Wood Floor Refinishing Tools

Wood floor refinishing requires the right tools whether the job is done by a homeowner or professional contractor. The proper tools can make the job go much more smoothly. The finished product will look better, as well. This is true of any task from baking to building a house. Without a spatula, it's difficult to make pancakes. Without a hammer, it's difficult to erect a house. The local rental store will have everything a person could possibly need. No need to go out and buy everything if it's only going to be used once. What type of equipment does a person need to refinish their flooring?

- Brooms: Both a wide push broom and a narrower one should be available in order to sweep up during and after many of the steps.

- Gloves: Work glove sets in both rubberized material and heavy duty canvas cloth can protect hands from splinters and getting stains on them.

- Goggles: Protective goggles can protect the eyes from getting dust and sanded wood products in them.

- Mask to cover nose and mouth: Breathing in the debris which will result during sanding is not good for health. A simple paper dust mask will protect lungs and breathing passageways from becoming irritated.

- Floor sander: A commercial grade sander is necessary to remove the top layer. Two options are drum sanders and orbital sanders. The drum varieties are heavy and a bit hard to maneuver without some practice. A novice should be careful not to take gauges out of the surface area. The orbital types are easier to control but still need some competence and practice to operate. It's important to keep both types moving at all times until the regions are completed.

- Sandpaper: Several grades of sandpaper will be needed. A coarse grain will remove the biggest flaws while the finer grades will refine the surface with finesse. Think of an emery board in filing fingernails. One side is coarse to sculpt and the other side is finer in order to refine the shape into smoothness.

- Shop Vacuum: This shop vacuum cleaner is designed for tough jobs such as refinishing. The average household vacuum is not heavy duty enough for this type of job.

- Stain: Staining products come in an array of colors from light to dark. Choosing the one that aligns with the household décor is a wise idea. Remember that darker colors make a room look warmer and smaller while lighter hues will make it appear more open and spacious.

- Rags: Rags will be necessary to apply the stain to the flooring. Two coats of stain will be necessary to coat and each should be rubbed into the surface with these rags.

- Polyurethane and brushes: A polyurethane varnish like product will be needed at the very end of the process. It should be brushed on with a paintbrush. This sealant will keep everything protected for many years to come.

Wood floor refinishing will make a big difference in the way the entire house looks. It's wise to keep the house well ventilated during the process. If possible, the family should stay elsewhere during the rehab in order to avoid lengthy inhalation of fumes and dust particles.