Refinishing your hardwood floors can be a daunting task. But with the right guide, it doesn't have to be. In this article, we'll walk you through each step of the process, from what you'll need to prepare your floors to how to stain and finish them. So whether you're looking to update your current flooring or are starting from scratch, we've got you covered.

1. What you'll need

Are you considering refinishing your hardwood floors but don't know where to start? This blog post will outline the equipment you need to get the job done to achieve the beautiful results you desire.

  • Floor Sander: The first piece of equipment you'll need is a floor sander. This will sand down your hardwood floors and remove any existing finishes. Be sure to rent a drum sander for this project, as orbital sanders will not be able to handle the tougher hardwood floors.
  • Edger: Once you've finished with the drum sander, it's time to break out the edger. An edger is used to sand the areas that the drum sander couldn't reach, like along the baseboards.
  • Vacuum: A vacuum is essential for removing all the dust created by sanding your floors. Be sure to use a heavy-duty vacuum designed for construction sites.
  • Safety Gear: Lastly, invest in good safety gear before beginning your project. This includes things like a respirator, safety goggles, and earplugs.

Now that you know what equipment you need, it's time to refinish your hardwood floors! With the right tools and a little elbow grease, you'll achieve excellent results that will transform your space.

2. Preparing your floors

If you're considering refinishing your hardwood floors, there are a few things you need to do to prepare. Proper preparation is the key to getting the best results. With that in mind, here are four tips to help you prepare your hardwood floors for refinishing.


  • Remove all the furniture from the room. This includes couches, chairs, tables, and other furniture pieces. You don't want any of this furniture to get in the way or be damaged during the refinishing process.
  • Vacuum the floor thoroughly. Be sure to get in all the nooks and crannies. You want to remove as much dirt and dust as possible before starting the refinishing process.
  • Clean the floor with a damp mop. This will remove any lingering dirt and dust. Once again, be sure to get in all the nooks and crannies.
  • Repair any damaged boards. If any boards are cracked, splintered, or otherwise damaged, now is the time to repair them. This will ensure that your floors look their best once they've been refinished.

Preparing your hardwood floors for refinishing is crucial to getting the best results. By following these four tips, you'll be on your way to having beautiful, like-new floors in no time!

3. Sanding the floors

If you're planning to refinish your hardwood floors, you might be tempted to do it yourself to save money. After all, how difficult could it be? Just sand down the floors and apply a new finish, right? Not quite. There's a lot more to it than that. If you don't sand the floors correctly, you could do more harm than good. We've put together this guide on filing your hardwood floors correctly.


  • Before you start sanding, it's essential to inspect the flooring and make sure that it's actually in good enough condition to warrant refinishing. If the flooring is too damaged or worn, sanding it down and refinishing it isn't going to improve its appearance. It could end up making the problem worse.
  • If you decide to proceed with sanding your hardwood floors, you'll need to choose the correct type of sandpaper to get the best results. For most projects, you'll want to start with a coarse grit like 36-grit and then move on to a finer grit like 60-grit or 80-grit once the majority of the finishes have been removed.
  • Once you've removed all of the old finish and stains from the floor, you'll need to make a final pass with very fine grit sandpaper to smooth out any imperfections in the wood. This will help ensure that the new finish goes on evenly and looks its best.
  • One of the most important things to remember when sanding hardwood floors is that sawdust can quickly build up and lead to problems if not dealt with properly. That's why it's important to vacuum up as much of the dust as possible after each pass with the sander. This will help keep your breathing and working environments clean and free of airborne particulates.
  • After sanding, wipe down the entire floor with a damp rag to remove any residual dust before applying the new finish. Allowing even a small amount of dust to remain on the floor can lead to an uneven finish that doesn't look its best.

Sanding and refinishing hardwood floors is a big job, but it's one that many homeowners can tackle themselves, given enough time and patience. With this guide in hand, you should be able to get great results without having to hire a professional. Just remember to take your time, use caution, and vacuum regularly!

4. Staining the floors

Many homeowners in Sacramento, CA, choose to refinish their hardwood floors as a do-it-yourself project. Applying the stain evenly is one of the most critical steps in the process, and it can be tricky to get right. Follow these tips, and you'll be sure to achieve professional-looking results.


  • Choose a suitable applicator. When applying wood stain, a rag is not your friend. Rags tend to absorb too much stain, resulting in an uneven finish. Instead, use a high-quality brush or roller designed for use with oil-based stains. Foam applicators can also be used, but don't overload them with stains.
  • Apply the stain in thin coats. It's better to apply several thin coats of a stain than one thick coat. This will help you avoid drips and streaks and give you more control over the final color of your floor.
  • Work in small sections. Don't try to do too much at once, or you'll risk making mistakes. Working in small sections lets you feather out any areas where the stain is too heavy before moving on.
  • Use long strokes. Long, even strokes will help ensure that the stain is applied evenly. It's tempting to go back over areas that seem light but resist the urge! Overworking the stain will only make things worse.
  • Wipe up any excess immediately. Once you've finished applying the stain, go back over your work with a clean rag or brush to remove any excess before it has a chance to dry. Otherwise, you'll have darker spots than the rest of the floor.

By using these simple tips, you can refinish your hardwood floors yourself and make them look like they were done by a pro. Remember to choose a suitable applicator, apply the stain in thin coats, work in small sections, use long strokes, and wipe up any excess immediately. With a bit of patience and attention to detail, you'll be sure to love the results!

5. Finishing the floors

One of the most important parts of refinishing hardwood floors is putting on the finish coat. This is what will protect your floors from scratches, scuffs, and everyday wear and tear. In this blog post, we'll give you a step-by-step guide on how to apply the finish coat when refinishing hardwood floors.


  • There are a lot of different products on the market that can be used as a finish coat for hardwood floors. Water-based polyurethane is popular because it's easy to apply and dries quickly. However, oil-based polyurethane is also a good option because it's more durable and provides a higher level of protection against scratches and scuffs. You'll need to decide which product is suitable for your needs before moving on to step three.
  • Once you have chosen your finish coat product, it's time to apply it to your floors. Be sure to wear gloves and a mask to avoid inhaling fumes from the product. Start by applying a thin layer of finish coat evenly across the floor using a paintbrush or roller. Let the first layer dry completely before applying additional layers. We recommend applying at least three layers for optimal protection.
  • After applying the desired number of layers, let the finish coat dry completely before walking on or placing the furniture back on the floor.

Applying the finish coat is an essential step in refinishing hardwood floors. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your newly refinished floors will look great and last for years!

Refinishing hardwood floors can be hard, but if you follow these easy steps, you can get results that look like they were done by a pro. Be sure to choose a suitable applicator, apply the stain in thin coats, work in small sections, and wipe up any excess immediately. With a bit of patience and attention to detail, you'll be sure to love the results!

Written by Jason Kimmel