Tools

• Rent a drum sander, floor edger and buffer from a local hardware store or supply center. Buy sandpaper that fits the equipment in coarse (36 grit), medium (50 to 60 grit) and fine (80 to 100 grit) textures, and a 100 to 120 grit buffer screen. Other tools include a palm sander, broom and shop vacuum, hammer and nail set, putty knife and wood filler, foam applicators or brushes, and several rags. Plastic sheeting protects your home, while a dust mask protects your lungs.
  
  

Materials

• Choose a stain color that blends with the rest of the room decor. Oil-based stains are traditional, but water-based stains create fewer odors and are easier to use. A clear urethane top coat protects the floor and eliminates the need to wax. Choose a water-based urethane for easy application and cleanup.
  
  

Preparation

• Remove all furniture, carpeting and other items from the room. Carefully pull up old carpet staples and use a nail set and hammer to sink any exposed nails. Use wood filler to fill in large gaps or cracks, but be careful. Some gaps are necessary for proper expansion and contraction of the flooring. Allow repairs to dry thoroughly and then carefully sweep the floor.
  
  

Sanding

• Attach coarse grit sandpaper to the drum sander. Start the sander with it off the floor, and then slowly lower it. Walk back and forth in straight lines. Lift the sander off the floor before stopping.
  
  Use the edger for areas that the drum sander cannot reach. Edgers are heavy and unwieldy, so be very careful. Start the edger with it off the floor, and then slowly lower it. Move left to right in semicircles, always keeping the edger moving.
  
  

Next Steps

• Repeat the process using medium grit sandpaper and again with fine grit paper. Walk the floor between each step, looking for cracks, missed nails or gouges. Sand down scratches and gouges by carefully making several passes with the next-lighter grit sandpaper.
  
  Thoroughly vacuum the entire room with a shop vacuum and then use the buffer. Move carefully, using even strokes.
  
  

Staining

• Sweep and vacuum the room, including the ceiling and walls. Open windows and doors for ventilation. Apply stain with a brush, rag or foam applicator, working quickly along the wood grain. Use a rag to remove excess. The job is easiest with two people. Allow the stain to dry overnight.
  
  

Finishing

• Apply urethane finish with a rag, brush or foam applicator. Work quickly but smoothly, slightly overlapping strokes. Use at least three coats, allowing each to dry thoroughly. Lightly buff the floor between coats, using a damp rag to remove dust. Allow the finished floor to dry overnight before replacing furniture or using the room.