Hardwood floors can beautify your home, but like any wood product, they must be properly cared for in order to maintain their luster and elegance. Hardwood floor refinishing is not a difficult process, but is a necessary one if those floors are to be maintained. By putting aside a little time to dedicate to refinishing hardwood floors, they will last for years, keeping that fresh and new appearance free of scratches and scuffs.

Refinishing hardwood floors is a process that encompasses two steps. The first, sanding, removes the buildup of dirt and old wood from the floor's surface, making for a fresh wood surface suitable for working. The other, staining, gives the floor's surface a more polished look.

Before you attempt refinishing your hardwood floor, you should always do this simple test to make sure that it is necessary. All you need to do is place a drop of water on your floor. If it absorbs rather quickly, you need to refinish, but if it doesn't absorb, or it slow at absorbing, you do not need to refinish your hardwood floor at this time.

Before refinishing the floor, you should check that the floor does not need any repair work. All repair work should be completed before refinishing the floor. Examples of problems that require repair are badly stained wood, warped or squeaky floor boards, and other permanent damage.

After making sure your floor is in good repair, begin refinishing by preparing for the messy work of sanding. Start by clearing everything from the room. Cover all doorways, other openings, vents, and light fixtures in the empty room to protect them from all the dust.

You will use a drum sander for your initial sanding. This is a powerful tool and it is easy to inadvertently damage the wood while sanding, so keep the machine moving, never let it stall in one place for more than a few seconds, and above all, don't rush. To reach areas you can't reach with the drum sander, such as corners, use an edge sander.

When the sanding is completed, clean all dust and debris from the area. You are now prepared to stain the floor. There are several options to choose from when selecting your stain. Water-based and oil-based stains are available, and these with a wide variety of appearances. Select whichever best suits your particular floor, and be careful to follow all instructions. Pay extra attention to how many coats you are to use, and how long it must be left to dry.

Your stain is dry; your floor is done! Offer yourself some congratulations! Refinishing hardwood floors can be difficult, and some hire a professional, but you know how to refinish hardwood floors so you don't need to. This task takes a little time, but when you see your dull floor shining and gleaming again you will know it was all worth it.