How to Refinish Parque Wood Floors

Choosing to refinish a parquet wood floor is a sensible option for those who are seeking an economical alternative to replacing it. Parquet flooring comes in a variety of styles and is installed by piecing together the parquet squares much like a puzzle. Because of this unique installation process, many consumers are unsure of how to refinish parquet flooring without ruining its look. Refinishing a parquet floor is a fairly easy process; however, it can be time consuming. The following steps will explain how to refinish parquet wood floors.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Orbital sander
• Vacuum
• Broom
• Floor finish

1. Remove furniture and debris. Clear all furniture and belongings from the area that is to be refinished. Thoroughly sweep and mop the parquet floor until it is clean and free of debris. Allow the parquet floor to completely dry.

2. 
    
   Orbital sander

   Sand the perimeter of the floor first. Use a hand-held orbital sander to gently sand around the edges of the area and continue out one foot from the wall. A hand-held orbital sander will gently sand the surface of the parquet without causing damage and will allow the user to have better control in corners and small areas. Purchase a square foot of parquet, and practice using the sander on it before using it on the floor to be refinished.

3. 
    
   Sand small sections

   Start on one end of the room, and use the orbital sander to sand one small section at a time. Maintain a slow pace to avoid scratching or damaging the floor. Continue sanding the parquet floor in small consecutive sections until the entire area is sanded.

4. Sweep the entire area to remove any dust and debris left by the sander. Follow up with a vacuum and use its hose to vacuum any corners or narrow areas. The entire floor must be free of debris before a finish can be applied.

5. 
    
   Floor finishes

   Apply the finish. The most common finishes used for parquet floors are stains, waxes and oils. Select the type of finish that will produce the look you desire. Apply the finish according to the manufacturer's instructions, and enjoy your refinished parquet floors.

Tips & Warnings

• Check that the finish you apply is specifically made for use on parquet floors.