Yes, unfinished hardwood flooring does need to be finished in order to make it look its best and offer protection from everyday wear and tear. Unfinished hardwood is unfinished because it doesn’t have a protective coating.
This means that the wood is not resistant to moisture, dirt, spills and foot traffic, so it needs a finish to protect it. Depending on the type of finish that you choose, it can also add a beautiful sheen and color to the flooring.
To seal hardwood, most people use polyurethane, which is a penetrating sealer that seeps deeply into the wood and creates a protective barrier. It’s important to note that if you’re looking to add color or a dramatic sheen to your floor, you may need to apply multiple layers of a finish.
Do I need to put anything under hardwood flooring?
Yes, typically it is necessary to put something under the hardwood flooring. The type of flooring and the material the subfloor is made out of will determine what should be used under the hardwood flooring.
Plywood is typically used to create a level surface and add stability. Plastic vapor barriers can help protect the wood from moisture, while underlayment and/or a cushioning material can provide a layer of soundproofing and insulation.
It is important to use a suitable fastener as well such as nails, screws or staples. Hardwood flooring should also be inspected before installation to ensure no defects exist.
How long does it take to sand a floor with a floor sander?
The amount of time it takes to sand a floor with a floor sander can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including the size of the room and the type of flooring being sanded. Generally speaking, it will take at least 3-4 hours to sand an average-sized bedroom with an upright belt sander.
However, more time may be required for larger rooms, or if the flooring is particularly warped or damaged. Additionally, most professionals recommend taking multiple passes over the floor with the sander in order to get an even, smooth finish.
This will add additional time to the total job.
Do you need to sand newly installed hardwood floors?
Yes, it is generally recommended that newly installed hardwood floors be sanded before any finish is applied. This is done to ensure the smoothest possible surface and to create a level plane. It is also used to remove any imperfections caused during installation or due to the wood expanding and contracting with environmental changes.
Sanding also helps to remove any leftover adhesive residue, dust, or dirt that may have been left behind during the installation process. Sanding is a crucial step in the hardwood floor installation process, as it will help protect and preserve the look and finish of the newly installed floors.
Can hardwood floors be refinished in one day?
No, hardwood floors cannot be refinished in one day. Refinishing hardwood floors is a multi-step process, which includes sanding, staining, sealing, and recoating. The sanding process in particular is time consuming and cannot be rushed to achieve desired results.
Professional hardwood floor contractors suggest that refinishing hardwood floors usually takes two to four days on average, depending on the size and complexity of the space. It can take longer if the floors are severely damaged due to neglect, pets, water damage, or too much traffic.
Do you remove baseboards when refinishing hardwood floors?
When it comes to refinishing hardwood floors, whether or not to remove the baseboards is a decision that needs to be made on a case-by-case basis. For minor touch-ups and repairs, it may not be necessary to take down the baseboards.
However, for more extensive refinishing projects, such as sanding down the entire floor, it can be beneficial to remove the baseboards in order to sand the floors flush with the walls and get the best possible result.
Removing baseboards can also make it easier to work with the edges of the floors and make sure that the refinish looks clean and even.
Also, if the baseboards are in need of repair or updating, it can be more practical to remove them and repair them while the refinishing work is being done. This can prevent further damage to the baseboards and ensure that they look their best when the flooring project is complete.
Ultimately, the decision to remove the baseboards or not ultimately comes down to your specific situation. For larger scale refinishing projects, it is advisable to remove baseboards, but for smaller projects, it may not be necessary.
If you are unsure, it is best to consult with a professional to determine the best course of action for your particular situation.
How long do you have to stay off hardwood floors after refinishing?
After refinishing hardwood floors, it is recommended to stay off the floors for at least 24-48 hours. This allows for the floors to properly cure and set, and for any residual odors from the refinishing process to dissipate.
For best results, it is recommended to keep the room off-limits for at least 3 days. Additionally, it is important to not expose the floors to excessive foot traffic or heavy furniture during this time, as the newly refinished floor is still soft and susceptible to dents and scratches.
Waiting before walking on the floors ensures that your refinished floors will last for years to come.
How long after refinishing floors can you walk on them?
It is typically recommended to wait at least 24 hours before walking on newly refinished floors. However, it is important to follow the instructions provided by the floor refinisher or any additional instructions given on the finishing product.
Depending on the type of finish used, additional steps and drying times may be necessary before you can safely walk on the new floor surface. For example, if a water-based finish is used, additional drying and cure times of up to 72 hours may be required before you can walk on the floor.
Be sure to also remove any sanding dust or residue prior to walking on the floors. Additionally, if furniture or other items are placed on the floor shortly after the refinishing it is important to ensure that protective pads or felt pads are in place between the furniture and the floor to prevent scratches.
Once the floor has dried, the surface should be treated with appropriate floor care products that are safe for use with the type of finish used. Following all of the instructions given and allowing the appropriate amount of time to pass will ensure a long-lasting and beautiful finish on the floors.
Can I go from 36 grit to 80 grit?
Yes. A 36 grit is a very coarse sander abrasive and is used to make quick and deep cuts in the material being sanded. An 80 grit is considered to be a finer grade abrasive that is used to make a smoother surface finish.
When sanding, it is important to begin with the coarser abrasive, like the 36 grit, to remove material quickly, and then gradually increase the grit size to achieve a smoother surface finish. By transitioning from 36 grit to 80 grit, you can achieve a smooth finish on the material you are sanding.
What is the way to sand hardwood floors?
Sanding hardwood floors is an important part of maintaining and preserving them. It can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive job, but the result of properly sanded floors can be beautiful and rewarding.
Here are the steps for sanding hardwood floors:
1. Clear the room of furniture and personal items. Cover the remainder of any furniture you can’t move with plastic sheets or drop cloths.
2. Vacuum and sweep the floor clean. Vacuuming is important because it helps pick up dust before the sanding process begins.
3. Rent a drum sander, and follow the instructions in the operating manual for set-up, adjustments and procedure.
4. Put on a dust mask and start in one corner of the room. Feed the belt sander straight forward, keeping it in line with the grain of the wood.
5. Move slowly and steadily, about one foot per second, making sure to keep the sander parallel to the grain of the wood. Overlap your passes slightly, gradually working your way across the room. Maintain a consistent pace and don’t go over the same spot more than once.
6. When the belt sander begins to lose its effectiveness, switch to an orbital sander. Going over the wood grain with shorter strokes around the room, paying further attention to the corners and edges.
7. After you’ve finished using the orbital sander, run the high-powered vacuum back over the floors to collect any remaining dust.
8. If needed, apply a second coat of sandpaper with the orbital sander.
9. When you are finished sanding, use a damp cloth to wipe off the floor. Let the floor dry and then run the vacuum over it again.
10. Apply a sealer or stain to the floor and let dry.
11. Finally, finish off with a coat of wax for a glossy finish.
How do you sand a floor without a machine?
Sanding a floor without a machine is possible with the right materials, but it is a labor-intensive process that can take a lot of time and effort.
The first and most important step is to make sure the floor is prepped properly. old paint, finishes, and debris must be cleaned up, and any glue or debris removed. Once the floor is prepped, you will need to get the right type of sand paper and sanding materials.
A good starting point is 100-grit sand paper. Depending on the type of wood and the condition, you may need to use a finer or coarser grit of paper.
Next, you will need to rent or buy a pole sander. A pole sander is a hand-held tool typically used for dry wall sanding. It clips onto the end of a long pole and comes with a built in dust collector.
When using a pole sander, start at one corner and use slow steady strokes along the length of the floor, making sure to keep the sander moving at all times.
Once the floor is sanded smooth, it’s important to use a vacuum to remove sawdust and debris. This step is especially important if you will be staining or painting the floor, as debris can cause imperfections that will show up in the finish.
Finally, apply a good quality wood sealer or finish to protect your floor and prevent damage.