If your old wood floors are worn, have started to rot, and have a finish that has started to fade away, it is time to start thinking about refinishing them. Before your floors can be refinished, you will need to do some repairs and preparation to ensure the new custom finish is what you expect it to be. The following tips will help you do the repairs and preparation that needs to be done before refinishing the hardwood flooring in your home.

1. Remove Furniture and Large Objects from the Area You Are Refinishing

Before you start refinishing the hardwood floors in your home, you will want to remove any furniture and large objects. If you are doing the floors in your entire home, remove the furniture from the largest spaces to start there first, and then continue with the smaller areas once the main areas have been refinished.

2. Inspect Your Hardwood Floors for Signs of Water Damage and Rot

When you have the floors clear of furniture and large objects, look closely at corners and edges of the floors for problems with leaks, rot, and insects. You will want to remove any boards that have been damaged to inspect the subflooring and wood joists for any problems that need to be repaired.

3. Remove the Trim and Repair the Subflooring Beneath Floors

To ensure the entire surface of the hardwood gets stained and to remove damaged boards easily, remove any trim and molding that sits on top of the floor. Once you have removed boards where there is damage, repair any damaged subflooring and joists to ensure that you will not have problems once your wood floors have been refinished.

4. Replace Damaged Hardwood Flooring Boards and Level the Imperfections in the Floor

Damaged hardwood floors can be difficult to repair. Make sure that you have the same size and color boards to replace the damaged ones that have been removed. Once the repairs have been completed, they can be sanded to match the old floor. In addition, you may want to sand other areas of the floor where boards are cupped or there are other imperfections.

These are some tips to help you with the repairs and preparations that need to be done before refinishing your hardwood flooring. If you are ready to give your floors a new finish, contact a hardwood flooring contractor and talk to them about giving your floors a new custom look.

For more information, contact a company like Kenton Carpet Care.