Hardwood floors are finished with a clear protective coating that wears away over time. By sanding the floor and learning how to seal hardwood floors, you can give your wooden flooring a new lease of life – and the best part is, this is an easy DIY job that anyone can tackle.
Can you refinish hardwood floors yourself?
Refinishing hardwood floors is a popular DIY project that is cheaper than paying a professional. As Goodell David, Founder of WoodWorking Clarity (opens in new tab) explains, “Any homeowner can finish or refinish hardwood floors using a variety of methods.” If you are planning to tackle multiple rooms, it may be quicker to hire someone to do the job for you. Similarly, if your floor is uneven or has been stained by pets, it might require expert attention. However, most hardwood floors can be refinished relatively easily during a weekend of DIY, which is great for those on a budget.
How to sand and refinish hardwood floors
- Spot check for nails Check the surface of the floor for any protruding nails and tap back into place with a hammer.
- Start sanding Goodell David says, “You need an orbital sander to remove the old finish.” Make a first pass over the floor with the sander and a 36-grit sandpaper, moving slowly and smoothly.
- Hand-sand the edges Use a hand-held sander for the edges, and a detail sander for the corners. Vacuum up any dust.
- Fill the holes Fill any nail holes or dents with wood filler. Mix some sawdust from your initial sanding with some white glue for a DIY filler that matches your floor, then apply with a putty knife.
- Re-sand Sand the floor again using a 50 or 60-grit sandpaper. Follow this with sanding the edges and corners again, and vacuum once more.
- Go in for the final sand Use at least 80-grit sandpaper for the final sanding. Finish with the edges and corners, and one last vacuum. Wipe with a damp rag and mineral spirits to remove as much dust as possible.
- Start to stain If you are staining your floor, apply the stain now.
- Finish with a seal Finish the floor with up to three coats of oil or polyurethane. Allow the sealant to dry between coats for the best results. Discover more guides for the home… Best steam mops (opens in new tab) Best robot vacuums (opens in new tab) Best handheld vacuums (opens in new tab) Best carpet cleaners (opens in new tab)
