Welcome to
the Barton Creek Handyman Website! I
hope you enjoy this article by Keith Paul, founder of HandyPro Handyman
Services:
How to
Restore Hardwood Floors
We have
just purchased a beautiful home with the exception of the oak hardwood floors
that are looking slightly worn. They are solid, and I believe they could look
great if we refinished them. But we never have completed this type of project
and would like some advice on how to do so. -Terry S.
Hi Terry,
Welcome to
the world of wood refinishing. Besides painting and cleaning, I believe
refinishing hardwood floors can have one of the most dramatic effects on any
home, not to mention the return on your investment could literally double or
more.
The trend
for hardwood flooring is that it's in high demand. According to the National Wood Flooring Association, “Between
2002 -2007 wood flooring retail sales increased at 6.4% compounded annual rate
while the overall wood flooring market increased 2.2% annually.”
However, it
is not one of the easiest home improvement projects.
Pre-inspection.
It is best
completed while the room is empty. Your first step is to determine the cause
and extent of any floor damage. The floor boards must be solid and secure and
not majorly warped. Hammer in any protruding nails using a nail set to sink
them slightly below the surface of the floor as they can damage the sandpaper.
You will
need to use a hardwood floor sander which is available to rent at most rental
stores. For larger stains and heavy finish build up you may have to rent a drum
belt sander. Otherwise, for medium projects I prefer using an upright, self
leveling, four disc, random-orbital sander. This sander will allow you to get
closer to the walls and is easier to maneuver due to it being self leveling.
Sanding.
Remove all the
corner round molding carefully so you can re-use it if possible. Sand according
to the manufacturer’s instruction. Sand a minimum of three times, starting with
heavy grit sandpaper such as 36 grit, then ending with fine grit sandpaper such
as 120 grit.
Although
the sanding machine keeps most of the dust in the dust collector, it's best to
do it on a day when you can open a few windows and doors. Of course my
last floor sanding job was in February.
Sand slowly
with the grain while keeping the machine constantly moving forward. For hard to
reach areas and edges, you may have to use a edge sander, also provided by the
rental store.
Finishing. Before applying any finishes to the floor, you want to make sure that you remove all of the dust off the floor. First, broom sweep the floor, and then lightly damp mop. After the floor dries use a tack cloth to pick-up any leftover dust particles.
Apply the
appropriate color stain if applicable. If you prefer a more natural look, just
apply clear polyurethane carefully with a lamb’s wool applicator, as seen in
the picture, and follow the manufacture's instructions.
Be sure to
take your time and remove any bubbles or puddles that may form. Many products
state two coats are sufficient; however, I have always applied three coats to
ensure the floor's resistance to wear and tear.
Although
this is a labor-intensive project, it is well worth the effort. The final
results will ensure the rich look of hardwood and a durable floor for years to
come.
What’s on your to-do list? HandyPro Handyman Services offers affordable
solutions to a wide variety of home repairs and maintenance projects. They also offer senior
home modification services including kitchen and bathroom remodeling, stair
lifts, wheelchair ramps, super strong grab bars, walk-in tubs and showers and
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the homeowner, business or property manager have minor repairs completed
professionally, in a timely manner, and guarantees 100% customer satisfaction.
Hiring a Handyman, CEAC,
Certified Environment Access Consultant, Senior home
modification, wheelchair
ramps, stair rails and grab bars, stair lifts, kitchen and bathroom
retrofitting, Carpentry, Plaster, Drywall,
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glass, mirrors, decks, and much more…just ask!