Refinishing Hardwood Floor

Refinishing your hardwood floor is something the do it yourself person can do. Depending on how big of a job you have and what is on the wood surface right now. Whatever is one the surface be it wax stain, paint or what ever, it will have to come off.

I prefer to sand, but some like to strip it off. I prefer sanding because you will be guaranteed a smooth flat surface when you are done. Stripping paint or urethane can get you into trouble as scrapping can cause gouges. If you have thick paint or urethane you may want to lightly strip it, then sand.

Most people will rent a drum sander to help with the sanding. Drum sanders do have there problems, you have to follow the grain of the wood and they can create gouges. Here is a Wood Floor Sander that is made for wood floors that will work the best. It works like a hand held random orbital sander that can be used for smaller jobs. A random orbital sander does not create swirls and can be used in any direction.

When sanding you will start with a 40-50 grit sandpaper and finish with a 100-120 grit sandpaper as your finish coat.

Next you will have to choose if you want to stain it or apply a sealer. Wood floors can be stained with many different colors of even custom colors. When you have finished staining you will want to apply a sealer usually urethane or poly urethane finish with 3 coats. The finish coat can be satin, semi-gloss or high gloss.