What grit should floors be sanded to?

Start with 36-grit sandpaper for a floor that hasn’t been sanded in a long time or that has a lot of heavy finish on it. Floors that have been painted may even require you to go tougher and use 24 or 16-grit paper. Maple floors are so hard that they often require 36-grit sandpaper as well.

Can you hand sand a wood floor?

How to sand a hardwood floor by hand? The exact same way you would with floor sanding machines, but with a lot more elbow grease! Start with a low grit like 40, climb to 60, 80 then 100. Use a handheld orbital sander, ideally with a gear-driven setting.

Is it difficult to sand hardwood floors?

Sanding hardwood floors might seem like a pros-only project. And then there’s that big, scary sanding machine… But it’s really not that difficult. I’ve helped hundreds of homeowners—some of them complete DIY novices—successfully prep their floors for a new finish.

How hard is it to sand a floor?

There’s really no getting around it – sanding your floors is hard work and physically tiring. Mostly, this is down to the floorboards not being completely flat which means that the drum of the floor sanding machine won’t be able to reach all areas of the floorboards in one go.

Can you sand floor with hand sander?

The handheld orbital sander is a pretty powerful tool that many find too aggressive. However, it is the right sanding machine for achieving a very smooth finish on wood and remove the old finish and all sorts of imperfections and dirt from the surface of the floor efficiently.

Is it hard to sand wood floors?

What do you put on hardwood floors after sanding?

After sanding, fill in holes in the floor with wood putty or wood filler. Be sure to work in well-ventilated rooms when sanding or applying stain or finish. Spot test the stain or finish to see what it looks like on the floor before applying a coat.

How do you clean hardwood floors After sanding?

The task of cleaning hardwood floors after sanding can be a time consuming one. Here are a few tips that can help make the process go by smoothly. The first thing that you will want to do is use a vacuum to get rid of any dust that you can. Begin by sweeping as much as you can into a pile and then vacuum up that portion.

How do the pros refinish hardwood floors?

window treatments and rugs.

Patch and Repair. Check the floor for larger holes or cracks and repair using wood filler and a spackle knife.

Sand the Floor.

Buff the Floor.

Prep for Sealer or Stain.

Apply Stain (Optional) The bare floor is now ready for either stain or sealer.

Seal the Floor.

What finish is recommended for hardwood floors?

Surface Finishes for Hardwood: The Options Water-Based Polyurethane. Arguably the most popular surface finish for hardwood flooring, water-based polyurethane provides a clear finish and has the traditional hardwood look and feel. Oil Sealer. Oil sealer or penetrating oil sealer is a wise choice if you’re planning on finishing your solid hardwood floors yourself. Hard-Wax Oil.

Should I refinish my own Hardwood floors?

The number one reason you should refinish your hardwood floors is to prevent future damage. If the finish is worn and you’re ignoring it, you will face water damage like it or not. Wood is a natural material that requires care and attention. To keep it in service for a lifetime requires the occasional refinish and/or repair.