Things You'll Need:
- floor sander and edger
- sandpaper (coarse to fine grit)
- rotary polisher
- scraper for corners
- stain color of your choice with applicator(s)
- polyurethane coating of your choice with applicator(s)
- old rags
- masking tape
- small-large cloths to cover vents windows and doors
- eye protection
- face mask
- ear plugs
- mop
- broom and dustpan
- wet/dry vacuum
- non-marking shoes (avoid black soles!)
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Step 1
Remove any furniture in the room and clean the wood flooring. If you apply any wet cleansers, make sure the hardwood floor is completely dry before you begin sanding. Be sure to check the walls and ceilings for any dust - you don't want dust falling on the floor while they are drying.
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Step 2
Cover any vents or open spaces with cloths and masking tape to prevent dust from getting in the crevices when you sand the wood floor. Sealing off doors is a good idea too.
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Step 3
For safety while sanding the wood floor, put on your ear plugs, face mask, eye protection and non-marking shoes (no black soles).
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Step 4
Sand the entire wood flooring with the floor sander until you see the raw wood underneath (avoid edges close to the wall - that is the next step). Use a coarse grit on the sander at first, then work your way to a fine grit. It might take 3-4 passes of varied sandpaper grits. The newer the finish, the less time it will take.
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Step 5
Use the floor edger to sand the edges of the wood flooring. Start up against the wall and work your way back towards the area that has already been sanded. Use the scraper to scrape the corners.
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Step 6
Look around the wood floor for any areas that need touch up.
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Step 7
Sweep, wipe, vacuum and mop up all dust from the room and wood flooring. This includes walls, doors, windows, ceilings, etc. All dust particles must be removed from the room.
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Step 8
Use the rotary polisher to touch up the entire wood flooring and prepare it for finishing.
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Step 9
Stain the wood floor with the color of your choice or leave it the natural wood color if you prefer. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions for drying time.
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Step 10
After the stain dries on the flooring, apply one coat of polyurethane and let it dry. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying times and repeat coat recommendations.
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Step 11
Wait three days, then put the furniture back in the room. Keep in mind it could take up to 21 days for the finished wood floor to completely cure.














Comments
jenng said
on 10/23/2009 great article on How to Finish Wood Floors 5*
NaimaManal said
on 3/15/2009 Very clear instructions. Thank you!
ruth0046 said
on 3/15/2009 Great instructions. Easier said than done. I refinished my hardwood floors doing just the way you recommend and they turned out great. Thanks! 5*
elyria said
on 3/14/2009 Nice article and very informative! 5* and gave you a recommendation!
kaytay said
on 3/14/2009 I am thinking about tearing up my carpet and refinishing the wood floors. Thanks for the advice