Finishing your hardwood floors

The steps you take ensure that the wood is well protected and looks impressive at the same time. Once you are done with the hard work, the rooms in which you finish the floors will look spectacular.

The first step in finishing hardwood floors is to sand. Begin the process with coarse sandpaper to remove most of the finish and stains that were previously on the floor. To avoid gouging the floor, be sure to keep the sander moving at all times. Allowing the sander to sit in one spot for too long will dig too deep into the floor in that space. Change the sandpaper to a finer grit as you sand the floors.

Before applying any finish to the floor, you must ensure that the floor is squeaky clean. Remove all dust and grit from the floor after sanding to ensure the finish is applied smoothly and no dust or dirt is trapped under the finish. Products may not adhere properly to the floor if it is not cleaned properly.

Use a rag to apply the stain. Some people use a brush to apply the stain, then remove the excess with the rag. Using the cloth from the first step will save you a step and will stain the floor in even amounts from the start. It may seem like hard work, but in the end, the stain will be covered evenly with no darker areas on the floor.

Floors in good condition do not have to be stained. The natural color of the wood can fit better with the decoration of your home. Polyurethane should be applied by roller or brush. The layers must be allowed to dry in between to ensure that the floor is properly protected. You should wait about three days before putting heavy furniture back on the floor or rugs.

A richly colored hardwood floor can add to the look of any room. Dark stains create a rich and elegant look in the room and lighter colored floors are amazingly natural. You may be surprised at what is currently under the floor in your home. Take a look under the rug to find out if you have a beautiful hardwood floor just waiting to be exposed. The floors in your home make a big difference in the appearance of a room.

Pick up some large area rugs to complement the hardwood floors and the look will be complete. Remember to care for your hardwood floors with regular cleaning and making sure dirt and dust are swept up daily. Dirt can scratch a hardwood floor when it enters your home.