Many homeowners have often considered refinishing the hardwood floors in their homes, but put off the task due to expense, lack of time and an unwillingness to do hard work. What most people do not realize is that the task can be completed on their own time, without the help of professionals and for a fraction of what they assume the cost may be.
It is normal to feel overwhelmed by such a task when an old carpet is pulled up and a dingy, dusty floor is all that remains underneath. While an old hardwood floor may not look like much, a little effort can restore the wood to a gleaming finish and can also boost the value of the home by tens of thousands of dollars. Waxing and buffing can give the floors a nice shine, but the only way to bring out their true beauty is by sanding hardwood floors.
Before you begin your project, thoroughly inspect the floors for the depth of cracks and gaps. It may be beneficial to do this in winter when the cold weather makes wood retract and imperfections are more visible. This should give you a good idea as to how much work you will have to put into your project. Sanding hardwood floors that are made of maple proves to be an especially difficult project, so if this applies to your home, you may want to consider hiring a professional.
Sanding hardwood floors is very difficult to do by hand, but can be accomplished very easily with some inexpensive tools that can be found at your local hardware store. Anyone who would like to accomplish this task should invest in a drum sander and several sheets of sandpaper ranging from a thickness of 20 to 100 grit.
Since sanding hardwood floors can oftentimes be a dusty and dirty job it would also be wise to invest in a pair of safety goggles and dust masks for your personal safety. The drum sander is often noisy as well so ear protection may also be preferred. The drum sander may seem a bit awkward to handle at first, but with a little practice one may use it with ease. One should always sand with and not against the grain of the wood or risk nicking and warping the floors.
When the floor has finished being sanded, the next step is to choose a wood stain that complements the accents of your home. Oil based stains are the easiest to apply and come in a variety of different colors. Stains should always be applied in a well ventilated area and need at least 12 hours to dry. When the stain has dried you may apply a clear lacquer finish to the floor. At least another 8 to 12 hours is needed for drying and then you may enjoy the new beauty of your floors.
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