How to Refinish Oak Hardwood Floors

Many homes have red or white oak hardwood floors. Oak is a good wood for flooring because it is strong, looks beautiful, holds different stains well and is widely available. Refinishing oak hardwood floors will give them a new appearance. Learning how to refinish your oak floors is important.

Things You'll Need

• Broom
• Vacuum
• Plastic drop cloths
• Tape
• Towels
• Drum sander
• 60, 80, and 100 grit sandpaper for drum sander
• Hand sander or edge sander
• Damp cloths
• Wood stain
• Paintbrush
• Lamb's wool applicator
• Oil based polyurethane

Instructions

1. Clean oak hardwood floors with a broom and a vacuum. The floors should be free of dirt.

2. Tape plastic drop cloths over doors and window with painters tape. Shove old towels into heating vents. Extra precautions now will make it easier to clean up the dust from the sanding later.

3. Sand the oak floor with a drum sander. Start with 60 grit sandpaper for the drum sander. Make several passes over the floor with the drum sander. Switch to the 80 grit sandpaper, doing the same procedure, and then repeat with the 100 grit sandpaper. Vacuum the oak floor between each of the grit sizes of sandpaper. Reach into the corners of the room with a hand sander or edge sander.

4. Wipe the oak hardwood floors with a damp cloth to remove dust residue from the floors. Allow the floor to dry completely.

5. Apply stain to the oak hardwood floors with a paintbrush. Use a dry cloth to take away the extra stain on the floor. Let the stain dry overnight before varnishing.

6. Use a paintbrush and lamb's wool applicator to apply the oil based polyurethane to the oak hardwood floor. Wait for the finish to dry and then lightly sand it with fine grit sandpaper. Wipe the floor with a damp cloth to remove the dust and then apply a second coat of polyurethane. Repeat this process between the second and third coats. Do not sand the oak hardwood floor after the third coat has been applied. Consult the polyurethane manufacturer to determine how long you should avoid walking on the floors.

Tips & Warnings

• Use caution with the drum sander because even small mistakes can gouge your floor and make it impossible to fix. If you are in question about your ability to run the drum sander you may want to hire a professional.

References

• This Old House: Refinishing School