Whether you’ve lived in your home for years and your hardwood floors show signs of wear, or you’ve just moved into an older home with dated-looking hardwood, refinishing is an affordable way to bring new life and beauty into your space. However, refinishing hardwood floors isn’t as simple as cleaning and protecting them. It requires some planning and elbow grease to get the results you want. Here’s what you need to know about the refinishing process.

Preparing the Surface

Proper preparation is key for a successful refinishing job. The first step is to remove any existing finishes, dirt, or debris from the surface so the new finish can bond properly. This usually involves sanding the floors by hand or with a drum or floor sander, starting with a coarse grit and working up to a finer one. You’ll need to sand deep enough to remove all traces of the old finish but not overexpose the wood.

It’s also important to fix any problem areas before refinishing. Repair any damaged, lifted, or missing planks now rather than having imperfections show through the new finish. Take the time to fill in any holes or dents with wood filler. Thorough preparation at this stage will result in a beautifully smooth and even surface for the new finish.

Staining and Sealing 

Many older hardwood floors have lost their lustre and colour over the years due to oxidation and UV damage. This is where stain comes in. Stain both protects and enhances the natural beauty of the wood grain. Choose a stain colour that matches your design aesthetic and test it on sample boards first to ensure you get the hue you want.

While stain enhances the wood, a sealer acts as a protective barrier. Oil-based or water-based polyurethane sealers are commonly used. Opt for a low—or no-VOC sealer to avoid harmful fumes. Apply at least three thin coats, sanding lightly between each with an ultra-fine grit pad.

Adding the Finish

The final step is applying your choice of finish. Polyurethane is a great choice for high-traffic areas that need durability. It comes in either oil-based or water-based formulas. Oil-based dries harder but emits strong fumes, while water-based has lower VOCs and a faster dry time. For a natural look in low-traffic spots, consider a tung or Danish oil finish, which enhances the wood grain.

Apply your finish with a high-quality roller or brush in thin, even coats. According to the product instructions, allow proper drying time between coats. Three to five coats will give your floors excellent protection. Once fully cured, buff or burnish the finish for extra lustre.

With the right materials and techniques, refinishing your hardwood floors is an affordable and effective way to restore their beauty and value. Just take your time with preparation and application for flawless, long-lasting results. Your hardwoods will shine for seasons to come.

Trust The Hardwood Flooring Experts

You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking to shop for high-quality hardwood floors online. Milton Hardwood Floors carries top-tier brands. With years of experience installing hardwood flooring in Milton, Burlington and Oakville, our team can help you find the perfect floors. We stock only the industry’s best brands to ensure you love how your new floors look and feel for many years to come. Contact us today to browse options and get an estimate on your hardwood flooring project.