Yes, refinishing hardwood floors yourself can be difficult and time consuming. It involves sanding the wood down to bare wood, applying a stain and then a protective finish. If you don’t know what you’re doing or don’t have the right tools, you could end up with a poor-looking result and damage to your floor.
You need to rent or buy a quality floor sander and edger, as well as dust masks and safety goggles, and you should also be prepared to spend many hours on the job. It can take several days to do it properly and requires scraping, sanding, and at least two coats of finish.
Taking the time to properly sand and prep the floor is very important, because even the best finish won’t fix mistakes made in the sanding stage. Professional help is usually recommended for large floor spaces.
How much does it cost to refinish hardwood floors DIY?
Doing a DIY hardwood floor refinishing job can be relatively inexpensive depending on the size of the floor and the materials used. Generally, you will need to factor in the cost of a rental sander and buffer, sandpaper, stain, sealer, and polyurethane.
You will also need to cover any supplies such as painter’s tape, drop cloths, and a pry bar. The cost for these materials could range from around $120-$400.
You also need to factor in the time and labor for the job, which will depend on whether you have prior experience in refinishing hardwood floors. Typically, a large area would take 3-4 days to complete.
For smaller areas, it could take 1-2 days. It is also important to consider that you may need to clean and repair any damaged boards prior to refinishing, which could add to the total cost of the job.
Can you refinish wood floors without sanding?
Yes, you can refinish wood floors without sanding! There are a couple of techniques you can use to get rid of the existing finish and renew the surface of your floors without sanding.
The first is a chemical method, using a product like Citristrip or Jasco to strip the current finish and prepare the surface for a new finish. This involves applying the product, letting it soak in for the appropriate amount of time, and then wiping off the softened finish with a cloth.
Any residual finish or glue from old carpet can then be scraped off with a paint scraper or a razor blade.
The second method is a mechanical method, which involves buffing the existing finish with steel wool, followed by abrading the floor with a chemical-impregnated screen. This removes the existing finish, fills in any gouges, and prepares the surface for a new finish.
Again, any remaining residue can be scraped off.
No matter which method is used, make sure to use caution when refinishing your floors without sanding, including wearing eye and breathing protection, as well as using products according to their manufacturers’ instructions.
Additionally, keep in mind that chemical stripping and chemical-impregnated screens may not be suitable for more delicate types of wood such as hand scraped or parquet floors.
Can I refinish floor myself?
Yes, you can refinish your floors yourself. However, it is not a simple task and will require some research, patience and planning in order to do it right.
Once you have all the necessary tools, you will need to prepare your floor and consider the type of finish you’d like your floors to have. You must then sand down the floor with flypaper to remove the existing finish and smooth the wood.
Once your wood is prepped, apply a primer and sealer to the floor to ensure that the new finish will adhere properly. After the sealer is dry, you will be ready to apply the stain and finish of your choice.
Brush on a few coats of finish, and let each coat of finish dry thoroughly before applying the next coat. It is important to be sure to leave enough time for each coat to dry, or your floor refinish will not be successful.
Once you have applied all the coats of finish, you will need to wait for them to completely dry to move on to the final step – buffing. Finally, a good quality buffing will leave your floors with a beautiful, shining finish.
In conclusion, refinishing floors is not a simple task, but if you understand the process and have patience, you can certainly refinish your floors yourself.
What is the difference between refinishing and resurfacing wood floors?
Refinishing and resurfacing wood floors are both surface-level treatments, meaning they focus on improving the aesthetics while preserving the existing floor. Refinishing is a more intensive task and involves removing the finish and sanding down the existing surface, while resurfacing is a lighter job that targets the surface only, not the individual planks of the floor.
Refinishing requires more skill and usually takes more time, while resurfacing typically involves applying a new topcoat to the existing floor and can be completed in less time. The difference between the two strategies lies largely in the level of sanding and preparation work.
Refinishing focuses on deeper preparation, by sanding down the existing surface and removing all the old finishes, while resurfacing includes a light sanding or cleaning to create a uniform surface. The goal with refinishing is to create a smooth and level surface for any new finishes and sealants to adhere to, where with resurfacing the goal is to create an even and glossy finish.
Depending on the condition of the current floor, refinishing can require staining and multiple coats whereas resurfacing simply involves adding a fresh coat of color or sealant.
Can I sand my floor with a hand sander?
Yes, you can sand your floor with a hand sander, as long as you make sure it’s the right type of sander for your floor. Depending on the type of floor you have, you can use either an orbital sander or a belt sander.
Orbital sanders are best suited for finishing work, and they can be used to sand just about any type of floor. Belt sanders are great for more powerful tasks, like removing old finishes. If you’re not sure which kind of sander to use on your floor, you can consult with a professional to make sure you’re using the right tool for the job.
It’s also important to be aware of the type of sandpaper you use, as different sandpapers are suitable for different types of finishes. Softwoods and some sheet goods may require sandpaper with a lower grit, while hardwoods and synthetics may require a higher grit sandpaper.
Always wear protective gear, such as a dust mask and eye protection, when sanding your floorwith a hand sander.
How long does it take to sand a floor with an orbital sander?
It depends on the size of the floor and the condition of the floor. Generally speaking, it takes several hours to sand a floor that measures 300 sq feet or smaller with an orbital sander. An experienced sander can finish the job in less time.
Before you begin, it’s important to bear in mind that sanding an entire floor usually involves two stages. The first stage is rough sanding, which involves the use of coarse-grit sandpaper (36- or 40-grit).
This removes the existing finish and flattens the surface. The second is fine-sanding, which involves the use of finer-grit sandpaper (100-grit and finer). This stage smooths the surface. Thus, the amount of time required for sanding with an orbital sander depends on how much sanding is needed to get the desired results.
In addition to the time involved, preparation of the floor is also key to achieving an even, smooth finish. This includes cleaning, repairing damaged areas, and removing loose pieces of old flooring or debris.