How To Sand And Refinish Wood Floors

Sanding and refinishing wood floors is a great way to give them a fresh new look and protect them from wear and tear. It's a relatively simple process that can be completed in a weekend with the right tools and materials.

Materials:

- Sandpaper (80-grit, 120-grit, and 220-grit) - Drum sander or belt sander - Edger sander - Tack cloths - Polyurethane or other finish - Applicator (brush, roller, or sprayer)

Tools:

- Safety glasses - Dust mask - Gloves - Knee pads - Squeegee - Shop vacuum

Step 1: Prepare the floor

Remove all furniture and rugs from the room. Sweep and vacuum the floor to remove any dirt or debris. If there are any nails or staples in the floor, hammer them down flush with the surface. Fill any holes or cracks with wood filler and let it dry completely.

Step 2: Sand the floor

Start by sanding the floor with 80-grit sandpaper. Use a drum sander or belt sander for large areas, and an edger sander for corners and edges. Work in the direction of the wood grain and apply even pressure. Once you've sanded the entire floor, vacuum up the dust.

Step 3: Sand again with finer sandpaper

Switch to 120-grit sandpaper and sand the floor again. This will help to smooth out any scratches and imperfections from the previous sanding. Vacuum up the dust again.

Step 4: Sand one last time with the finest sandpaper

Finish by sanding the floor with 220-grit sandpaper. This will create a smooth, even surface that's ready for finishing.

Step 5: Clean the floor

Wipe down the floor with a tack cloth to remove any remaining dust or debris. This will help to ensure that the finish adheres properly.

Step 6: Apply the finish

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying the finish. You can use a brush, roller, or sprayer to apply the finish. Be sure to apply thin, even coats and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

Step 7: Let the floor cure

Once you've applied the finish, allow it to cure for the recommended amount of time before walking on the floor or replacing furniture. This will give the finish time to harden and fully protect the floor.