While it is not possible to change the color of the original
wood, many homeowners are surprised to find out that you can change the
overall color of your hardwood floors by sanding and refinishing them.
Engineered hardwood may not be able to be sanded if the top layer of wood
isn’t thick enough, and very old floors that have already been sanded and
refinished multiple times might not be able to undergo this change, but
nearly every solid hardwood floor can go through this transformation.
Why
would you want to change the color of your hardwood
floors?
There are many reasons homeowners would like to
change the color of their floors. One of the most common reasons is that they
have purchased a new home with hardwood floors and are not happy with the
current color. This may be due to the condition of the floors, their plans
for decorating, or just personal preference. If you’re unhappy with the color
or state of your floors, refinishing them is a great way to update them and
create a comfortable space for you and your family.
How to
change the color of your hardwood floors
Changing the
color of your hardwood floors is a moderately difficult process and requires
specialized tools and knowledge. However, the process is straightforward, and
can either be done yourself or hired out to a professional. The first step is
to sand the floors using a sanding machine. This typically takes 3 sandings,
using a slightly finer grade of sandpaper on each one. This strips the
coating and prepares the raw hardwood to accept the stain and polyurethane
for an even, smooth, and durable finish. The next step is to stain the floor.
This is the part that actually changes the color of the wood. If you’re not
familiar with the types of stains that are appropriate for each type of
hardwood, a professional should definitely be consulted. Each color should be
tested on the floor in order to make sure you’re achieving the desired look.
The last step is to add polyurethane to create a protective layer over your
floors. This usually requires 2-3 coats, with a buffing process after the 2nd
layer and between any subsequent layers to ensure a smooth and protective
barrier.
If you have any questions about the process of
sanding and refinishing your floors in order to change the color of your
hardwood, stop into one of our two
locations, or give us a call at (813) 254-4066 to set up a
free, no-obligation consultation.
