- Regular refinishing helps to keep the wood sealed to protect it from water and regular wear and tear, preserving the hardwood floors for the years to come. Sanding and refinishing hardwood floors is generally a multi-day operation, particularly for large projects, such as gym repair and the refinishing of an entire house. The equipment can also be either rented from some hardware stores and other equipment rental specialists. Luckily, it doesn't require special skills to perform a serviceable refinishing.
- Sanders come in many types, but the most common sort is the drum sander. These machines look something like massive, heavy vacuum cleaners and can be pushed relatively easily. Two people are needed to carry such a machine up and down stairs. The sander strips off the finish and smooths the underlying wood to prepare it for re-staining and refinishing. It is an involved and messy task, but with care and preparation, it's completely within the capabilities of an ordinary person to accomplish on his own.
- Orbital sanders are lighter than the drum variety and easier to use. They are more expensive, however, to rent. Propane-powered drum sanders can be used for high-power needs. These are particularly useful for outdoor decks or very large projects. Disc sanders are ideal for producing the flattest, smoothest hardwood floors possible during a refinishing project. Abraders scrape off the top coat of finishing without damaging the wood underneath. Wet screeners can be used to strip off finish without chemicals--often attached to riding machines, they use high-speed abrasive brushes instead.
- When it comes to applying stain and the finishing coat, most floors can be painted over with either a roller or paintbrushes. Gym floors and other large projects may require the use of a riding machine to accomplish efficiently. Fans and industrial quality vacuum cleaners can be rented to help clean the area of dust and other contaminants before applying stain and finish. Dust particles that become trapped in the finish can mar the appearance of the floor and gradually wear down the wood, making it so that it will be necessary to re-finish the floors sooner rather than later.
- When refinishing hardwood floors, the equipment used matters less than how it was used, Taking extra care--when sanding in particular--can reduce the need for refinishing in the future. Apply the finish and stain evenly, or the wood may warp. If the floors are refinished improperly multiple times, it can lead to so much damage over time that the floors need to be replaced entirely. Care and precision can keep floors protected and beautiful for decades.
