Should I refinish my hardwood floors myself?

If you only have some minor scratches and dings or a dull finish, you might be able to simply buff and add a new coat of varnish. But, even if your floors need a complete makeover, refinishing hardwood is a very manageable and rewarding do-it-yourself job that can save a lot of money.

Is it cheaper to refinish hardwood floors yourself?

Sanding and refinishing your hardwood floors as a DIY project is a time investment, but it is less expensive than paying a professional. Refinishing your floors yourself can cost between $500 and $1,000 depending on square footage.

How difficult is it to refinish a hardwood floor?

The hardwood floor refinishing process is easier and less expensive than sanding down to bare wood and takes less time. In a few hours, your floors will look as good as new. The job requires using a buffer, which you can rent at a home center, and a vacuum to suck up dust.

Is it worth sanding your own floors?

Sanding wood floors & refinishing yourself will definitely save money, and even an inexperienced homeowner can likely do a better job than the lowest bidding handyperson who quotes on it. Once you understand the basics, a quality final result on your wood floor is more about patience than anything else.

Can you redo hardwood floors without sanding?

The best way to refinish wood floors without sanding is to use a technique called screen and recoat. This involves scuffing up the finish with a floor buffer and applying a refresher coat of finish.

Can You Sand and Refinish Hardwood Floors Yourself? (honest opinion)

What is the cheapest way to refinish hardwood floors?

Applying a revitalizer gloss is the simplest and cheapest way to refinish hardwood floors. This approach works best on floors that only have surface-level scratches and other minor wear and tear issues. You can get the job done without the need for equipment rentals or hard-to-find materials.

Can a homeowner refinish hardwood floors?

Yes, you can refinish hardwood floors yourself! With careful planning, the right tools, and a long weekend, you can DIY refinishing hardwood floors in your home with these helpful tips. Hardwood floor refinishing and sanding is unforgiving work.

Can you refinish hardwood floors with a hand sander?

The palm sander is definitely the most common tool for sanding a wooden floor by hand. Palm sanders also oscillate, however, unlike orbital random sanders, the pad of the palm sander is fixed straight.

Is it hard to refinish your own floors?

However, with the wear and tear of everyday use, they will eventually need refinishing. Learning how to refinish hardwood floors can be a time-intensive process that involves multiple steps. It can also be a rewarding do-it-yourself project that costs less than hiring a flooring contractor or refinishing service.

Should I remove baseboards before refinishing hardwood floors?

As a general rule, we recommend leaving your base and shoe on when having your floors refinished, especially if it is painted. Depending on how the painters prepped your base, you can actually cause more damage to the base and walls by removing it.

What is the difference between refinishing and resurfacing wood floors?

You can undertake to refinish yourself — but the professional treatment is sure to leave you most satisfied. Resurfacing your floor involves more than just putting a layer of polish on top. It may require removing old floorboards, grinding down uneven boards, and reinforcing wood planks with new nails.

How much value does refinishing hardwood floors add to a home?

5. Flooring – Replacing outdated carpet or flooring, or simply refinishing wood floors that have seen better days, will definitely increase the value of your home, with a 102% return on investment.

How much does it cost to refinish hardwood floors 1000 square feet?

The cost to refinish 1,000 square feet of hardwood flooring averages between $3,000 to $8,000.

Can you refinish hardwood floors one room at a time?

If your wood floors continue into other rooms of the home, you cannot sand, stain and refinish the one area. This would affect the uniformity and leave the rest of your wood floors looking different. The only way to refinish one room is to install a transition piece (or if there's one in place already).

How long does it take to sand and refinish hardwood floors?

It typically takes between two and five days to refinish hardwood floors, depending on the type of polyurethane you use (oil or water-based), and the size and condition of your floors.

Can I use a belt sander on hardwood floors?

Belt sanders have a loop of rotating sandpaper that gives quick results. A belt sander for finishing a wood floor should be a hand-held one so you can move the tool around on the surface of the floor. Belt sanders will do a good job of leveling out the floor and preparing it for a finer sand.

What are the steps to refinishing hardwood floors?

What type of finish is best for hardwood floors?

What is the Best Finish for Hardwood Floors? Polyurethane is the most popular finish for floors. It's tough enough to handle constant traffic and is resistant to almost everything. There are two types of polyurethane finish: oil-based (solvent borne) and water-based (waterborne).

How do you clean 100 year old hardwood floors?

Only use cleaners labelled for hardwood floors. Stay away from vinegar, ammonia, and harsh chemicals. Spray a small amount of hardwood cleaner directly onto the floor, then wipe the floor down with a dry terry cloth mop. Remember to go with mineral spirits if your finish is unsound.

How often should you refinish hardwood floors?

It's commonly accepted that you refinish every seven to ten years. Important note: some hardwood is only 1/4 inches thick. In this case, a refinish could strip away all traces of the floor.