What tools and supplies will I need to refinish a wood floor?

Question

I have hardwood floors throughout my house and they are in need of refinishing. Any hints, tips or tricks would be helpful.

Answer 1

As I agree, this is more difficult than it seems. It is better left to experience. But, if your going to do it , here are some tips. You will need a floor sander, palm sander, wood stain, finish coat, and wood putty. Start by sanding the floor. try renting a plate vibrating sander. as a novice, this type of sander is easier to use and less likely to damage your floor. Start by using a coarse sand paper, moving up to a fine grit for the finish. once sanded, look for nail holes or scratches that may need to be filled with putty. Fill them, and re-sand that area. You will need to use the palm sander for the areas along the wall. Next, apply the stain using a wool applicator. After allowing the stain to dry. You will apply the finish coat. Poly urethane is most recommended. However, for the simplest I use shilac. Shilac goes on even, dries quickly, and is easy to repair. It may not be as durable as others, but it is the easiest for the home owner. If a repair is needed ( scratches ) simply apply shilac over the area. no sanding required. Let dry, and your done.

Good luck. If you have any further questions. you could contact me at: [e-mail]

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Frankly, i find it easier to pull up half of it and fold it back over the other half that's still down and cut it on top of that so you don't take any chances cutting the floor below. Check with your garbage people to see what size/weight of rolls they'll take - they're usually about 3' or so and a max of 50 lbs per roll. This will help say you frustration of finding out later that your rolls are too long or heavy to be taken by the garbagemen adn having to re-do them. Also, depending on how long the underpad's been down, how amuch abuse it may have sufferer over the year (spills etc) there will likely be sections of it that will stick to the floor below that you will have to scrape up. Just use a wide paint scraper and it should come up fairly easily. Get all the staples/nails before you sand or they'll mess up the sander. If a nail breaks adn you can't get it out - get a punch and knock it futher in and fill the hole with wood filler (wood colour not white). The real fun part of this will be pulling up the 'smooth-edge' - this is the wood strip with all the small up-turned nails in it that runs along the walls to hold the carpet down. The problem with this is that because it's right against the baseboard you can't use the claw end of the hammer to pull it up - the handle will hit the wall before you can get the claw under the strip. What you'll need is a flat-bar/pry-bar - this looks like a small, flat crowbar more or less - about 12"-16" long. Basicaly anything strong & flat that you can bang under the strip to pry it up will do. - don't forget to pull the nails up that get left behind.

Answer 4

I must say that answer # 2 is enough to scare you, but don't believe it!
I tackled my first floor refinishing 4 years ago, and was pleasantly surprised how simple it was.
I rented a sander from Home Depot. It wasn't a rotary, but a rectangular one. The guys at HD told me what supplies I'd need and gave me pointers about the use of the machine.
It was simple. Not even physically challenging.
One tip is that if you use a water based urathane for color/sealing, it won't 'yellow' like the poly's do.

Answer 5

It's a very big job, consider hiring a pro. If you are determined to DIY, You will need:
A truck, this stuff will not fit in your car
Floor belt sander (rental)
Edge sander (rental)
Floor buffer with sanding screens (rental)
Or a Random orbit floor sander (rental) this is better for DIY much less chance to damage your floor than a belt sander, may still need edge sander
Sandpaper for both in 60, 80, 120 grits
Hand scrapers
Shop vac
Stain and stain applier
Polyurethane finish made for floors and applier.
At minimum get a book or watch a video demonstrating
Now think twice, three and four times, do I really want to do this if yes than go for it.

Answer 6

This is one project that is BEST LEFT TO PROFESSIONALS -- BELIEVE ME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a very difficult job & it takes A LOT OF SKILL & EXPERIENCE !!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you dont know what you're doing you can (and probably will) DAMAGE THE FLOOR BEYOND REPAIR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Spend a little to hire professionals (not the lowest bidder either) and ask for fotos of floors they've done and for REFERENCES -- people you can call & who will let you see their floors !!! Never just take someone's word that they know what theyre doing! Any reputable businessman will GLADLY give you his references -- anyone who gets mad or acts insulted has something to hide -- like BAD workmanship!!! Also do not pay in advance !!!
If you damage your floors just to save a few bucks it will cost you a fortune to replace the floor !!! And if floors are antique, they are IRREPLACABLE and you'll be damaging HISTORY !!! I am experienced home builder and I would hire a floor refinisher and save money somewhere else !!!!!

Answer 7

Download 16000 Woodworking Plans Projects - http://Woodworking.NaturallySaver.com

Answer 8

Once you have some idea of what you will need, visit Tool Fetch to get tools at a great price that will be delivered to your home! It is a great way to get everything you need.

Answer 9

go to either hgtv or diy and ask for directions --- sander, polyurethane sealant, etc...