of topcoat. Again, work in small sections to achieve the best results. When the topcoat is dry, sand the floor using 220-grit sandpaper and then remove the dust with a vacuum cleaner. Now, apply another topcoat and repeat the process at least four to five times. Keep your room ventilated and allow the coats to dry completely.
Water-based polyurethanes require 5 or more coats, while oil-based topcoat requires 3 coats max.
Also Read: Can Laminate Flooring Be Repaired If It Becomes Damaged?
Maintenance Tips for Newly Refinished Floors
- Do not drag heavy furniture on the newly furnished hardwood floor, as it can scratch the surface.
- Use felt pads or coasters under furniture legs to prevent scratches and dents.
- Immediately clean the spills to prevent staining and warping.
- Regularly sweep the floor to remove dirt and debris.
- Use a damp mop or hardwood floor cleaner for routine cleaning.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on the floor.
- Place doormats at entryways to trap dirt and moisture before it reaches the floor.
- If you have pets, trim their nails regularly to avoid scratching on the floor.
- Place rugs in high-traffic areas to keep your floor protected.
- Do not wash the floor. Just mop it.
Contact Floorika Fine Hardwood for Hardwood Floor Refinishing
Are you ready to refresh the appearance of your hardwood floor? Let’s make it happen today. At Floorika Fine Hardwood, our skilled team excels in refurnishing techniques. They ensure safety, precision, and flawless results. We are committed to client satisfaction, quality craftsmanship, and timely completion and provide a customized approach for each client.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements.