Hardwood is a timeless flooring
option that can last through lifetimes. However, the only way one can enjoy
long-term use from this flooring option is through routine maintenance. At CMA Flooring, we believe that by
providing regular care and maintenance to your hardwood floors one can ensure quality
floors look attractive and up-to-date. Part of this maintenance involves
refinishing your hardwood floors. While many individuals hire a third party
service to refinish your floors, it is easy to do so yourself.
Before refinishing your hardwood floors, one must perform an overall assessment of the floor. Look to see if there any holes or cracks in the hardwood that may need to be plugged before you proceed. If so, find a wood plug or putty to plug into the hole and let it harden before you begin refinishing your floor. After this is complete, you should thoroughly sweep and clean your floor.
After your floor has been prepped it is time to start sanding your floor. Sanding your floor removes any rough spots and smoothes out the surface so that a fresh layer of finish can be applied. When refinishing hardwood floors, it is important to start with a rougher and more courser sand paper and then to refine it using sandpaper with a lower grit. The exact sandpaper grit needed can vary widely from floor to floor. If you do not own a belt or drum sander then you can rent one from many home repair and maintenance stores.
Before refinishing your hardwood floors, one must perform an overall assessment of the floor. Look to see if there any holes or cracks in the hardwood that may need to be plugged before you proceed. If so, find a wood plug or putty to plug into the hole and let it harden before you begin refinishing your floor. After this is complete, you should thoroughly sweep and clean your floor.
After your floor has been prepped it is time to start sanding your floor. Sanding your floor removes any rough spots and smoothes out the surface so that a fresh layer of finish can be applied. When refinishing hardwood floors, it is important to start with a rougher and more courser sand paper and then to refine it using sandpaper with a lower grit. The exact sandpaper grit needed can vary widely from floor to floor. If you do not own a belt or drum sander then you can rent one from many home repair and maintenance stores.
When sanding, be sure to avoid
spending too much time in any one section of the floor. For corners that are
too small to access with the belt or drum sander, a hand sander is a good
option. Run the sander over your hardwood floors and then lower the grit level
to further smooth out the floor. Use mineral spirits to then wipe on the
surface to clean it thoroughly.
Once the floor has been sanded, it is ready to be refinished. Decide whether you will be using a water or oil based refinish. Oil is generally thought to provide better care and protection for your wood, but it takes longer to apply and dry. Oil based refinishers also have a strong smell and need to be properly ventilated.
If you are going to apply a stain to the hardwood flooring, this is the appropriate time to do so. If you’re not planning to apply a stain, then clean your refinished floor with mineral spirits and enjoy the fruit of your labor.
Once the floor has been sanded, it is ready to be refinished. Decide whether you will be using a water or oil based refinish. Oil is generally thought to provide better care and protection for your wood, but it takes longer to apply and dry. Oil based refinishers also have a strong smell and need to be properly ventilated.
If you are going to apply a stain to the hardwood flooring, this is the appropriate time to do so. If you’re not planning to apply a stain, then clean your refinished floor with mineral spirits and enjoy the fruit of your labor.
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