Flooring

There are plenty of videos and tutorials about floor refinishing available at your public library or your home improvement store. Some of the larger home stores even have free classes on refinishing wooden floors. Rather than buy the equipment it would be better to go to a tool rental store and rent the sanding equipment for a day or two. Be sure to ask the clerk at the rental store exactly how to use the machine. He may even give you a demonstration.

To begin with, remove all the furniture from the room. Then remove any molding so that you can get the sander close to the wall. Make sure to use a nail punch to drive in any protruding nails from the wall molding. Also check the floor and make sure to use the punch on any protruding nails otherwise it will ruin the sanding belt. If you have to sand any closet floors also empty the closets. Use plastic sheeting to seal off any adjoining rooms. Place plastic bags over all light fixtures. Be sure to sweep the floor thoroughly. Once the room is empty you are ready to begin sanding.

If possible, try to open the window in the room and use a fan to move the dust out of the window. Use a good dust respirator to avoid any breathing difficulties.

The main tool that you will have to use is a belt sander. You will also have to buy different grades of sandpaper to use in your refinishing. It might be a good idea if you practice on a piece of plywood to get a feel for the machine. The idea is to turn on the sander and gently lower it to the wooden surface. Start on a piece of flooring for practice that will be hidden from view - like the portion under a bed or under a sofa.

You are going to start with a rough grade of sandpaper to remove the old floor finish. You are going to move the sander with the grain of the boards. Make sure that you overlap the previous pass a little. If the finish doesn't come off quickly you may have to work that area at a 45° angle. Again, overlap as you go. Use a shop vacuum to clean up the sawdust. You might also want to use a tack cloth. Then you will be switching to a finer grade of sandpaper until the floor is sanded nice and smooth.

Once the floor is sanded to your satisfaction go over it with a vacuum cleaner and then use the tack cloth again. You are now ready to apply the wood filler to the floor. Wipe on the filler in the direction of the grain of the wood. Remove any excess filler and allow the floor to dry overnight.

You are now ready to apply the stain to the floor. Again, there are many choices of stains and finishes. Consult with your local home store for more information. You may have to apply two or more coats of the final finish. It is recommended to lightly sand in between coats.

Don't be afraid to tackle this job. Many other do-it-yourselfers have done it before you. You will be able to look at your newly finished floor with pride and satisfaction. Sanding and refinishing your old wooden floor will enhance the look and add resale value.