Refinishing hardwood floors can be a daunting task, but it’s possible to do it yourself. And if you’re short on time or money, you may wonder if you can refinish your floors in sections.
The answer is yes; you can refinish your hardwood floors in sections. However, the sections you refinish should be relatively small, no more than 100 square feet each, and should all be the same height. You also need to be careful not to sand through the finish in the adjoining sections.
This article explains how to refinish hardwood floors in sections and expert tips on doing it right.
Pros of Refinishing Hardwood Floors in Sections
Refinishing hardwood floors in sections is a practical and smart approach to preserving the beauty and longevity of your flooring. It offers several notable advantages, making it an attractive choice for homeowners to improve their hardwood floors.
Cost Efficiency
Refinishing hardwood floors in sections can save you both time and money. Instead of tackling the entire floor at once, you can focus on specific areas that need attention.
This approach minimizes the overall cost, as you only refinish the required areas rather than the entire surface.
Convenience and Flexibility
Refinishing in sections offers convenience and flexibility if you have a busy schedule or a small living space. You can work on one room or area at a time, allowing you to continue using the rest of the space without disruption. This staged approach is particularly beneficial for those who cannot afford to vacate their entire home during the refinishing process.
Targeted Maintenance
Refinishing in sections allows you to address specific areas of your hardwood floor that may have experienced more wear and tear.
Whether it’s high-traffic zones, pet-affected areas, or spots with noticeable damage, you can target your maintenance efforts precisely where needed. This ensures that your hardwood floors always look their best, even in the face of localized issues.
Cons of Refinishing Hardwood Floors in Sections
While refinishing hardwood floors in sections offers several advantages, it’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks of this approach. Understanding the cons can help you make an informed decision when planning your flooring renovation project.
Difficult to Achieve a Uniform Finish:
One of the drawbacks of refinishing hardwood floors in sections is the potential difficulty in achieving a consistently smooth finish. Refinishing the entire floor at once makes it easier to ensure a seamless, uniform appearance.
However, when you work in sections, blending the finishes seamlessly between the refinished areas and the untouched portions can be challenging, which may result in slight variations in sheen or color.
Noticeable Transition Lines:
Another con to consider is the potential for noticeable transition lines between the refinished sections and the untreated areas. These lines can become more apparent if the hardwood has aged, darkened, or changed color over time.
How to Refinish Hardwood Floors in Sections
Here is the step-by-step guide to refinishing hardwood floors in sections.
Step 1: Preparing the floors
To prepare your hardwood floor for refinishing:
- Remove all furniture and fixtures from the room.
- Cover any areas you don’t want sanded, such as baseboards and door frames, with painter’s tape.
- Sweep and mop the floors to remove any dirt or debris. Avoid ammonia to clean the floor.
- Vacuum the floors to remove any remaining dust.
- Apply a dust mask and safety glasses to protect yourself from the dust.
Step 2: Sanding the floors
Once the floor is prepared, follow these steps to sand it:
- Start by sanding the floors with a quality sander and coarse-grit sandpaper (40-60 grit). This will remove the old finish and any imperfections in the wood.
- Sand in the direction of the grain, working in small sections.
- Once you’ve finished sanding with the coarse-grit sandpaper, vacuum up the dust and then sand again with medium-grit sandpaper (80-100 grit).
- Finally, sand with fine-grit sandpaper (120-150 grit) to smooth out the surface of the wood.
Top tip: We recommend using the DEWALT 20V MAX Random Orbit Sander Kit for this step. It has a variable speed control feature that can help you adjust the speed.
Step 3: Applying the finish
After sanding, here is how you can apply the finish:
- Choose the type of finish you want to use. There are many different finishes available, so do some research to find one that is right for your needs.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying the finish.
- Apply the finish in thin, even coats.
- Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next coat.
Once the finish has dried completely, you can move your furniture back into the room and enjoy your newly refinished hardwood floors!
Tips for Refinishing Hardwood Floors in Sections
Here are a few things you must remember while refinishing hardwood floors in sections.
- Work in Small Sections: Divide your hardwood floor into manageable sections to maintain control and ensure consistent results. Focus on one area of about 100-150 square feet at a time, preventing overwhelm and promoting precision.
- Use the Right Grit of Sandpaper: Start with a coarse grit (40-60) to remove the existing finish and imperfections. As you progress, switch to moderate (80-100) and finer grits (120-150) for a smoother finish. Choosing the correct grit prevents over-sanding or damaging the wood.
- Be Mindful of Transition Areas: Pay close attention to the borders between the sections you’re refinishing and the adjacent untreated areas. When sanding near these transitions, ensure not to oversand or inadvertently damage the finish on the adjoining sections.
- Be Consistent with Sanding Direction: Always sand in the direction of the wood grain. Sanding against the grain can leave unsightly scratches and marks that are challenging to remove during refinishing.
- Follow safety measures: Be wary of safety hazards while refinishing hardwood floors, including heavy equipment use, electrical hazards, fire, and exposure to wood dust, allergens, and volatile solvents. Wear protective gear like a dust mask and safety glasses to ensure personal safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Sand and Refinish One Spot on Hardwood Floors?
Yes, you can sand and refinish one spot on hardwood floors. Be careful not to sand through the finish in the adjoining sections. You may also need to use a different type of finish for the spot repair than the rest of the floor.
Can You Refinish Hardwood Floors With Gaps?
Yes, you can refinish hardwood floors with gaps. However, it is important to fill the gaps before you start sanding. You can use wood filler, wood putty, or even wood strips to fill the gaps. Once the gaps are filled, you can sand and refinish the floors as usual.
Can You Refinish the Wood Floor Without Sanding?
No, refinishing a wood floor without sanding is not advisable. Sanding is crucial to remove the existing finish, smooth out imperfections, and prepare the surface for a new finish. Skipping sanding may lead to an uneven and unsatisfactory result.
Conclusion
Refinishing hardwood floors in sections is a practical and cost-effective way to maintain your flooring’s beauty and longevity. This approach offers the flexibility to work in smaller areas, saving time and money.
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