How to Change the Wood Floor Color: 6 Speedy Guide

Any home would be beautiful by having wood floors. Installation of hardwood floors allows for complete customization. But fortunately, even if the floor is already in place, you can still alter its color. We have all the details you need to know if you want to change the wood floor color. While the process is simple to carry out, it’s vital to pay attention to a few crucial aspects for success. Changing the color, texture, and gloss of hardwood floors may radically invigorate your home.

Why Do You Need to Change the Color of your Wood Floor

Hardwood floors have a long lifespan. But it takes some effort to achieve that life of beauty and pleasure. Although regular cleaning and polishing are great strategies to keep floors looking new, you will ultimately need to refinish your hardwood floors.

Changing the color of your wood floor is an excellent technique to increase the lifespan of your flooring and is more affordable and environmentally safe than a complete replacement.

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When to Change the Wood Floor Color

Here are some signs that you need to change the wood floor color.

  • Deep Scratches

Deep scratches and fissures can get infested with pests and suffer from water damage. Flooring is a favorite meal for termites. Additionally, stains can result in rotting and other problems, making them more of a burden than an eyesore.

The laminate that is peeling also has to be replaced. Although sectional flooring repairs are an option, replacing all the flooring will ensure a perfect design match.

  • Water Stains

One of the few drawbacks of owning hardwood flooring is water damage. While both solid and engineered hardwood are prone to staining, warping, and other problems when the floor is exposed to dampness, engineered hardwood is more resistant to water damage than solid hardwood. Spills won’t seep into your floor with a good seal or stain, but if your property experiences flooding, plumbing problems, or other problems, major damage may result. Water damage frequently causes the wood to warp or separate, and a refinish is insufficient to fix the issue. As a result, one of the most important indicators that it’s time to repair your hardwood floors is water damage.

  • Flooring Coloration Issues

Hardwood, vinyl, and other types of flooring are all susceptible to fading. You might start by doing a deep clean. If it is only on the surface of the wood, a thorough cleaning should restore the flooring’s pristine appearance.

Discoloration can occasionally be a sign of more serious problems, which can be more damaging. One element that requires care is mold because it may have negative health effects. And over time, it will get worse!

Mold and mildew can be difficult to eradicate, particularly in the tile grout and in certain spaces like the bathroom. Replace the flooring if the issue persists even after you’ve cleaned it and addressed any dampness problems.

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Steps on How to Change the Wood Floor Color

  1. Sand the Old Stain Away

Doors, floor molding, drapes, and other items hanging on walls should all be removed from the sanding area before you begin. Cover any nearby windows, doorways, and vents after that. Make sure there are no protruding nails or staples that could harm the sandpaper before you begin to sand.

After preparing, you can use a random orbital sander to start sanding. Sand continuously moves with the floor’s grain to prevent damage. For challenging-to-reach areas, use a detail sander. Three passes of sandpaper are used: the first with a coarse 30–40 grit, the second with a medium 50–60 grit, and the third with a fine 80–100 grit. Dust should be vacuumed using a brush attachment in between sanding sessions.

  1. Add a Stain

Mop the floor to get it ready for staining or sealing after the final round of sanding and vacuuming. Apply a pre-stain conditioner, then stain as directed by the manufacturer. In most cases, the conditioner is applied and given up to 15 minutes to absorb into the wood. Within two hours, the stain is applied after the surplus has been cleaned with a cloth. You can use more than one coat of stain if you want the color to be darker.

  1. Paint the floor

To paint the floor, follow the following steps

  1. Remove all dust and dirt from the floor.
  2. Use sandpaper to smooth the floor’s surface.
  3. Apply the first coat of paint that is thinly using a brush or roller.
  4. Give the paint 24 to 48 hours to cure before using sandpaper on the painted surface.
  5. Then, proceed to a well-ventilated area after applying the second layer of paint.
  6. You may make patterns or themes on your flooring by applying two or three coats and allowing them to dry between each.

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FAQ

Can I change the color of my hardwood floors to a different color without sanding them first?

The best method for refinishing wood floors without sanding is to screen and recoat the surface. Applying a refreshing coat of finish after using a floor buffer to scuff up the finish is required. Some professionals call this sandless refinishing, but the term can also apply to another technique that uses a chemical etcher in place of the buffer.

Is refinishing and sanding hardwood floors more affordable than replacing them?

Hardwood floor refinishing typically costs between $600 and $4,000, with an average of $1,800. All things considered, this works out to $3 to $8 per square foot. Labor makes up about 80% of the price of refinishing hardwood floors. The complexity of the floor refinishing, labor expenses, the kind of wood flooring, and the length of time required to complete the project can all affect the final cost.

Can hardwood floors be given a new coat of paint?

You can alter the color of your flooring when you refinish it. The majority of hardwood floors can be changed to be darker, lighter, redder, or any combination thereof. If your flooring is solid hardwood, it can be refinished in a new stain after being sanded to give it a different look.

Conclusion

Changing the wood floor color of your home by refinishing your hardwood floors is a fabulous idea. It is an excellent technique to increase the lifespan of your flooring and is more affordable and environmentally friendly. You would need to change the wood floor color for several reasons. There are some steps you need to follow to do that. I hope you got your desired answer and this article was helpful for you.

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Hey, I'm George Fanton. I've over nine years of experience in the woodworking industry. I've cultivated a deep interest in practical wood and tasks. I enjoy sharing new information on woodworking technology to maintain my expertise in the current woodworking industries.