Finish an existing unfinished hardwood floor ourselves?

by

Q: I am interested in knowing how I can finish an existing unfinished hardwood floor in the entry hall of my home. We had planned to buy the interlocking new wood floor system and do it ourselves. How difficult would it be to finish the existing original hardwood floor which is already there?

Also, a few drops if white paint were spilled on it during renovation and we weren’t worried about it since we originally planned to cover it anyway but, have now changed our minds.

A: Generally sanding and finishing a wood floor is a professional project requiring professional equipment and expertise. Most of the tools we use, cannot be rented. However, if this is a very small area, you may be able to struggle through with a small belt sander and orbital sander. This still represents an investment in equipment of $400-$500 for those 2 tools, if you get something decent. Remember, however, that some of the old coatings contained a high degree of metals and you would be wise not to breathe that in.

Related Questions

  • Hardwood floor finish is peeling off

    We have wood floors that were installed 5 or 6 years ago. I had them recently recoated and the coating is peeling off. The flooring company advised that cleaning products such as Murphy's Oil Soap (which I used on my floors) will penetrate the finished wood in scratches and deep…

  • Is it OK to install new hardwood flooring over an existing hardwood floor?

    Q: Is it OK to install new hardwood flooring over an existing oak hardwood floor? A: The National Wood Flooring Association would say it is okay to install wood floor over existing wood floor provided all the boards are stable and secure. Personally, I'd suggest ripping it out and laying…

  • Hardwood finish peeling after 6 months

    Approximately 6 months ago I had some hardwood flooring installed. I now see some peeling going on. What should I do?

  • Install real hardwood on top of existing laminate floor?

    What does it take to put real hardwood on top of an existing laminate floor? The plywood floor under the laminate is level and we installed to laminate as a level floor. If we rip out the laminate we're back to having to level the plywood. Is this advisable, to…

  • Floating hardwood floor

    Is there such a thing as a floating hardwood floor? I have seen hardwood flooring that has a “uniclic” design which looks like it can be floating. If so, what types of things should I consider for installing it in my new (less than 5 year old) condo? Would there…

  • Swirl marks on refinished hardwood floor

    I just had my floors refinished due to a water damage. I have 3/4" red oak. We went with a natural finish with semi-gloss finish. The floors look great, but I have one concern: one area in my floors, when the SUN hits this spot, I can see swirl marks.…