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Refurbishing Hardwood Floors From "Ask DIY" episode ADI-410

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Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Figure E

Q: My hardwood floors have seen better days. How can I revive them?

A: (Bruce Johnson, Ask DIY Woodworking expert) The top layer of flooring can turn dark and dirty over the years (figure A), so there comes a time when refinishing is in order. But remember: You should use a sander on a hardwood floor as a last resort. Instead, use a liquid refinisher, which is a combination of solvents designed to dissolve the old, dark finish.

Before you begin, take note of a couple of safety tips:

• Wear safety glasses and gloves when working with solvents.

• Use solvents in a well-ventilated area.

1. Pour the refinisher into a metal pan and use a coarse synthetic pad to apply it to the wood. It's a good idea to start in a corner or some other unobtrusive spot so you can experiment to see how much scrubbing is required. (figure B) Also, keep in mind that the refinisher will evaporate quickly, so you should work in small sections.

2. Repair any flaws or holes in the wood as necessary (figure C) -- if you leave them, they will look worse when the floor is re-stained. Using wood filler, pack it in the holes, mounding it slightly (it will shrink as it dries). Don't use too much, though: concentrate it in the area to be repaired and try not to let it smear onto the rest of the surface (figure D).

3. Let the filler dry four to six hours, then sand smooth by hand, using a sanding block and a medium-grit (100 to 120) sandpaper (figure E).

4. Apply stain to bring out the grain of the wood. Don't use a stain that's too dark, as it will naturally darken over time. Alternatively, you can apply a clear finish to the wood to protect it without changing the color.

• If there are areas on the floor where the stain has worn off in places, you can touch it up by applying stain with a rag over the existing finish, which will keep the stain from absorbing anywhere except where it's needed.

• If you want a natural finish on your floor, you can clean the surface with mineral spirits and then brush on a coat of clear polyurethane.

• Protect high-traffic areas with small rugs or runners. In kitchens or baths, choose a runner with a rubber back to protect from water splashes.