Refinishing Hardwood Floors // START TO FINISH

This DIY refinishing hardwood floors tutorial is all about how to refinish hardwood floors from start to finish. Refinishing hardwood floors yourself can be difficult but this tutorial shows you the step by step process on how to do so from drum sanding, to finish sanding, to sealing and finish with Bona Traffic HD. Bring Your Own Tools (#BYOTools 145).
HUGE thank you to HOOVER for sponsoring this week's video. If interested in leaning more about their amazing Smart Wash technology, please check out the following link: bit.ly/3CPVb4a
Material List:
-Bona Traffic HD: amzn.to/30MN6Pd
-Bona Classic Sealer: bit.ly/3Cy5nwD
-Tack Cloth: amzn.to/3r2IrDs
-Premixed Wood Filler (Not shown in video): amzn.to/3IuFYKE
Tool List:
-Shop Vac amzn.to/3aI6DBZ
-Bosch Disk Sander: amzn.to/3j6VZsQ
-Dewalt Disc Sander: amzn.to/2Z51oKi
-Floor Sanders (Rental): bit.ly/32kJHI0
-Paint Brush: amzn.to/3nyIFjK
-Paint Roller: amzn.to/3x3Jqod
-Paint Roller Handle: amzn.to/3CBOYYb
-Respirator: amzn.to/3cAV3t2
-Oscillating Multi-Tool: amzn.to/3CBR8Hh
-Scraper: amzn.to/3DA3v7S
Apparel List:
-Georgia Boots: bit.ly/3DRSLT8
-RVRC Pants: amzn.to/3mK7vgu
-BYOT Shirt: bit.ly/36tsgE0
Studio, Video & Audio Equipment Setup:
-Sony A6500 Camera: amzn.to/31ppFbg
-Sony 35mm Prime Lens: amzn.to/39ZaCJa
-DJI Mini Drone: amzn.to/3a5WTAq
-iPhone 11 Pro (Time Lapse Shots): amzn.to/2DBAG0O
-Rode NT-USB Mic: amzn.to/3a4FGHs
-Rode Video Mic Pro: amzn.to/2Pt5eVh
MUSIC:
Min0:00 - Venice Beach: Topher Mohr & Alex Elena
Min21:26 - Pata Pata: Miriam Makeba (Matt Cherne Remix) www.chernebeat...
#byot #accentwall #diy #howto

[@karynalvarado]

We recently pulled up carpet in our living room to find beautiful hardwood floors and wanted to restore them. I'm so glad I found this video! After looking at this and a bunch of other resources, we followed this to a T and our floors turned our beautifully! Thank you thank you for such a thorough and detailed tutorial.

[@danielescobar7618]

You and me both! We just bought our first house and discovered the same! How'd you enjoy picking all those staples and tack strips up, lol

[@karynalvarado]

@@danielescobar7618 The worst part! Luckily, it was only one room and we slogged through it 😅

[@danielescobar7618]

@@karynalvarado nevermind, found a ruined spot from water damage. The worst is yet to come. Luckily I do part time handy work, I can replace this easy.

[@mpreiss7780]

So how much do you think you saved by doing it yourself?

[@danielescobar7618]

@@mpreiss7780 In my city, I think I saved the value of all my belongings not having a bunch of meth addicted minimum wagers come and case my house for a later burglary.

[@andrecummings13]

*** WARNING ‼️ *** When you start or come to a stop with the machine always pull up because if you do not keep it rolling and pull up at the same time, it will dig trenches in the floor and when you stain and then polyurethane the floors you will see trenches throughout the whole floor And you will have to start all over again heavy grit like 36 !!! I know that happened with my first floor. By the way, this is one of the best videos I have seen so far dealing with the hardwood floor , thank you.

[@xXPreciouseS]

This video did not make me more confident in doing it myself. But it definitely helped me justify the quote I received and I feel so much better about paying it. 😅

[@leedixon9862]

exactly

[@KrishnaSingh-ow1ie]

Exactly. When insaw them taking out the wood panel. Thst told me this is not going to be no Cake walk.

[@bharat-anand]

Maybe it was designed to make an average DIYer less confident!

[@Alwayzblessed36]

Right😂😂😂 so time consuming

[@apappano]

SAME GIRL 😅

[@jkay07]

I saw this video and I said yep I am hiring a contractor, this is too much work for me 😆. Great attention to detail

[@worldpeace8187]

I totally agree with your assessment 😊

[@joshthepunkguy5896]

Yeppppp. Same here. There's no way

[@karyl372]

For real!!!

[@jasonurban3597]

Yeah we've done a lot of floors that the customer tried to do themselves it wasn't pretty LOL it's definitely not a job for everybody it's an art it's nice to see people that appreciate what we do

[@Silenced_by_nazi_youtube]

Me too bruh. I thought it was gonna be easy but then he kept saying 60, 90, 100, 120…then back to 60, then up to 220, then back down to 60, then finish with 100….but go back one more time with 60… I’m like bruh

[@ZachKingCompilations]

I started this video thinking I could do this myself, now I’m hiring a professional! But great video thanks for making this!!

[@eduki]

Wao, that's a very detailed process and I can't imagine how much preparation was needed, not only for the restoration itself, but for the video purposes. Amazing job!

[@The_Planted_Eye_1]

I am doing my floors next month so this a great refresher. Solid tip on starting with the highest grit to calibrate. Also recommend starting in the least visible room or area to get a good rhythm going.

[@BYOTools]

Great to hear and great point. Thats why i practiced where the couch is located. That way if there where any bad screw ups they would end up under the couches haha.

[@skwalka6372]

@@BYOTools Thank you for the fantastic video, very much appreciated.

[@iride4425]

You discouraged me to do mine😂 thanks a lot...I thought it was easier

[@karashannon4667]

We Just bought a Victorian house built in 1890. It needs quite a lot of work but it is so beautiful! Entire house is hardwoods. This video is amazing! Thank you for being so detailed, it will come in handy once we get started!

[@BreanneMcGee-o2b]

Thank you! My floor looks great now. Would have never been able to do this without your video.

[@thesparkybunch]

Of all the hardwood floor videos I've watched, this has to be the most relevant and proficient I've ever seen. The information in this is brilliant! You've done an amazing job of providing more than enough useful information on how to do this, but also, the actual job you did, NICE WORK!

[@joshuasasfire2759]

The guy is a hack

[@floorman12]

@@joshuasasfire2759 lmao. A little bit... but he got it done in very unorthodox ways -- to people without professional equipment, this video could do some good. I believe his floor came out pretty good

[@billiamsw]

Very good instructional video. The only thing you forgot to mention (which is quite important to newbies of Bona Traffic HD) is once you add the catalyst to Traffic HD you must use all of if within 4 hours. Because you never mention you're using a 2nd gallon container the next day the possibility of thinking the remainder of the 1st was still good the next day is quite high.

[@TheCudder]

It says that on the back of the gallon

[@djdvintage]

Running into this issue now , smh already placed first coat and now I’m stuck

[@djdvintage]

Trying to see if I can sand at hour 3 and recoat at hour 4

[@billiamsw]

@@djdvintage There is a bit more wiggle room than 4 hours. I was able to do 2 coats. I was going to do 3 but ran out of time. BUT... the 2 coats were more than enough.

[@billiamsw]

@@djdvintage Hope it worked out for you. That is exactly what I did and it turned out fine.

[@onlineda1]

This is the best floor refinishing video I have found. Thanks for all the info. I’m going to be refinishing our red oak flooring in two weeks so this has been very helpful.

[@justinedse3314]

Hire a professional

[@edcyzewski3197]

Just wrapped up a floor project on our old, old wood floor, and it was very helpful. The sanding prep tips were solid, and the Bona finish is looking good so far.

[@wassup287]

I used this video as a general guide for 500sq ft of 60 year old white oak, and they turned out nearly perfect, I love the Bona finish. I found a 3x21 hand belt sander followed by a 5" random orbital to be easier for the edges than the big edge sander. Fill in cracked wood and nail holes with filler but leave the gaps between boards as they are so your floors can shift with temp and humidity. Use Diablo sandpaper if you can find it, we only used 2-4 of each grit.

[@starfoxandstellar9917]

Hey do you mind adding more details? I have a small hand-sander that has a teardrop shape and I only plan to refinish one bedroom. Do you think that it will work well? Any tips?

[@PMTcommenter]

Didn’t realize how warped my boards were until I did this. Watching this, your first pass with the sander took off an entire layer of wood… mine took off just to warped edges. This took wayyy longer for me to do… just an fyi for anyone who might had bad floors like me. But even after all the long hours, it’s so worth it

[@floorman12]

Especially if you were using Depots 1.5 hp drum

[@gainzmogul]

Thanks for the encouragement

[@goddessolayinka]

I'm not done with removing all the carpet yet but wanted to see what I had to look forward too!! Can't wait!

[@VaQm11]

Probably THE best video on sanding wooden floors. Thanks a lot!

[@tsholofelomotshwane7768]

Oh my I was not expecting 😳 the song...I had to check if a new video came up....wow, MamaAfrica, nice surprise....lol, my daughter loves that song and when she sings it, oh my

[@martharetallick204]

I am reminded of the family home I sold two years ago. Floors really needed to be refinished. I hope that the new owners did as good a job as you.

[@BYOTools]

Some hard work is needed for a project like this but it sure is worth it in the end. Thanks so much for watching as always Martha.

[@robertstapp5070]

Great training video and even better with Miriam Makeba at the end!

[@fattypanda354]

Hi byot I am biggest fan of you I watched all your videos I am India kerala

[@BYOTools]

Love hearing that BYOT fans stretch around the world FP. Thanks so much for watching.

[@tiktalk4573]

Malayali

[@srguduru]

Your video on refinishing hardwood floors is very informative and useful to me. I will be refinishing my floors next month, so this is a great refresher. I appreciate the solid tip on starting with the highest grit for calibration. Additionally, I recommend beginning in the least visible room or area to establish a good rhythm.

[@bigbadboodah]

Great to see you doing a project with your dad,.

[@paulthomas8262]

Best advice is sand **diagonally** (except where the grain is already diagonal such as herringbone), If you look very carefully there is a wave pattern when sanding parallel. The reason for thsi is a little complicated to explain but the channel @andAFloor has a good explanation.

[@socialmedia5403]

My heart is willing but not sure if il be able to do this anymore! I have so much respect for what you do!

[@jasonfelton7883]

By far the best video I’ve come across explaining how to do this appreciate hell can you talk very slow and clear helps me absorb the info

[@floorman12]

Fyi, its borderline insane to use a tiny palm sander to screen an entire floor lol... so while its a very important step (and im sure it came out great) lets not deem this the best video on sanding a floor lol. Screening is done with a larger machine, the buffer

[@ericsvariouscreations4583]

I can't imagine any professional being so thorough in their work. If there's one in Montreal let me know😊

[@keratinsolution]

Hey! A year late but do you still need one? I’m in Montreal and doing mine right now, just missing the varnish. I am not a contractor but I have my plexes and sanding floors is one of the only things I do.

[@neonllamasftw]

This was so awesome. Considered doing the floor in my 2400sqft home but considering 90% of that is hardwood, not sure I’m up for the task! Maybe if I’m bored for an entire month!

[@louish.9414]

Or try one room at a Time 😊

[@pound6599]

Like that you did a thorough job. Did not skip steps and say, “I was going for the rustic look.

[@taadlbert7291]

very informative..and love the call back to Miriam Makeba's music with Pata Pata..well done🤙🏽

[@theweatherisaokay4964]

Have and old antique large wood coffee table and going to do this! Thank you for sharing and definitely love the finish.

[@abdulhai93]

Thank you for making this content. There is something about the natural look of hardwood. Your end result is very modern. Turned out amazing

[@BYOTools]

No problem Abdul and thanks so much for watching.

[@heatherjones3323]

Beautiful…wow! So this is how my floors could look! Wow!

[@HeartandHomeCrew]

Looks amazing! Although I am tired just watching it haha. Wish me luck as I tackle this in my new house!

[@newlife8318]

BRILLIANT carpet cleaner!

[@LoFiMofo]

Fantastic video. I typically cringe at the phrase “pro tip” in youtube videos but this guy is no doubt a pro. Great job.

[@khuggs654]

Excellent tutorial. Straight forward without mindless blathering. I appreciate the short and sweet instructions. 5/5 stars.

[@narsime1]

Muchas gracias x el video ,me sirvio mucho xk estoy reparando el piso de mi sala ,soy mujer y me.encanta hacer estos trabajos x mi misma,

[@nokblass]

Really appreciated this video and the attension paid to details.good job

[@ImeldaArriaga-c8g]

They did a beautiful job on that floor sir beautiful work it was done with guys that now how to do the work that's awesome job they did it to it perfection sir gorgeous work sir well done 👍👍👍👍💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@newlife8318]

About to start watching! Hop replacement playing up and twisted my back picking up a can of varnish....Tens machine on...

[@AmberECooke]

Maybe I missed it, but do you vacuum up the dust between each sanding grit?

[@KindCountsDeb3773]

Good of you to do this for owners. I needed this BEFORE I hired someone. TY ➡➡❓❓❓❓Ques: please consider giving an example of the COST when you hire someone. It's so unknown to most how much and we don't want to be cheated. TY

[@KindCountsDeb3773]

I have a dog, with ocassional accidents, so SEALING is a concertn, especially IF there are gaps between the boards.

[@abacab87]

I don't recommend going cross grain. I worked really hard to get rid of the cross scratches and didn't get all of them out. It was find sanding the first pass on an angle to flatten everything out, then going with grain. Use the edger to get areas you can't get.

[@BenH80]

So cool! Awesome to be connected to the cabin and get to improve it for the future memories!!

[@ahmadazimi6086]

Great job, great video and very helpful and detailed explanation and information. Thanks 🙏🏼

[@taylorwisowaty4750]

Thank you for this! I have refinished many furniture pieces, but never a floor. I definitely learned much from your video!

[@kellireece6348]

This tutorial was wonderful. I wish it was available about 4 years ago when I tried my hand at refinishing for the first time. You're a great teacher. Question: regarding using the 18 roller during the sealer coat, it looked like it was a 3/16 nap and the finish coat with the 9, might have been a 1/2 nap. That was the only thing I wasn't clear on. Could you please clarify? Thanks to you, I feel more confident about concurring my upcoming floor refinish!

[@agentalexcamp]

Had to have been a 3/16” nap for it to be smooth. 1/2” is too big

[@eszyx8062]

Another BYOT video! I really enjoy your work Brent! Thank you so much

[@BYOTools]

Always appreciate your support Esteban. Thanks for watching.

[@malaydesai5042]

Hello there Brent hope it's right. I watch this because it is so satisfiying

[@BYOTools]

Great to hear Malay. Thanks so much for watching.

[@davidquirk8097]

great job! Thanks for sharing and putting so much detail into the video.

[@karenferns6160]

Wow..Just wooooow...!!! So thorough a job & filming it too. Great tips & products suggested..!! Well done both 🙌🙌😎

[@melindajohnson3394]

Well, my morning chores list just got delayed. Coffee and BYOT take priority! Oh, forgot about the dancing after ...PATA PATA!!

[@BYOTools]

Haha Well I think you made the right decision Melinda haha! Thanks so much for watching and the support. Let me know what you think of the video when your done.

[@melindajohnson3394]

@@BYOTools The explanation on floor sanders was the most informative. The what, when, and why on each of them helped to realize I don't need to rent a large sander. Also, going to use that brand of finish.

[@adrianamarquez8000]

Best well explained video I’ve seen.

[@julias1970]

Amazing video! Big fan of the sanding shuffle!

[@BYOTools]

Oooo i have the sanding shuffle DOWN haha!

[@casiopea1953]

Breathtaking Art work creativity of the Masters! Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@coastalecofloorsanding]

Wow 🤩 good work! Not bad for a DIY. Professional floor sanders would make your life a lot easier 👍🏻

[@tlakeee3720]

Not if they’re charging 3200 for a 1000sq foot floor..lol

[@stevenchenmm]

Excellent job and instructions. Very helpful. Thanks for sharing.

[@LaurieFYouTubeChef]

AMAZING “after!!!” & “Nickname,” that was so funny; you’re awesome!

[@ericla3529]

How funny, just did my floors 2 days ago & it took me a good solid 5 days from start 36grit to Bona HD Traffic Xtra Matt. I ended up using Bona White Sealer. Always best to use pantyhose to avoid lumpy settlement. My hands & back are sore but so worth the work. Also, best to use a mechanics chair when doing the corners, less harsh on the knees & back.

[@BYOTools]

If you used pantyhose you must have watched the Bona application videos haha. They said that multiple times and though it was funny because they used it like it was a technical term haha!

[@justinflownow]

Your videos ROCK!!!! so effin professional. THANK YOU

[@GoblinxChild]

Can you do all the sanding in a day? Or should you wait for the dust to settle before the next pass? Should you vacuum after each pass?

[@carlosquintana3434]

Thank for showing, your tips. I did like your music at the end. Greetings from Whitby, Canada

[@KHaigh9531]

Great video. I thought I might be able to do this, but it looks like a lot of work and as I have a whole house to do, decided a professional would be the best.

[@philmoore71]

brilliant. now i am ready to re-do last years job properly

[@imeldageneroso8369]

Awesome work and tutorial. THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@barbaraholtz4298]

Floor looks awesome....was thinking about doing it myself...not any more! I would have replaced the molding too!

[@ShaniraDavis]

Nice work I need to do this to my whole house ❤

[@lisaferrara8120]

Beautifully done! I love your channel, Brent. You detail every step.

[@BYOTools]

Love hearing that Lisa. Always do my very best to try and make the entire process relatable and easy to understand. Thanks so much for watching.

[@DelmyLemus-zq4ve]

Beautiful work, 😅❤❤❤❤

[@stevesyard.5625]

Love the song at the end!

[@familyrenov8]

Great job as always!!! Have to refinish my bedroom floors so this video helped!

[@Dabman-k]

Will be starting this soon will let you know how I get on thanks for the vid

[@meljohn550]

You did an extremely good job. Very detailed oriented. ❤❤❤

[@allanfelix8581]

Thank you for sharing and definitely I can now do it myself my wooden block floor

[@five-forty3431]

Excellent explanation of the process, thank you!

[@michaellarocca1396]

Damn... thats a lot of hard work.

[@BYOTools]

Yep but it was worth it :)

[@pattig717]

Wow!! Your attention to detail is amazing and thorough. Nicely done. Love your videos.

[@BYOTools]

ALways love your support :)

[@BrianKBee27]

Making my way downtown, FFWALK-ing fast, faces pass and I'm homebound. All jokes aside floor looks great, looking forward to getting mine down after fwinter is over.

[@BYOTools]

Thanks for watching Brian.

[@LorrayneHam]

Thank you so much for this very thorough video.

[@MarcoGarcia-fy8dg]

Thank you for your video.. I'm from Lake Chelan

[@s1138498]

BYOT I have used Bona with great results . I just finished a floor and I had a horrible area that turned white after the 3rd coat

[@phyllisghersi9501]

Great video, detailed and well presented information

[@Mthompsonwv]

Excellent video, it was exactly what I needed to realize I need to just hire a contractor 😂

[@paruhellyklyo6031]

Very amazing project 👍🏾✅

[@rosamundg.3789]

Professional pride and excellent information sharing!

[@Smooth-de7xw]

My knees just left me. A contractor will certainly do my floors👍

[@freecopt4003]

Great job

[@danielolivier5599]

Step by step. Thank you. I know this video is near of one year old but but I need some advice: I started with the rectangular sander instead of the more aggressive one. Instead of renting the more aggressive one and renting again the rectangular one what is your suggestion? Starting with the rectangular sander was a lot of work and the result could be better.

[@rogerramjet2656]

Very nice job. Thank you for the tips.

[@joeymorrison6743]

Well done Hoover.

[@johnconnolly5117]

Do you really need to do the 3-4 different passes? Could you do 36 or 60 then go over with 100? I’m lazy and old my time is left limited

[@jryanutk1]

Thank you for the video! My floors look like these did but also have many gaps. Do you have a link for the filler that you mentioned in the video? I believe you said there was one you recommend that you would place in the description but I don’t see it. Thanks again!

[@lhall55]

Hi Jim. Did you get an answer to this question?

[@matthewdriscoll6405]

I’ve never seen anybody roll the floor because every time somebody rolls the floor all I see is bubbles my professional flooring people use the squeegee when they put the poly down and it comes out beautiful every time

[@williansouza8724]

i don’t even have hardwood floors in my house, but this is so safisfying.

[@brianjaeger3966]

Hey man great video. thanks for the tips, do you remember how long this project took you to complete? I need to do 3 bedrooms 12x12 trying to guesstimate how long it will take me

[@berec52]

Best video ever. Thank you.

[@CrossCountryBR]

Beautiful work and nice gesture of yours. Always a pleasure to watch your videos.

[@andrizeefoshizee]

Wow. That's a lot of work!