How to Refinish Hardwood Floors

Refinishing hardwood floors is a practical way to restore their natural beauty and extend their lifespan. Over time, floors can lose their shine due to scratches, dents, and everyday wear. Refinishing helps protect the wood and make the space feel fresh again, without needing a full replacement.

There are clear signs that indicate it’s time to refinish. These include visible scratches, fading color, water damage, or a dull appearance. If cleaning no longer restores the floor’s look, it’s time to consider refinishing.

Deciding between doing the work yourself or hiring professionals depends on the condition of your floors and your experience. DIY refinishing can be cost-effective but requires time, patience, and attention to detail. On the other hand, hiring professionals ensures smooth, high-quality results, especially for larger or more complex projects.

Preparation for Refinishing

Refinishing hardwood floors requires careful planning and preparation to get the best results. This stage helps you avoid common mistakes and ensures the process goes smoothly from start to finish. Taking the time to evaluate the floors, gather materials, and set up your workspace will save you effort later on.

Evaluate Your Floors

Start by inspecting the current condition of your floors. This helps you decide the right approach and identify any extra steps you may need to take before refinishing.

• Check the Finish
  Test the existing finish by pouring a small amount of water on the floor. If the water beads up, the finish is likely polyurethane. If it soaks into the wood, you’re dealing with an older finish like wax or oil. Knowing this will help you choose the right materials and process for refinishing.
• Look for Damage
  Examine the surface for scratches, dents, and stains. Floors with minor scratches and dullness can usually be sanded and refinished without extra repairs. Deep gouges, cracks, or water stains may require professional repairs before you begin. Addressing these issues first ensures the refinishing process goes smoothly and looks great in the end.

Gather Necessary Materials and Tools

Having the right tools and supplies will make the process more manageable and give you better results.

• Sanding Equipment
  Use a drum sander for large, open areas and an edge sander for corners and tight spaces. You’ll need sandpaper in varying grits, starting with coarse to remove the old finish, medium to smooth the surface, and fine to prepare it for staining.
• Safety Gear
  Sanding generates a lot of dust, so protect yourself with a dust mask or respirator, goggles, and gloves. These simple precautions make the process safer and more comfortable.
• Finishing Supplies
  Select a stain for the desired color and polyurethane for protection. Oil-based polyurethane is durable and gives a warm tone, while water-based products dry faster and have fewer fumes. Use brushes, rollers, or pads for applying the stain and finish evenly.

Prepare the Room

Creating a clean, organized workspace is just as important as having the right tools. Proper preparation ensures a smoother refinishing process and protects your home from unnecessary mess.

• Clear the Room
  Remove all furniture, rugs, and decor. Leaving items in the room can make it harder to work and increase the risk of damage. For heavy furniture or built-ins that can’t be moved, cover them with plastic sheeting to protect them from dust.
• Seal and Protect Fixtures
  Cover vents, light fixtures, and other surfaces to prevent dust from spreading throughout your home. Plastic sheets or painter’s tape can be used to seal off areas you don’t want affected.
• Ensure Ventilation
  Keep the workspace well-ventilated. Open windows and use fans to circulate fresh air and help with dust and fumes. This will make the environment safer and more comfortable to work in. Avoid using ceiling fans while sanding, as they can stir up dust.

Sanding Process

Sanding is a key step in refinishing hardwood floors, as it removes the old finish and reveals fresh wood beneath. This part of the process requires careful attention to get a smooth and even surface ready for staining or sealing. Taking it step by step will help you get the best results without any unnecessary issues.

Step 1: Start with the Drum Sander

Using a drum sander is the first step in removing the old finish and leveling out the floor. Here are some important tips to follow:

• Use Smooth, Even Motions
  Start by moving the sander in the direction of the wood grain, and always keep it moving. Letting the drum sander sit in one spot for too long can create deep grooves in the wood. Maintain even pressure as you push the sander forward to avoid leaving any marks behind.
• Sand in Sections
  It’s best to divide the floor into manageable sections. Focus on one area at a time while overlapping each pass slightly to ensure complete coverage. This keeps the sanding consistent and prevents missing any areas.
• Addressing Corners and Edges
  Drum sanders are great for covering large areas, but they can't reach the edges of the room or corners. For these spots, use an edge sander to blend the perimeter with the rest of the floor. Keep the edge sander moving just like the drum sander to avoid over-sanding in one place.

Step 2: Progress Through Grits

Sanding involves multiple passes with sandpaper of varying grits, starting coarse and getting finer with each round. This progression helps create a smooth and ready-to-finish surface.

• Start with Coarse Grit
  Begin with a coarse sandpaper grit (around 36 or 40). The goal here is to strip away the old finish and remove any surface imperfections like scratches or stains. Focus on keeping a steady pace and evenly covering the entire area to prevent any high or low spots.
• Move to Medium Grit
  After the first pass, switch to medium grit sandpaper (60 to 80 grit). This step is all about smoothing the surface. It will help get rid of any lines or marks left by the coarse sandpaper. Keep a steady motion, and continue working along the wood grain for the best results.
• Finish with Fine Grit
  The final pass uses fine grit sandpaper (100 to 120 grit). This is what prepares the wood for staining or sealing, giving it a nice, even surface. Take your time, as any rough areas at this point will affect how well the finish sticks to the wood.
• Avoid Uneven Pressure
  Apply consistent pressure during each sanding pass. Pressing too hard or too lightly in spots can create an uneven finish. Let the sander’s weight do most of the work for you, rather than forcing it down. Avoiding these common mistakes will give you a much better final look.

If you’re feeling uncertain about the process or the tools needed, you can also find a contractor to help you. Learn more about finding a general contractor.

Step 3: Clean the Surface Thoroughly

Once the sanding is complete, cleaning becomes a vital step before applying any new stain or finish. Leftover dust and debris can ruin an otherwise flawless refinishing job, so be sure to take your time here.

• Vacuum Thoroughly
  Use a shop vacuum to clean up all the dust left from sanding. Start by vacuuming the entire floor area, and pay extra attention to corners, along baseboards, and anywhere dust tends to settle. Don’t forget to vacuum any ledges or sills to keep dust from falling back onto the clean floor during the next steps.
• Tack Cloth for Fine Dust
  After vacuuming, use a tack cloth to wipe down the entire surface. A tack cloth is slightly sticky and designed to pick up the fine dust particles that a vacuum may miss. Gently wipe every part of the floor to make sure there’s no residue left behind. The cleaner your surface, the smoother the application of your stain or finish will be.

Staining and Finishing

After sanding, the next steps are staining and finishing. These steps add color and protect the floor, giving it a polished and long-lasting appearance. Whether you choose to stain or go straight to the finish, careful application will ensure the floors look great and wear well over time.

Step 1: Choose and Apply Stain (Optional)

After sanding, the next step is to stain and finish your hardwood floors to enhance their color and protect them. This process is all about bringing out the best in your floors while ensuring they are ready for everyday wear and tear. Each stage requires a bit of patience, but the results are worth the effort.

• Test the Stain First
  Before applying stain to the entire floor, test it in an inconspicuous area to make sure it’s the shade you want. The color can appear slightly different depending on the wood type and how the stain absorbs. Testing avoids surprises and lets you adjust your choice if needed.
• Apply Stain Evenly
  Use a clean cloth or applicator to apply the stain evenly along the grain of the wood. Work in small sections, making sure to cover the entire surface without leaving puddles or streaks. Wipe off any excess stain with a cloth to prevent uneven spots or sticky patches.
• Allow Time to Dry
  Let the stain dry completely before moving on to the finish. Drying times can vary depending on the product, so always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Proper drying is key to ensuring a smooth and flawless finish.

Step 2: Apply the Protective Finish

After staining (or if you decide to keep the natural wood color), the next step is to protect your floor with a finish. This adds shine, and durability, and helps the wood resist wear.

• Oil-Based vs. Water-Based Polyurethane
  There are two main types of polyurethane to choose from: oil-based and water-based. Oil-based finishes tend to add warmth and depth to the wood’s color, and they are known for their durability. They do take longer to dry and emit more fumes, so good ventilation is necessary. Water-based polyurethane dries faster, has a low odor, and provides a clear finish. It’s often the better choice if you prefer a lighter, more natural look.
• Techniques for Even Application
  Start by pouring a small amount of polyurethane onto the floor, then use a high-quality brush or foam pad applicator to spread it evenly. Work in small sections, always following the direction of the wood grain. Avoid overworking the finish, as too much brushing can cause bubbles to form. Apply a thin, even coat, and take your time to ensure there are no streaks or missed spots.
• Drying Time
  Oil-based polyurethane typically takes longer to dry up to 24 hours between coats while water-based finishes can dry within 4-6 hours. Be patient and avoid rushing to ensure the floor is fully cured before applying additional coats. Keeping the workspace free from dust during drying times will also help create a smooth finish.

If you want more insights into the materials and techniques for finishing, check out our article on flooring costs. It covers additional details that may be helpful during this stage.

Step 3: Drying and Buffing

Once the first coat of polyurethane is dry, it’s time to buff the surface and add more coats. This process makes the final finish smoother and more durable.

• Buffing Between Coats
  After each coat of polyurethane has dried, lightly buff the surface with fine-grit sandpaper or a buffer pad. Buffing helps smooth out any uneven spots and allows the next coat to adhere better. Wipe down the surface with a tack cloth afterward to remove any dust or residue before applying the next coat.
• Number of Coats for Durability
  For the best protection, apply at least two to three coats of polyurethane. High-traffic areas, such as hallways or kitchens, may benefit from an extra coat to ensure longevity. Each coat adds more durability, which means your floors will hold up better to everyday use.
• Final Drying
  Once the last coat is applied, allow the floor to dry fully before moving any furniture back into the room. Oil-based finishes need about 48-72 hours to cure, while water-based finishes generally require 24 hours. The longer you can wait before subjecting the floors to heavy foot traffic, the better the results will be.

Post-Refinishing Care

After the refinishing process is complete, proper care and maintenance are key to ensuring your floors look great for years to come. Following a few simple steps can help preserve the finish and reduce the need for future refinishing.

Allow Sufficient Curing Time

Once the final coat of finish is applied, it’s important to let the floor cure fully before placing furniture back or walking on it with shoes.

• Keep the room empty for at least the recommended furniture placement time.
• Use furniture pads when placing items back to avoid scratching the surface.
• Avoid heavy traffic or area rugs until the full cure time has passed.

Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance will keep your hardwood floors looking polished and help extend the lifespan of the new finish.

• Routine Cleaning
  Use a soft-bristle broom or vacuum with a hardwood floor attachment to remove dirt and dust. Damp mop with a hardwood-safe cleaner when needed, but avoid excessive water, as it can damage the finish over time.
• Preventative Measures
  Place rugs or mats in high-traffic areas, such as hallways and entrances, to reduce wear. Avoid wearing shoes indoors, especially high heels, as they can dent the surface.
• Light Refinishing
  Depending on the level of wear, a light screening (a process of lightly sanding the top coat and reapplying a fresh layer of finish) can help maintain the look of the floor. This is typically done every 3-5 years in high-traffic areas.

DIY Refinishing: Pros and Cons

Refinishing hardwood floors yourself can be rewarding, but it’s not always the best choice for everyone. Let’s break down the advantages and disadvantages to help you decide.

Pros

• Cost Savings
  DIY refinishing can significantly reduce costs compared to hiring a professional contractor. The primary expenses are renting equipment and purchasing materials.
• Flexible Schedule
  Working on your own timeline means you can complete the project at your own pace without feeling rushed.

Cons

• Skill Level Required
  Sanding and applying finishes require precision. Beginners may find it difficult to achieve an even result, especially with drum sanders.
• Time-Consuming
  Refinishing can take several days or more, depending on the size of the area and drying times. This can be challenging for homeowners with busy schedules.
• Potential for Mistakes
  Uneven sanding, applying too much or too little stain, or not allowing the finish to dry properly can all lead to issues that may require expensive fixes later.

When to Consider Hiring a Professional

Deciding between a DIY approach and hiring a professional can depend on several factors, including the condition of your floors, your time availability, and the quality of finish you desire. Here’s a guide to help you determine when hiring a professional might be the best option.

Extensive Floor Damage

For floors that have been significantly damaged, professional expertise ensures the job is done correctly, saving you time and frustration.

Time Constraints

Refinishing hardwood floors is time-consuming, especially if you’re new to the process. Professionals can complete the job quickly and efficiently, often within a week, depending on the scope. This can be especially valuable if you’re preparing your home for sale or dealing with other deadlines.

Quality Assurance

Quality refinishing requires experience to avoid common pitfalls like streaks, bubbles in the finish, or uneven sanding. A professional will bring years of experience to the table, ensuring a high-quality outcome without visible mistakes. They have specialized tools and know-how, which can make a significant difference in the final look of your floors.

To find trusted contractors for your project, explore our guide on our contractor vetting process, which provides tips on selecting the right professionals for the job.

How to Find a Reliable Flooring Contractor

Finding a trustworthy contractor for your flooring project can make all the difference in getting the results you want. Here are some steps to help you locate and choose a reliable professional.

Research Online Reviews and Ratings

Check platforms like Google, Yelp, or specialized contractor websites for reviews. Look for contractors with consistent high ratings and positive feedback from clients.

Ask for Recommendations

Friends, family, or neighbors who have recently had similar work done can be a great source of recommendations. Personal referrals are often more reliable, as you can get a firsthand account of their experience with a particular contractor.

Verify Credentials

Make sure any contractor you consider is licensed and insured. A valid license ensures that they have met the necessary standards for their trade. Insurance protects both you and the contractor in case of accidents or damage during the job. For more insights, check out our guide on how to do a contractor license check.

Get Multiple Quotes

Don’t settle for the first estimate you receive. Reach out to at least three contractors to get quotes. This will give you a sense of the going rate for your project and help you understand what is included in each quote. It also provides an opportunity to compare services and timelines to choose what’s best for your needs.

Request References

Ask the contractor for references from past clients. Follow up to learn about their experiences, including the quality of work, adherence to deadlines, and professionalism.