A Guide to Refinishing Your Hardwood Floors

Does your hardwood flooring need some TLC before the colder months roll in? Of course, you can always hire a professional for the job but if you are an avid DIYer it is also something that you can tackle with the right tools and a bit of know-how. Here’s everything you need to know about refinishing your hardwood floors.

Tools and Materials You'll Need

First of all, let’s go over the tools you will need for the job. And keep in mind that any tools you do not already have Pro Star Rental most likely have available, especially floor sanders.

-Drum sander and edge sander

-Sandpaper (various grits)

-Vacuum cleaner

-Wood filler

-Putty knife

-Hammer and nail set

-Stain (optional)

-Polyurethane finish

-Paint roller and brushes

-Floor buffer or buffer pad

-Respirator mask

-Safety glasses

-Ear protection

-Dust mask

Prepare the Room

Once you have all of your tools and supplies, begin by preparing the room where you will be working. Remove all furniture, rugs, and obstacles from the room. Ensure the room is well-ventilated by opening windows and doors.

Sand the Floor

Start by sanding the floor using a drum sander. Begin with a coarse-grit sandpaper (around 36-60 grit) to remove the existing finish and any deep scratches. Sand in the direction of the wood grain, keeping the sander moving steadily.

After using the coarse grit, switch to finer sandpaper (80-100 grit) to smooth out the surface. Repeat the process with even finer grits (120-150) for a smooth finish.

Use an edge sander or hand sander for areas that the drum sander cannot reach, such as corners and edges.

Clean the Floor

Vacuum the entire room and floor thoroughly to remove all dust and debris. Ensure the floor is clean before proceeding.

Inspect and Repair

Examine the floor for any gaps, cracks, or holes. Use wood filler and a putty knife to fill these imperfections. Allow the filler to dry completely, and then sand it smooth.

Stain (Optional)

If you want to change the color of your hardwood floor, now is the time to apply a wood stain. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for staining and drying times.

Apply Finish

Apply a polyurethane finish using a paint roller and brushes. Start in one corner of the room and work your way toward the exit to avoid walking on the fresh finish.

Apply multiple thin coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before adding the next. Sand lightly between coats with a fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit) to smooth out any imperfections.

Buff the Floor

After the final coat of finish has dried, use a floor buffer with a buffer pad to buff the floor. This step helps to create a smooth, glossy surface.

Allow Drying Time

Allow the finish to cure and dry completely. This can take several days to a couple of weeks, depending on the product used and environmental conditions.

And there you have it! Hopefully this guide will be helpful if you decide to tackle this project on your own. And if you do, do not hesitate to call one of our Pro Star Rental locations to check on our tool availability.

By Pro Star Rental 10-16-2023