How To Refinish An Oak Hardwood Floor
Oak hardwood flooring is known not only for its beauty, but also for its durability. This type of hardwood flooring handles wear very well and performs exceptionally well in high traffic areas. However, oak hardwood flooring still needs to be maintained to retain its beauty.
If your oak floor is showing some signs of wear and tear, then it is imperative that you take the necessary steps to keep your oak floor in top condition. This usual requires you refinish oak flooring to return it to its previous state. Here is a step-by-step instruction guide on how to refinish oak flooring and restore it to its original finish.
I. Clear Off the Floor
This may seem like an obvious step, but it is surprising how many people fail to make sure that everything is off of the floor until prior to sanding. Make sure that all furniture is removed from the room and that the molding from the edges of the floor are removed prior to beginning floor sanding.
You should also sweep the floor to ensure that there isn't excess dust on the floor that could be kicked up by the sander.
II. Inspect the Flooring
Make sure that you give the floor an adequate inspection prior to sanding. You want to get down to eye level and make sure that all standing staple or nails are removed. If there are any nail holes, then be sure to fill those with wood putty and a putty knife prior to sanding.
III. Beginning Electric Sand
Make sure that your electric sander is properly set up and loaded with the correct sandpaper. If your floor is heavily worn, then you will want to use a 20 grit sandpaper for the sanding. If your floor is only moderately worn, then a 60 grit paper is adequate.
Begin in the corner of the room and make long straight passes over the floor, ensuring that you follow the grain of the wood. When you have finished the first pass, continue on the next one. Make sure that you slightly overlap each pass as you make your way across the floor.
IV. Sand Corners
After completing the initial electric sanding, you will now want to move on to the edges of the room. Equip your hand sander with the exact same grit of paper you used in the electric sander and make sure that the corners are adequately sanded with your hand sander.
V. Make a Second Pass
Now equip the electric sander with a 120 grit sandpaper and make another pass. This step will slightly polish the floor and prepare it for staining. After you have sanded it, make sure that you sweep it clean. Do not mop the floor because water coming into contact with a bare floor will ruin it.
VI. Stain the Floor
Now you can stain the floor. Using your favorite wood stain and staining pads go over the entire floor using small circular motions. Make sure that you use an adequate amount of wood stain on the staining pads and cover the entire surface of the floor, particularly in the corners.
It is very important during this step that you limit your exposure to the stain's vapors by keeping the room adequately ventilated. After you have stained it, allow six to eight hours to dry.
VII. Apply Polyurethane
After the floor has been stained and is dry, it is now time to apply the protective polyurethane coat. Using your long handled roller, apply the coat in even steady strokes. After the initial coat has been applied wait six hours before you apply a second coat.
VIII. Finishing Up
Allow the polyurethane to dry for a full twenty-four hours. After this period has elapsed you can then reinstall the molding and return the furniture back to the room. The refinishing job is now complete.