How Do I Refinish Oak Floors?
If an oak floor is beyond repair, it might have to be sanded and refinished. Most floors are 3/4 inch thick, and must be sanded completely to the new wood with no finish, and then refinished. The longevity of oak floors depends on the care that is given to them. The floors must must be swept and washed regularly with warm, soapy water. Perform a visual inspection and make sure all of the nails in the floor are countersunk. This will make the job easier when you get to the end and get ready to refinish the floor. Use mineral spirits or a type of wax remover to clean the floors thoroughly. Make sure the room is well ventilated, to protect you from the fumes from the cleaners. Also be sure the floor is clean of all debris. Inspect the nails that are countersunk and fill the holes with putty. Sand the surface using coarse to medium sandpaper. This process can be rather time-consuming. The abrasion and heat may cause the floor to become gummy when you reach the new wood, but it will also le
