Published on 29 February 2024
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Hardwood floors are a great addition to any house or workplace as they provide a cosy, classic elegance. However, as an admirer of the design, you must understand that with daily wear and tear, the appearance can get dull over time. Sanding and refinishing your hardwood floors will be the most effective way to restore the original beauty. Sometimes, even better than the original.
The whole process of sanding and refinishing hardwood floors may sound like tiresome work. But with proper expertise and instructions through our step-by-step guide, you can ensure a professional-grade finish to your floors.
Before we dive into the comprehensive process of floor sanding and refinishing, let us get a grasp on the basics, especially if you’re just starting.
Floor sanding is the process of tidying up the top layer of the wooden floor, using certain abrasive materials, preferably sandpaper or sanding machines. The floor sanding process is to create a smooth and even surface and to bring back the original shine of the hardwood floor.
On the other hand, floor refinishing is the process of renewing and restoring the look of the wooden floor by adding new finishes. The material for the new finishes can vary based on many factors. However, the most preferred finish materials are sealers and polyurethane coatings. Sometimes, dyes are preferred too.
A great refinished hardwood floor needs the right set of tools. A detailed list of tools and materials is provided for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts to ensure a seamless restoration project.
Let us dive into the detailed process of how to sand and refinish the hardwood floors of your home or office.
The floor sanding and refinishing process starts with the room and floor preparation. You can start by taking out all of the room’s furniture, carpets and other objects. Room preparation will also provide you with enough room space for proceeding with further steps.
Furthermore, you must cover the doorways, vents, and windows with a cloth or plastic sheeting to keep away the dust. It is also advisable that you wear safety glasses and a respiratory protection mask to keep yourself safe from dust and fumes.
Baseboards and mouldings should be carefully removed with a hammer or a pry bar. If your home or workplace contains a power plug socket installed around the baseboard, you can cover the socket with a plastic sheet or even with tape. Removing the baseboards will help you access the entire floor surface without any discrepancies, and will facilitate a smooth refinishing process
While removing the baseboards and mouldings, you can look for any damaged boards. If you think it needs to be repaired or replaced permanently, you can keep those damaged boards separately. It would help you further if you keep a tab on the number of boards that need repairing or replacement. This will come in handy during the reinstallation phase.
Now, you can start with the floor sanding with coarse grit sandpaper using a drum or belt sander. Ensure that the entire floor is covered uniformly while working in the direction of the wood grain. If you’re aiming to get even a smoother surface, then you can try using medium and fine coarse grits after the first level of sanding. While working on the corners and delicate regions, use the edge sander or detail sander, depending on the geography of the flooring.
After floor sanding, thoroughly vacuum the floor to remove dust. The next step is to use a tack cloth and clean the floor surface to get the floor ready for further process – staining and refinishing. It is advised to use a bigger tack cloth for wider coverage.
If you wish to change the colour of your hardwood floor, you can opt for applying wood conditioner and then stain. However, it is a personal choice. In some cases, stains are recommended.
If you are applying for the stain, wait till it has dried out. After which you can start with the floor refinishing process, by applying sealer or polyurethane. These abrasive materials will enhance the life of the wood. Allow each coat to dry entirely before applying the next. Ventilate the room to facilitate the curing process.
After allowing ample time for the coat to dry off, you can start by reinstalling the removed baseboards, and mouldings and remove the plastic sheetings from the doors and vents. Give the room some air to get the refreshing feel back again. You can replace the new moulding with the older one, or perhaps repair them if you can. However, be careful about moving the objects back in to avoid scratching the newly refinished floors.
Entrusting your hardwood floor sanding and refinishing to professionals can make all the difference in achieving your dream results. With Floor Sanders Hire, you gain access to a team of skilled experts dedicated to refinishing your hardwood floors with precision, expertise and on time! Get your floor a new shiny look with our team at Floor Sanders. To learn more about our services, contact us today
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