How to Sand and Refinish Your Floors Like a Pro

Beginner to Intermediate: Approximately 7-10 Days

Cost Breakdown:

DIYer: $200 - $500, depending on the size of the area and the materials chosen.
Hiring a Professional: $3 - $5 per square foot, which can add up to $1,500 - $2,500 for a typical living room.

Are your hardwood floors looking a bit tired and worn out? Refinishing them can bring back their original beauty and add value to your home. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can sand and refinish your floors yourself. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. You'll need:

A drum sander
An edge sander
A vacuum cleaner
Sandpaper (coarse, medium, and fine grit)
A mop or tack cloth | Buy
Wood stain | Buy
Floor finish (polyurethane or water-based) | Buy
Paintbrushes and rollers | Buy
Safety gear (goggles, mask, ear protection)

Step 2: Prepare the Room Clear the room of all furniture and cover any fixtures or vents to protect them from dust. Make sure to remove any nails or staples sticking out of the floor, as they can damage the sanders.

Step 3: Sand the Floors Start with Coarse Grit Sandpaper: Begin sanding with a coarse grit sandpaper (around 36-grit) to remove the old finish and level the floor. Use the drum sander for the main areas and the edge sander for corners and edges.

Progress to Medium Grit: Once the old finish is removed, switch to a medium grit sandpaper (around 60-grit) to smooth out the surface.

Finish with Fine Grit: Finally, use a fine grit sandpaper (around 100-grit) for a smooth finish. Make sure to sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid scratches.

Step 4: Clean the Floor After sanding, thoroughly vacuum the floor to remove all dust. Use a mop or tack cloth to pick up any remaining particles. A clean surface is crucial for a smooth finish.

Step 5: Apply Stain (Optional) If you want to change the color of your floor, now is the time to apply a wood stain. Use a brush or roller to apply the stain evenly, following the wood grain. Allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 6: Apply the Finish Choose Your Finish: Decide between oil-based polyurethane for a durable finish or a water-based finish for a quicker drying time and less odor.

Apply the First Coat: Use a brush or roller to apply the finish evenly. Start from the farthest corner of the room and work your way out to avoid stepping on the wet finish.

Sand Between Coats: Once the first coat is dry, lightly sand the floor with fine grit sandpaper to remove any bubbles or imperfections. Clean the dust before applying the next coat.

Apply Additional Coats: Apply at least two more coats, sanding lightly between each one. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying times.

Step 7: Let It Cure Allow the finish to cure completely before moving furniture back into the room. This can take a few days, depending on the type of finish used.

Conclusion Refinishing your floors can be a rewarding DIY project that transforms your space. With the right tools and a bit of elbow grease, you can achieve professional-looking results. Remember, patience and attention to detail are key to a successful floor refinishing project.