A guide to refinishing your hardwood floors

Refinishing your hardwood floors will ensure that they last a long time and are protected from the wear and tear that your family puts them through. If you've been putting off this repair because of the cost, you should know that refinishing your floors doesn't have to be expensive.

While affordable floor sanding and refinishing your hardwood floors as a DIY project takes time, it is less expensive than hiring a specialist. Depending on the square footage, refinishing your floors yourself can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000. For the same project, you can anticipate to spend a professional $3 to $4 per square foot.

Refinish your hardwood floors by sanding and refinishing them

Attach the coarsest grain of sandpaper to your sander and start sanding. Make sure your sander is aligned with the wood's grain. If your floor is bent, travel diagonally with the grain rather than entirely against it. When you're ready, sand your hardwood floors using the procedures below.

Change the color of your hardwood floor by staining it

Staining is a step that can be skipped. Stain is the way to go if you're searching for a fashionable dark floor. If you wish to keep the wood's natural color, skip this step and go straight to the polyurethane finish. The time it takes to stain your floor will add at least one day to your job.

After you've decided on a color, test it out on a scrap piece of wood to be sure you like it. Then, as directed on the can, follow the instructions.

Tips:

• Stain the wood using a paintbrush or a cloth, working with the grain.
• Before going on, use a rag to remove any excess discoloration.
• Every 10 to 15 minutes, stir your stain.
• Allow for drying time between applications and apply as many coats as necessary to attain the desired hue.

Finish hardwood floors with finishing coats

When it comes to refinishing hardwood floors, this is the final and most crucial stage. This coating preserves your floors by sealing them and sealing them against future damage. Wait until your flooring are completely dry if you stained them. After that, vacuum the floors thoroughly. Under the final coat, any debris, dust, or hair on the floor will become trapped.

There are two forms of polyurethane: water-based and oil-based. The oil-based option will give your flooring a warm golden glow, but it will take longer to dry than the water-based alternative. Water-based polyurethane will preserve the wood's natural color while also drying faster. Before using either, make sure the room is properly aired. This is also a good time to put on your facemask.

Remove any excess fuzz from the lamb's-wool applicator before beginning. Vacuum it first, then use painters tape to remove any remaining debris.

Finish hardwood floors with finishing coats

When it comes to refinishing hardwood floors, this is the final and most crucial stage. This coating preserves your floors by sealing them and sealing them against future damage. Wait until your flooring are completely dry if you stained them. After that, vacuum the floors thoroughly. Under the final coat, any debris, dust, or hair on the floor will become trapped.

There are two forms of polyurethane: water-based and oil-based. The oil-based option will give your flooring a warm golden glow, but it will take longer to dry than the water-based alternative. Water-based polyurethane will preserve the wood's natural color while also drying faster. Before using either, make sure the room is properly aired. This is also a good time to put on your facemask.

Remove any excess fuzz from the lamb's-wool applicator before beginning. Vacuum it first, then use painters tape to remove any remaining debris.

How to apply a finish on hardwood floors in steps

• Begin by painting the room's perimeter using a paintbrush. From the wall to the center of the room, cover about 12 inches of the floor. Work in the direction of the grain of the wood.
• Try to avoid bubbles and drips by keeping your brush damp.
• Use the lamb's-wool applicator to finish the rest of the room once the perimeter is complete.
• Remember to apply with the grain as you make your way towards the exit. You won't be able to walk on the floor once the polyurethane is applied.
• Apply at least two coats, with more in more traveled areas. Wait at least 24 hours before applying more coats. You may need to wait longer depending on the temperature and humidity.

Some polyurethane brands will require sanding between coats, while others will not. Instructions can be found on the container. If you sand in between applications, make sure to clean completely to remove all dust.

Simply wait for the coats to dry once you've applied the necessary amount of coats, and you're done! You can walk on your refinished hardwood floors 24 hours after the final coat has been applied. To avoid scratching, wait a week (or as long as feasible) before returning furniture to the room.