For quite a while now, savvy property owners choose wood floor sanding as a simple but effective way to restore the original beauty of their wooden flooring.
Whether you are looking to refinish existing wood floors, give them a new look, or just make them look cleaner, sanding is the perfect solution.
Should I refurbish my wooden floor myself?
As the summer approaches, so does the need to make important improvements to our homes. Refurbishing a wooden floor can be an easily achievable and cost-effective DIY project that can dramatically improve the look, feel, and quality of your home.
From gathering the right materials and tools to determining the best methods of sanding and refinishing a wooden floor, this article will cover all the steps you need to take to get a beautiful, well-maintained floor in your home.
Floor sanding machines need to be used with the right technique
Let’s be honest, however, while it is possible to do the job yourself, it is not a really easy task that is why some people use companies to do it. But with the right technique, machinery, and tools, anyone can sand a wooden floor.
The primary benefit of sanding is that it levels the floors and removes dirt, oils, and residue that can dull the look of your flooring.
Floor sanding may be daunting to first timers
While this is a relatively basic home improvement job, it can be daunting to those who are unfamiliar with the process. The first step in sanding your floor is to prepare the surface. This includes cleaning the floor and removing any existing wax or sealants.
After prepping the surface, you will use a floor sanding machine to remove scratches and imperfections from the wood.
You may need to use a wood filler also
Wood is unpredictable and mistakes can happen, so knowing how to use wood filler effectively is important for achieving the best finish on your wood projects. The first step is to mix the wood filler using a putty knife until you achieve a consistent and smooth texture.
Apply the filler onto the required area, making sure to scrape off excess carefully. Smooth it over with your fingers and be sure to wipe away any excess with a dry clean cloth.
Wait for 30 minutes to an hour beforehand sanding the filler down with high grit sandpaper, following the direction of the wood grain. Finally, stain or add a protective layer to your wood for a seamless transition from filler to wood.
With these tips, you can effectively and efficiently use wood filler to achieve a professional finish on your woodworking projects.
Here is a more complete guide to using wood filler when sanding a floor.
Different sand paper grits
Depending on the type of wood you are working with, the sandpaper of various grits will be needed. The most common grits to use are 80, 120, 180, and 220. To make sure you’re sanding the floor evenly, it’s important to move the sandpaper in the same direction.
Hoover after the sanding is complete
Once the sanding is complete, it’s a good idea to vacuum up any debris that may have been left behind. Vacuums with HEPA filters are best for hardwood floors as they are designed to reduce dust in your home. Once sanded, then you will need to choose and apply a finish. This protects the floor from staining and makes it look even more beautiful.
Wood floor finishes
Common floor finishes include polyurethane and tung oil. Applying two or three coats of finish will give your floor the ultimate protection it needs. With patience, the right technique, and the tools, the process can be rewarding. With the right tools and techniques, you can make sure the job is done correctly and enjoy the look of your newly refinished wood floors.
Check out our guide about wood floor finishes.
