Having a wooden floor adds a sense of class and style to your home. If you have one in the office or any other place then kudos to you for making a brave choice. Wood floors give a sense of warmth and connection to nature that tiles or carpets simply can’t do.
Ask anyone who has wood floors and they’ll say that the best thing about them is all the simple everyday tasks one can enjoy on them, such as playing a board game or cozying around a fire and enjoying each other’s company.
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If you’re planning on getting wood floors for a room in your house, then rest assured that they’re a worthwhile investment. The only thing you need to be aware of is how to properly maintain them.
Many people are intimidated by the idea of refinishing wood floors thinking that it will take a lot of time and energy.
While it will of course take time and energy, you’ll have both to spare once you’re done. It hardly ever takes more than a day’s work to get them looking shiny and brand new again.
Two Different Methods
There are two ways you can go about refinishing wood floors: chemical or mechanical.
Both are efficient and they’re not as complicated as you might think. For a chemical method, apply a liquid that weakens the old worn-out finish so that a new coat of finish can be applied. This new finish will last for years.
For the mechanical method, the wood floors are brushed with a drum sander that essentially polishes the floors to a shiny new finish. If this method appeals to you then you can find the best drum sander for the money over here.
Budget
Chemical Method
It should be noted that chemicals can be purchased new and the whole process of cleaning won’t cost more than $100.
Mechanical Method
If you plan on buying a new drum sander, you’ll need to have a bigger budget. Say $1000 or more. But don’t worry, you can just borrow or rent one too, or go to a store where they’ll use a sander to do it for you.
Things You Need
For chemical polishers, you’ll need to get the following things:
1. A floor refinishing kit
2. A polyester brush to apply the chemical
3. A sponge mop
4. Painter’s tape
5. Shoe covers
6. A paint pad and paint tray
For mechanical polishers, you’ll need to get the following things:
1. A drum sander – this will do most of the work
2. A face mask
3. Safety Glasses
4. Industrial ear protection
Getting Started
By now, you should have decided what your budget is and which method you’re more comfortable with. After you’ve acquired all the things you’ll need, it’s time to get started making those warm wood floors shiny again.
#1. Clear the Room of Furniture
Make sure you remove all the furniture from the room, being careful to lift and not drag the furniture along the wood floors. This is an important step, so please seek help when doing this as it’s much safer to remove furniture when you have more than one person.
#2. Clean The Room
Take a mop and make sure to wipe off any dirt or debris that may be lying around. While you’re doing this, keep your pets away as they may get scared or injure themselves with the chemicals or machine.
Another reason to make the room as clean as possible is because floating dust particles can land on the cleared floor and cause something unsightly known as “whiskers”.
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All windows should be closed. Any fans or air-conditioning should also be turned off. If there are curtains, large pictures, or other forms of hanging decor, they need to be cleaned or removed from the room. Also, make sure to cover any windows with clothing so that you don’t get any uneven light falling on the floor.
#3. Sanding The Floor
Chemical Method
- Apply the sanding chemical with a mop. While applying pressure, make sure to wipe from top to bottom and not from side to side.
- After you’re done applying the chemical, remove any excess abrasive that may be left behind.
- Wait 30 minutes for the chemical to dry. Then, wipe the floor with a damp mop and household detergent. The detergent will help neutralize any chemicals left behind.
- Now, apply the finish that came with the kit to the floor. You need to plan where to start applying so that you finish near the door. Otherwise, you’ll have to step over the new finish.
- Apply a small bit of oil-based stain to any visible imperfections that you may see, then seal them with a finisher. Allow 24 hours for it to dry, and bring back the furniture.
Mechanical Method
- Start from the diagonal of the room and make sure the belt of the sander doesn’t touch the floor before switching it on. You can do this by tilting the machine to one side.
- Start sanding towards the wall opposite you. When you reach the end, tilt the machine and turn around. Doing it any other way may damage the machine.
- Apply finish all throughout the room, and then let it dry.
Conclusion
By refinishing the hardwood floor, you’re giving your house a nice, shiny new look. This will no doubt help you feel much better about your room. Remember to practice safety along with all steps and don’t try to manage this process alone.