Refinishing wood floors is a great way to add years of enjoyment and functionality to your home. It’s also a great way to save money. If you want to add more years to your hardwood floors without spending a lot of money on re-sanding and re-finishing them, it’s important to know how to properly maintain your wood floors and keep them clean. Here are four tips for refinishing wood floors on a budget.
1. Clean your floors thoroughly before you start.
Remove the furniture and move all objects out of the room before you begin to sand the floors. You may need to vacuum the floors and clean them with a gentle cleaner to remove any debris or dirt from the floors. Refinishing floors can be messy, so it’s best if the floors are clean and empty before you begin your project. Once everything is removed, you can begin sanding your floors with a hand sander or a floor buffer using light grit sandpaper. Make sure the floor is as smooth as possible before you move on to the next step. If you refinish without sanding, you’ll still need to have a smooth surface for the new finish to adhere to.
2. Use the right tools for the job.
When refinishing hardwood floors, you will need to use a drum sander or a floor buffer. You will also need the appropriate sanding pads and accessories for your equipment. You can buy all of the necessary supplies at a local hardware store or online. Using a drum sander will allow you to sand a large area of flooring quickly, but you may find that it leaves behind a rough surface that you will need to go back and finish by hand. Using a floor buffer is more time-consuming, but it will leave a smoother finish on your floors. You can also rent a floor buffer from many local home improvement stores if you don’t want to spend the money to buy it outright.
3. Purchase the right type of finish.
There are many different brands of finishes on the market today. You can choose a traditional polyurethane finish or a water-based one instead. Whichever type you choose, make sure it is recommended by the manufacturer of your equipment, and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for best results.
The finish can be expensive, and the thought of using more chemicals in your home may be off-putting. The good news is that a variety of low-VOC options are available on the market today. Low VOC finishes are safer for your family and the environment while providing beautiful results for your floors.
4. Sand and refinish your floors often.
You can extend the life of your wood floors by refinishing them on a regular basis. It typically takes just one coat of finish to cover old stains and provide new protection for your floors. Be sure to use proper safety equipment and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions at all times to reduce the risk of injury during your refinishing project.
Proper care and maintenance of your hardwood floors will extend their life and provide more beautiful results for your home for many years to come. Sanding is meticulous work that requires time and effort to complete. If you don’t want to spend an entire day sanding and refinishing your floors yourself, you can always hire a professional contractor to do the job for you. This will save you a lot of time and frustration in the long run!
Conclusion
With hardwood floors, one of the biggest concerns is the wear and tear that they tend to take over the years. By following these tips, you can reduce the impact of wear and tear on your floors and prolong their lifespan to last for years.
Even a small budget can give you the beautiful hardwood floors of your dreams. If you are in the market for a new flooring option for your home, consider refinished hardwood floors. They are an affordable alternative to hardwood and easier to care for than other types of flooring.