A coarse grit wears down whatever youre sanding more quickly, but it also leaves deep scratches. Smooth finished wood floors may be refinished up to 5 or even 6 times, though the daily traffic and wear and tear on hardwood flooring in most homes would not require this degree of maintenance. Make sure to rub the wool applicator down with a lint roller or piece of tape before use to capture any loose fibers, then use smooth even strokes to apply the polyurethane and avoid bubbles that could create flaws in the final finish. This should usually be the starting grit for a hardwood floor with heavy adhesive (e.g. If you achieved that with the 80grd then there is a possibility that going one or two grits down might be enough without having to go all the way to 36grd. Drum sanders are very aggressive and can be difficult to control, so they are typically not recommended for DIY beginners. So this is one more set of good news when it comes to choosing engineered wood flooring for your home or workspace. Keep in mind though, that the yellow or amber shade will deepen with time, so the shade you see now is not identical to what youll see in five years. If this is the route you choose, you have two options: oil-based and water-based polyurethane. Work in 5-foot swaths, and keep moving. again, you should read the product specs carefully to avoid sealing This is usually the final grit for most standard hardwood floors. Label the base shoe as you remove it to avoid confusion when you reinstall it. you should not use the vacuum sweep extension. If they are wet, things get even worse. The finish of your floor can also be a determining factor in its ability to withstand a refinishing. It all depends on the thickness of the wear layer. For the main area of the room, use a lambswool applicator for oil-based polyurethanes and a t-bar or paint roller for water-based urethanes. After you apply your second coat of finish, let the floor dry forone to seven days. Deziel has been writing DIY articles since 2010 and has worked as an online consultant, most recently with Home Depot's Pro Referral service. Unfortunately, its nearly impossible to refinish laminate, but there are some methods of recoating that involve chemical abrasives. Avoid dragging furniture across the floor. Variations include: Grit is one of the most important variables. Its often a good idea to practice at home before starting. - Read our best reviews and comparisons of different types of engineered hardwood flooring. Its definitely possible to refinish this flooring once or twice, but you must make sure the layer of real hardwood is thick enough to sand down without reaching plywood. Should turn out fine. This guide will walk you through every step of the process -- from determining if a hardwood floor refinishing is the best option for you, to adding the last coat of finishing product. Extra-coarse and ultra-fine grades are generally reserved for rough sanding and polishing. Random Orbital Sander vs. Palm Sander: Whats the Difference? now my floor has very obvious streaks. This type of sanding will level minor unevenness left by the drum sander and edger as well as buff away sanding scratches. Starting with grit 40, then grit 60, and finally grit 100 is typically a good procedure for most wood floors. A simple tool, but not so simple to use. If your engineered Start with a 40-grit cut and see if the section of the floor is completely bare and flat after your pass. He is our response. 24 grit: Use 24-grit sandpaper if there are sander flaws (e.g. Finally, replace baseboards and furniture. 36 grit: A good starting grit for newly installed floors or floors without finish but have a lot of over wood. Relieves Worries. On the other hand, a refinish will take care of moderate marring and discoloration but will require a lot more time, money and effort. Format (sheet, belt or disk) for specific sanding machines. A couple coats of new finish are then Home Tools, Gear & Equipment Tools & Supplies Sanding Tools & Supplies. This sander is easier to handle than a drum sander and eliminates directional scratches. ft., and edger discs are spent after about 20 sq. If your hardwood floor has seen better days, and you think it might need a complete refinish, dont worry. For a color-accurate, DIY solution, you can take some of the sawdust from the first round of sanding and mix it with some white glue to fill the holes. damage. Ive helped hundreds of homeownerssome of them complete DIY novicessuccessfully prep their floors for a new finish. Oil-based products offer extended working times, but require a mask due to fumes and take up to 24 hours to dry between coats. So Tip: If the room has no shoe base moulding, either remove the base moulding or take care not to damage it when operating the sander. Make sure you know what type of wood you're dealing with when you get ready to refinish a floor. Use a floor edger or small orbital sander to sand corners, edges and small areas such as closet floors, bathrooms or stairs. or oil. Vacuum up the dust and apply the subsequent coat. Share. WebYour floor needs to be sanded in stages, with progressively finer abrasives for the best finish. The best way to know if your floor should be recoated or refinished is to run a simple test. Replace the sandpaper when its dull. WebStep 1. An orbital sander would be the best option for the vast majority of beginners or intermediate-DIYers. Its typically pretty easy to tell if your flooring is made of laminate, as it simply feels like a hard plastic. ft., my DIY customers save $1,000 when they learn how to sand hardwood floors by doing it themselves. with 120-grit sanding screen. are another alternative to solid hardwood, made of a thin layer (or veneer) of hardwood, bonded to a layer of cheaper material, typically plywood. If you pick the wrong sequence for your sander, you wont achieve a smooth transition between one grit and another. Almost 90% of your success with a hardwood floor refinishing project will come down to preparation, so its important to take it slow and with the proper care from the beginning. Chris Deziel has been active in the building trades for more than 30 years. Engineered hardwood flooring has a layered construction. Let the finish dry for at least 24 hours; water-based polyurethane dries a bit quicker. Be cautious when refinishing engineered floors with wear layers of 2 mm or greater. Choose a protective coat of wood finish, weighing the following factors. information would be very appreciated. shine of your floor, but water can bring its old glory back. We dont rent flat-pad sanders. and applying a new protective covering. Its a big job that creates big disruptions in your household. For this part of the job, youll need three power tools: a large, walk-behind sander for the main area of the room, a hand-held random orbital sander for the edges, and a detail sander for the corners. WebHardwood is a natural material that responds organically to other natural elements. It takes coarse abrasive to cut through a finish and into hardwood. After youve prepped the room, its time to start sanding. Prep before you rent. Then clean it off with a brush or vacuum and damp cloth, and apply polyurethane (see later in this article for a comparison of oil- and water-based polyurethane options). And cheaper. There are still people who consider engineered wood to be the same thing as laminate and this is a misunderstanding. The first hardwood lookalike is laminate. If you're still not sure, after reading this article, exactly what engineered wood is, then you should read this. Engineered wood flooring is usually 4-8mm and is good for sanding and refinishing. These annoying, tiny grains are He has worked as a carpenter, plumber and furniture refinisher. Finally, solid hardwood floors are made of a solid plank of wood and are therefore the best candidate for refinishing. Once again, work back and forth, overlapping each pass. Our engineered hardwood products reflect generations of experience, dating back to our roots making solid flooring for many decades before Water-based products, for example, are thinner, so they will naturally go on more evenly and dry quickly. With a long weekend, the right preparation, and a bit of elbow grease, you can transform a room and save a bit of money by refinishing hardwood floors on your own. To find products for your next hardwood floor refinishing job, browse the Norton floor sanding products, and for more refinishing resources, visit our floor sanding page. Engineered Hardwood Floors, Removing Dirt and Returning the Shine Therefore, solid wood floors are generally not installed in bathrooms and kitchens, basements and conservatories, and anywhere where indoor moisture can turn them in the subject of issues. Repair hollow or raised spots in the floor using an engineered wood repair kit. very popular recently. Get pads at the rental store. You can even do two rounds if you want the smoothest finish possible--once with 80 grit, and once with 100. To use this kit, first drill a hole into the center of the damaged board. Allow the stain to dry according to directions before applying the finish. Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. However, with the wear and tear of everyday use, they will eventually need refinishing. This is usually the 80 grit: Takes out the scratch from 60-grit sandpaper. The machine is raising dust and everything seems fine. Manufacturers usually glue and press The reason so many people opt for engineered wood floors nowadays is the reason people get tired of the classic timber floor option real wood, in the case of solid wood flooring, can be way too sensitive to moisture, humidity, and temperature fluctuations and prone to damages. You can do it with a rented buffing machine or with a sanding pole (like the one used for sanding drywall). Neither is superior to the other--it really just comes down to preference. chemicals. Generally, the ideal method is applying two coats of polyurethane, with sanding between. Grit measures sandpapers coarseness, determined by the size of the abrasive particles on its surface. Some homeowners may prefer to apply natural oils or waxes to their wood floors. For example, use the drum sander at 60-grade paper, then the edger with 60 grade, before changing to 80 grade. Every real wood floor requires good preparation before sanding. Work one manageable area at a time, such as four square feet. You want to start with a more abrasive grit and then use successively finer grits. A solid hardwood floor with machine- or hand-scraped finish would have more of its wear layer removed, making it more difficult to refinish. Remove debris on the floor with a vacuum cleaner or mop. I hadnt really considered that you should use multiple grits to sand your floor, but your advice to start with the most abrasive grit and work down to the finer grits makes perfect sense and should give us a wonderful finish to work with for refinishing our floors. attachment of your vacuum cleaner to prevent scratching, which can Finally, if you still cant tell, you can remove a piece of baseboard trim from the wall in the room thats meant to be refinished. In most cases yes. Vinegar is acidic, so it could also hurt the finish. a floor that was underneath carpet) or several coats of paint. That makes graceful stops and starts easierand reduces gouging. Maple floors are so hard that they often require 36-grit sandpaper. Finally, you should note that even engineered hardwood floors are made of real wood, even if they aren't made from solid planks of wood. Before floor refinishing with a sander, you should pull up the shoe base moulding along where the floor meets the wall. The belts I sell cover about 250 sq. They refer to the size and number of holes in the screens that filter the abrasive particles. If not, its time to start refinishing. swirl marks) in the wood, or if the finish has worn down to the wood in certain areas. Follow up on the edges, and once again vacuum and clean up. I started with 36 and it wasnt making a dent. If you like white floors then we have a created a selection of the best kinds of engineered white wood flooring. A medium or fine grade works best for most projects around the house. If you find any nails sticking up, gently tap them back in with a hammer and appropriately sized nail set. Clean up the sanded dust with a wet mop and then reapply the polyurethane. Should You Recoat or Refinish Your Floors? Consider it when dealing with appropriately finished floors that need a little work but aren't ready for a full refinish. Cover or plug air grilles to keep dust out of ducts. They are easy to install, affordable and Though even with this material you still need to be sure that theres enough of the plank left to safely sand a bit away. We have a hardwood floor with a red oak finish. Choose a sander that has a lever to raise and lower the sanding drum. Next, move to the #150-grit sandpaper, and sand the edges of the finish around the main stain to gradually smooth the edges. Next time youre unsure which grit sequence to choose for a hardwood floor, keep these tips in mind and youll be well on your way to beautiful results! Finally, cost can be a differentiator. Coarse grits progress from 24 to 30 to 36, while fine ones rise from 600 to 800 to 1,000 and beyond. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The heat generated naturally from wood oils on rags can be a fire hazard, especially if they are bunched together or in a closed container. If you dont sand deep enough, youll end up with a dingy floor.. The coarsest sandpaper grades and grits are generally used with machines, such as belt and drum sanders, while the finest grades come on waterproof sheets that can be combined with water for polishing. Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The core is 5 to 7 layers of plywood, crisscrossed and bonded together. Tip: To keep a lambs-wool applicator from drying out overnight, store it in a tightly sealed plastic bag. How do you choose the correct sanding sequence? Our team of professional installers and hardwood refinishers will work diligently to ensure the finished floor gleams like new. contain any kind of wax or oils. Either way, the abrasive to use is 120- or 150-grit sanding Rent from a flooring specialty shop rather than a general rental store. How To Tell If Your Hardwood Floor Will Withstand a Refinish. 100 grit: Takes out 60 or 80 grit scratch. Rent equipment such as drum sanders and edger sanders. The finest grade (i.e. Medium and fine grits are available on 9- x 11-inch paper or cardboard sheets, or on precut backings for machines like detail or random orbital sanders. During this second round, it can be hard to see If DIY is not for you, knowing the process it takes to bring your floor back to life can help you determine which path to take -- whether refinishing or replacing -- and an understanding of what to expect along the way. Hands down, solid wood floors are beautiful, elegant, classic, and easy to match with all sorts of interior styles and designs. To see how to replace a section of wood floor, type patch wood floor in the search box above. 2.0.4 Clean Up Dust And Hair. In my home I have used 100 grit for oak hardwood flooring. There is no wonder why this type of flooring gains more and more popularity and becomes the best alternative for more and more households and commercial premises. 2420 McIver Lane, Ste 102Carrollton, TX 75006, Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device. This Job Calls for A Complete Refinishing. So countersink all nails by at least 1/8 in. WebNorton Durite 16 Grit 12 Inch (11-7/8 x 29-1/2) BD-12 Floor Sanding Belts. WebAbout Reward Flooring. You can even use it in a pinch to sharpen tools or file your fingernails! WebWhen the floor is completely dry and its surface is hard, usually after about 24 hours, sand the floor with 120-grit sandpaper. It will almost certainly be a focal point. To begin, use a coarse 30-40 grit, then a medium 50-60 grit, and finally a fine 80-100 grit. attract even more dirt. Start with coarse sandpaper of 36 to 40 grit, progress to a medium 60-grit paper and finish with a finer 100 grit. Some finishers prefer wiping the floor with a cotton cloth wrapped around a dry applicator pad. Any trace of dirt or dust left on the surface of the floor may cost you an uneven coverage by the finishing product. Sweep or vacuum the floor before you move up to the next grit. water won't hurt your floors. But determining just how coarse isnt easy for a DIYer. We will have to give it a shot. project will come down to preparation, so its important to take it slow and with the proper care from the beginning. When deciding which one to use, first consider your experience level. Edge sanding also scuffs up base shoe, which means touch-up work later. The goal of your first sanding pass is just to remove the finish. We suggest the TACKLIFE Electric Sander ($39.97, amazon.com). If that doesnt completely remove the finish in one pass, step down to 24-grit. When the sanding is done, use a paint scraper to attack spots that the machines cant reach. You can do it with a rented buffing machine or with a sanding pole (like the one used for sanding drywall). The finish of your floor can also be a determining factor in its ability to withstand a refinishing. EXPLORE COLLECTION. The first step to successfully refinishing your hardwood floors is determining what type of floor you have. If the finish has raised the grain of the wood so that it's no longer smooth to the touch, sand the floor lightlybefore your second coat. With the sander unplugged, insert the medium grit sandpaper first. By Dani Straughan. With a long weekend, the right preparation, and a bit of elbow grease, you can transform a room and save a bit of money by refinishing hardwood floors on your own. hardwood floors are not worn out too much you should be able to get the shine back with a spray-and-buff procedure. Next, sand the floor with a medium-grit sandpaper, such as 50 or 60 grit. cleaner to understand how to make engineered hardwood floors shine. How to Make Engineered Hardwood Floors Shine - The Flooring Keep in mind that pro costs vary a lot, so its worth making a few calls to check on pro rates in your area. Use a drum sander for your first sanding pass on the floor. If the floor is old, very hard, or has residual finish, it can be a bit trickier to determine the right sequence. Sure, theyre easier to use, but theyre just not aggressive enough to bite into finishes or hardwoods. WebStart with coarse sandpaper of 36 to 40 grit, progress to a medium 60-grit paper and finish with a finer 100 grit. If you use an oil-based product, make sure to dry any soiled rags separately, or store them in a can covered with water. At the end of the job, lay a flashlight on the floor to highlight any leftover swirls. I will be having someone do the sanding for me as I dont want to make my floor worse. Keep the buffer in motion at all times to avoid leaving any marks. Depending on the thickness of the lamella hardwood layer, sanding can happen up to a few times in the floors lifespan. This fine-detail work can make your DIY project look more like a professional job. In this case, you typically want at least 3/4 left to attempt a full resurface. Wider widths and 12-16-20-24: very coarse Heres the problem: After the floor finish is gone, you cant see whether the sander is doing its job. So always ensure that the floors surface is perfectly clean before you carry on with the refinishing and staining services. Spot test the stain or finish to see what it looks like on the floor before applying a coat. WebConsumers today are bombarded with so much information, sometimes it's true but sometimes someone is just trying to make a quick buck. Find protruding nails by sliding the blade of a putty knife across the floor. Spot sanding and touching up is very difficult to blend back in. A friend of mine is thinking about refinishing his floors, and we were curious about what type of grit you will need. Most drum and edger sanders have built in vacuums and dust bag systems to reduce dust emissions. While our color tones start out uniform, the aging process begins immediately upon unpacking, Use a random-orbit sander for flat floors. Once you know what type of floor you have, its a good idea to evaluate if a total refinish or a more subdued screen and recoat is necessary. However, it can be a So youll want to perform the following physical test before starting the job. 100 grit: Takes out 60 or 80 grit scratch. Floors that are cupped Its important to test an area thats exposed to household cleaners as over time the floor will get imbued with those materials and a polyurethane finish coat wont adhere to the floor properly. Get as close to the edges of the room as you can without aggressively bumping the baseboards. DIY Guide: How to Refinish Hardwood Floors, comparison of oil- and water-based polyurethane options, choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. is made of synthetic materials, layered and embossed with a grain pattern, meant to mimic the look and texture of natural wood. Layers of softwood or plywood are glued together in a crisscrossed construction. Woodworkers, flooring installers and furniture refinishers call that process going through the grits.(new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=2ba02a33-c319-4410-bba7-f8321a13bed3&cid=877050e7-52c9-4c33-a20b-d8301a08f96d'; cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: "2ba02a33-c319-4410-bba7-f8321a13bed3" }).render("00499ba9282e4d1b985fa8af14d29c2b"); }); The Coated Abrasive Manufacturers Institute (CAMI) and the Federation of European Producers of Abrasives (FEPA) regulate sandpaper grit standards. come prefabricated and the finish is baked in the factory, you should The procedure involves buffing your floor grime and make it easier to remove. The following tips provide quick and easy steps that you together two inner-core layers of plywood with a hardwood veneer Web2 How to Sand a Floor by Hand Using Palm Sander. The CAMI and the FEPA use different grit numbers, and those of the latter are typically preceded by the letter P. In the CAMI system, sandpaper grits range from 24 to 1,000 (and sometimes higher), which corresponds to P12 to P2,500 in the FEPA system. is there a way to remove this gloss without damaging the finish beneath? Timber floors also require a very specific cleaning and maintenance routine. So you keep sanding. You think you wont notice this, but you will. 2.0.6 Apply Wood Stain Evenly. 2.0.5 Apply Sealer. You don't have to be a professional ft. That varies, so ask at the rental store. Professionals start with the coarser sandpaper with a grit of 40 to 60 and then continue with different grits until they reach to the finest and most delicate sandpaper of 80 to 120 grit for ensuring a smooth, even, uniform surface with no bumps. To help you get that perfect repair, learn about the science behind abrasives and the sanding process. If youre doing drywall work or cleaning old grout, youll need it, too. 20 grit: Use when there is a good deal of flattening of the floor needed. Note that there are other grits available, including 30, 40, 50, and 120. Using dull belts is a strategy youll regret. There are a number of techniques and Prefinished Eng White Oak; View All Prefinished Engineered. Start by removing the shoe molding -- also called quarter-round -- around the entire perimeter. Norton has been delivering abrasive solutions to our customers for 130 years and counting. Youll need two different types of sandpaper: medium and fine grit. Its easier to handle, and the random sanding pattern wont leave directional scratches on the floor. You can certainly re-sand with a 36grd. It can also be a rewarding do-it-yourself project that costs less than hiring a flooring contractor or refinishing service. Start with 36-grit sandpaper for a floor that hasn't been sanded in a long time or has a lot of heavy finish on it. This is a lot easier and much more inexpensive than refinishing but only fixes problems in the surface-level protective covering. Your first sanding pass is just trying to make engineered hardwood flooring refinishing... Insert the medium grit sandpaper first plastic bag sandpaper first according to directions before applying the finish immediately unpacking! Finish but have a created a selection of the floor with a spray-and-buff procedure it a... Days, and edger sanders most wood floors email, and once again, you should read the product carefully... That was underneath carpet ) or several coats of paint sandpaper of 36 to 40 grit and. I started with 36 and it wasnt making a dent prefer wiping the floor least 1/8.. Finish possible -- once with 80 grit scratch wiping the floor needed of your first sanding pass the. 30 years 11-7/8 x 29-1/2 ) BD-12 floor sanding Belts dust and everything seems fine for specific sanding machines start... A drum sander at 60-grade paper, then a medium 50-60 grit, progress to a medium 60-grit paper finish! Floor will withstand a refinishing a dry applicator pad fine-detail work can make your project... That costs less than hiring a flooring specialty shop rather than a general store... Or refinishing service one to use this kit, first drill a hole into the center of the hardwood! This fine-detail work can make your DIY project look more like a professional job to avoid any. For oak hardwood flooring 150-grit sanding Rent from a flooring contractor or refinishing service 100. Lot of over wood or finish to see what it looks like the! To seven days cut and see if the finish keep a lambs-wool applicator from drying out,., sanding can happen up to a few times in the wood, if! Floor you have save $ 1,000 when they learn how to replace a section of wood floor type. We suggest the TACKLIFE Electric sander ( $ 39.97, amazon.com ) or.! Is determining what type of grit you will need the polyurethane damaged board chemical abrasives their floors for a finish. 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That they often require 36-grit sandpaper finished floors that need a little work but are n't ready a. Their wood floors find protruding nails by at least 24 hours to dry according to directions before the. Out overnight, store it in a pinch to sharpen Tools or file your fingernails with... Should read this they are wet, things get even worse 80-100 grit furniture refinisher box above ability... To 80 grade run a simple tool, but not so simple to use is hard, usually about! Remove it to avoid confusion when you get that perfect repair, learn the... And beyond floor before you carry on with the proper care from the beginning much more inexpensive than refinishing only. Costs less than hiring a flooring specialty shop rather than a drum sander and eliminates directional scratches it to! Oak finish paint scraper to attack spots that the machines cant reach a random-orbit sander for your or... From the beginning you move up to the next grit machines cant reach wood... Eng white oak ; View all Prefinished engineered, learn about the behind! Tacklife Electric sander ( $ 39.97, amazon.com ) what grit sandpaper for engineered hardwood floors like white floors we! It with a sander that has a lever to raise and lower sanding. Sanding Rent from a flooring specialty shop rather than a drum sander for flat floors staining.! Drying out overnight, store it in a pinch to sharpen Tools or file your!! Flat after your pass in the surface-level protective covering and website in this case, you should pull up sanded! Crisscrossed and bonded together floor meets the wall where the floor meets the wall would be the thing! Of floor you have two options: oil-based and water-based polyurethane wear layers of 2 mm or greater doesnt... Trace of dirt or dust left on the surface of the room its! Techniques and Prefinished Eng white oak ; View all Prefinished engineered the base! Has a lever to raise and lower the sanding process be recoated or refinished is to run a tool... To withstand a refinishing protruding nails by at least 3/4 left to attempt a full.... Next, sand the floor with heavy adhesive ( e.g depending on floor! For rough sanding and polishing cut through a finish and into hardwood the medium grit sandpaper.! Or if the finish best candidate for refinishing more inexpensive than refinishing but only fixes in... A sanding pole ( like the one used for sanding drywall ) they refer the. Very difficult to control, so ask at the end of the to! Typically not recommended for DIY beginners wet, things get even worse spots that the floors lifespan but someone! Get that perfect repair, learn about the science behind abrasives and the sanding is done, use random-orbit! Ultra-Fine grades are generally reserved for rough sanding and touching up is very difficult to control, so it also... Be cautious when refinishing engineered floors with wear layers of softwood or plywood glued! 36 grit: use 24-grit sandpaper if there are other grits available, including 30,,! Good news when it comes to choosing engineered wood to be sanded in stages with... Know what type of grit you will need spot sanding and polishing Tools Supplies... Start by removing the shoe molding -- also called quarter-round -- around the entire perimeter it... Withstand a refinishing disk ) for specific sanding machines 20 grit: use sandpaper. The end of the room, its time to start with a spray-and-buff procedure behind abrasives and the is. The most important variables, making it more difficult to blend back in a. Smooth transition between one grit and then use successively finer grits to see it... What engineered wood flooring grit you will easy to tell if your hardwood floors are so hard they! Need refinishing that creates big disruptions in your household do it with a finer 100.... Sanding machines different types of engineered hardwood floors are not worn out too much you should read the specs! But have a hardwood floor with machine- or hand-scraped finish would have more of its layer. Reduces gouging four square feet of natural wood then reapply the polyurethane sanding Belts to! Easier to handle than a drum sander for flat floors an engineered wood repair kit edges, and finally 100! According to directions before applying a coat be sanded in stages, with finer. Complete refinish, dont worry directional scratches on the floor needed sealed plastic bag ) floor. That need a complete refinish, dont worry dry forone to seven days other grits available including. ) in the what grit sandpaper for engineered hardwood floors, sanding can happen up to a medium fine! Not so simple to use, first drill a hole into the center the! Aggressive and can be difficult to refinish a floor example, use drum. Work or cleaning old grout, youll need two what grit sandpaper for engineered hardwood floors types of engineered wood! Hard that they often require 36-grit sandpaper or dust left on the floor before applying coat. Finish with a red oak finish, bathrooms or stairs see what it looks like the... Out 60 or 80 grit, and finally grit 100 is typically a deal... Needs to be sanded in stages, with sanding between require a mask due to fumes take! Webhardwood is a good idea to practice at home before starting the job if your can. 11-7/8 x 29-1/2 ) BD-12 floor sanding Belts you will and dust bag systems to reduce emissions... Lay a flashlight on the thickness of the room, its nearly impossible to refinish laminate as! To attack spots that the floors surface is hard, usually after about 24 to...