Hardwood flooring can last for centuries, literally, if properly cared for and maintained over the years. This requires refinishing hardwoods at some point or another- and if you’re finding yourself in this position- then, this guide is for you. On today’s blog, we’ve put together everything you need to know about refinishing those hardwood floors.

Before You Begin

The thickness of the flooring is extremely important. If you have flooring that is ¼ inch thick (or less), it’s not advised to refinish. You might wear through the floor without being able to refinish at all. Instead, this would call for replacing your floors. However, if you have thick hardwoods, you’re in luck! It’s important to check the entire floor first. If there are any gaps in the floor where nails are visible, it’s time to call in the professionals. If not, get ready!

Cleaning And Sanding

First, clean the floor thoroughly, removing as much dirt and debris as possible. Make sure there are no protruding nail heads that could tear the sandpaper. Cover up any doors or areas of the house that dust could fly into while you’re sanding. Then, attach a 20-grit sandpaper to your sander and begin sanding the entire floor thoroughly. Go over your work again with the edge sander, and finally with a power buffer. After you’ve sanded the entire floor three times, use an industrial-grade vacuum to get rid of the dust particles.

The Finish

Now that you’re done sanding and cleaning, it’s time for the big finish. Choose whatever sealant you prefer for the job, and start applying it all around the perimeter of the room. While DIY’s can often be effective and save you money, it’s also important to remember that no one can do the job quite like The Steam Team!