One of the many great things about wood flooring is that even when it reaches the point of looking tired and sad, you can bring it back to life without too much effort. There are few, if any, other flooring options that boast this major benefit. So, if your wood floor has had a tough time and is starting to show the signs of years of traffic, maybe even some severe staining and remnants of poor cleaning regimes, it’s a simple case of making the decision to roll up your sleeves and restore it. Once you’ve made the decision that a restoration is in order, it’s down to you to decide whether you’ll tackle that restoration on your own, or if you’ll hire a professional to do it for you.
How to restore your wood flooring on a DIY basis
If you decide to restore your wood flooring yourself, the best advice we can give is to plan the job carefully, particularly if it’s the first time you’ve restored a wood floor. There are effectively four simple steps to your restoration project. They are:
1. Preparation
2. Sanding
3. Staining (if you decide you want to apply a stain)
4. Finishing
Before you even start, it’s essential that you clear your room completely. It’s impossible to achieve a good end result if you still have furnishings or soft furnishings in the room, so you need to aim for complete clearance of the space. Do remember to take care when you’re clearing the room not to damage the floor by dragging furnishings, and in particular, heavy items. As soon as you have the floor completely cleared, you’ll have the chance to see any areas that need repair or attention before you start.
Hiring a sander, in most cases, is the best option when it comes to restoring your floor because it’ll get the job done quickly and will normally provide a better result. The company where you hire your sander will help you with all you need, but the most important thing with sanding is to work from coarse to fine paper to achieve the best result.
If you decide that you want to stain your floor, you should do it pretty much immediately after sanding. All you need to do beforehand is make sure that all traces of dust from the sanding have been removed. Thereafter, whichever finish you’ve decided will work best with your desired look, will require 2 or 3 coats, starting at the outside of the room and working inwards and towards the door. Don’t forget to leave your finish to dry thoroughly before you walk on it.
The professional floor restoration option
As with any professional alternative to DIY options, there are any number of companies who will come in and restore your wooden floor for you. Professionals who do this job day-in and day-out will of course have all the necessary equipment and know how to make sure your job is done to a high standard. What’s more, it’s worth remembering that even though a professional sanding, staining and refinishing option might look expensive compared to restoring your wood floor on a DIY basis, you really shouldn’t forget the time you need to invest in the DIY option and the final result you’re likely to achieve. If you decide to hire a professional company, it’s well worth investing the time to do a bit of research, and if possible asking to speak to some of their clients.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the steps to restore wood flooring on a DIY basis?
The restoration process involves four primary steps: preparation, sanding, staining (if desired), and finishing. Start by completely clearing the room to ensure you can reach all areas of the floor. Use a sander (likely rented) to sand the floor, starting with coarse paper and working towards finer paper for a smooth finish. If you choose to stain your floor, this should be done immediately after sanding and thorough dust removal. Finally, apply 2 or 3 coats of your chosen finish, working from the outside of the room inwards.
What should I remember before starting the restoration process?
It’s important to clear the room completely, making sure not to drag heavy furniture which could damage the floor. Also, if you’re hiring a sander, the company can provide instructions, but remember to start with coarse paper and progress to finer paper.
Can I stain my floor during the restoration process?
Yes, if you want to stain your floor, it should be done immediately after sanding. Make sure to remove all dust from the sanding process before staining.
How does a professional floor restoration work?
Professional companies who specialise in floor restoration will come with all the necessary equipment and expertise to ensure your job is done to a high standard. Though it may initially appear expensive compared to a DIY restoration, it’s important to consider the time and final result.
How can I choose a good professional for floor restoration?
Invest time in research and ask potential companies if you can speak to some of their previous clients. This can give you a better understanding of their work quality and reliability.