Instructions On How to Refinish a Hardwood Floor. Refinishing a hardwood floor is a great way to revitalize the look of a room without having to go to the trouble and expense of installing brand new flooring. The process involves removing the top layer of the covering material using a sander, which digs down past any scratches, stains, or imperfections which might exist, leaving you with a fresh surface that can then be stained, painted, or treated with whatever protective coating you prefer. DIY Versus Hiring a professional. Learn more about Bruce Hardwood flooring and where to buy Orange Hardwood EB5215P at a store near you. HomeAdvisors Wood Floor Refinishing Cost Guide lists prices associated with refinishing or recoating hardwood floors, as reported by HomeAdvisor customers. A professional will charge 3 5 per square foot to refinish a hardwood floor depending on the size of the job and the nature of the space and the material. The process will generally require about one week with cleanup. If you perform the work yourself then you will have to rent a walk behind solid wood sanding machine, as well as hand sanding tools which will cost roughly 2. Mistakes can also be made which can irreparably damage the wood flooring surface requiring costly repairs or a complete reinstallation. The first step is to completely clean the surface of the floor. It should be swept or vacuumed to thoroughly remove any dust or debris that may be present. A slightly damp mopping, preferably by hand with a cloth rag, may also be useful to get rid of loose particles. To begin the process of removing the damaged surface layer, use a large walk behind sander, which can be pushed over the floor using a slow, even pace, to gently grind the wood down to a level that is below any finish treatments or damage. These machines are large and difficult to direct, and it is very important that you employ them in an even motion so that you do not get uneven surfaces, dips, or rises in the installation. The attached vacuum should suck up most of the dust that is generated. Note It is often a good idea to practice this process in an out of the way area of the room so that you can get the hang of handling the machine. Large machines will not be able to fit in corners or small spaces, so small hand grinders will be necessary to refinish these areas. While much lighter and easier to maneuver, these can be tricky as well as you have more control, and thus can make more mistakes. Again, try to practice in areas that will not be highly visible in the finished space so that you can get used to this equipment. Important Note Hardwood flooring is often coated in chemical protective layers which will be removed during the refinishing process. In older houses, these may contain harmful chemicals. Make sure that the environment is properly ventilated before you begin, and wear protective breathing gear, and goggles, to protect yourself throughout the entire process. Once you have completed using the power tools to sand the floor, you can work on any areas that remain using medium grade sandpaper. This can also help to smooth out any rough patches that may have occurred during the process. If gouges are present, they can be filled using wood putty, which should be left to dry for at least 2. More About Hardwood Flooring. Cleaning The Dust. The vacuum attachments included in most power sanders will suck up the majority of the sawdust that is generated by the refinishing process. However, it is still important to sweep and or vacuum the room thoroughly before proceeding. Afterward, a tack cloth, which is much like a cheese cloth, can be dampened slightly and run along the floors and walls. Dont let any water pool, and avoid inundating the wood with liquid. If necessary use several of these so that you can get every speck of debris clear before you move on to the next step. Refinishing Treatments. Stain This is an optional process that involves brushing a coat or two of a liquid material onto the wood, which will slightly change the color of the material, enhancing it and bringing out the natural features of the surface. There are a number of stains available ranging from dark browns and cherry reds, up to golden hues. Paint In some cases, you may choose to paint your refinished hardwood flooring. This will completely remove the look of the wood, replacing it with whatever color that you choose. Flooring Maintenance Articles. Protective Treatments. Once the wood is sanded down it will be completely vulnerable to stains, damage, gouges, and scratches. That means that you need to apply a treatment that can help to protect it from further damage so that you can maintain the brand new look of the surface for as long as possible. Some products can also enhance the appearance of the flooring itself. Polyurethane This is the best and most widely used protective coating. A clear almost plastic like substance, it is applied with a standard paint brush and is available in a variety of finishes from matte to glossy. Its purpose is to create a clear protective layer over the top of the wood, which is resistant to liquids, stains, and scratching damage. Note Polyurethane is a toxic substance and should only be applied in well ventilated areas with the proper eye, hand, and breathing equipment. It will also require at least 2. Varnish This is similar to polyurethane, except that it has a more dramatic effect on the wood, darkening it noticeably. The advantage of this substance is that it is less thick, and so spot repairs can be more easily made when future damage occurs. Sealer This is a thin protective liquid that goes over hardwood, both seeping into the pores of the material and creating a clear surface coating over its top. It has very little effect on the look of the floor, but it also provides the least protection and may need to be reapplied every 6 1. Protective Finish Note All of these substances should be applied according to the manufacturers instructions, and need to be brushed on in very thin, even lines. Allowing finish to bubble, pool, or sit in standing areas can cause permanent damage to the material. Make sure that whatever you use is applied in a thin even coat, with no puddles or drips to effect the finished look. If necessary, these finishes can be sanded down and then reapplied in areas to create a matched appearance. Often several coats will be used to enhance the changing effect and the protective benefits of the treatment. Follow all manufacturer instructions about drying time and the maximum number of recommended applications. Vinyl Tile. Look at the installation instructions carefully No matter what kind of tile youre installing, the subfloor surface must. Any bump, ridge, or indentation in the subfloor may eventually show through. If youre laying the tile over an embossed vinyl floor, youll need to level the surface. If youre installing directly over new concrete, it should be tested for moisture emission rates. H level to ensure it has cured prior to the tiles installation. If the tile is self adhesive, its a good idea to apply.
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