Tools

• You will need several different tools for a successful finishing job. Your local tool-rental store will provide you with a floor sander (a large belt sander with a long handle for the large part of the floor), an edger (a small, router-like orbital sander for sanding against the walls) and the papers for each tool. You will also need a small palm sander and hand scraper for the hard-to-reach areas.
  
  

Sanding

• Sand the large part of the floor with the large belt sander. Sand with the grain of the floor. Never sand against the grain, as this will cause unrepairable damage. Start with a 60-grit belt. Raise the sander on its back and start the motor. Gently lower the sander onto the floor and push it across the floor. Never set the sander in one place on the floor--always keep it moving. If you allow the sander to run in one spot for too long, you will sand ruts into the floor, which are almost impossible to remove. After you have removed the bulk of the stain and finish with the 60-grit paper, move on to 80-grit (medium). Sand the floor in the same way, then move on to 100-grit (fine) paper for a smooth finish. Be sure to remove the sanding dust with a vacuum as you work. The dust will pile up and prevent effective sanding.
  
  

Edging and Scraping

• Sand the edges around the perimeter of the room with the edger. The edger will have a circular disc that spins very fast; it will sand the areas the large sander failed to reach. Keep the edger moving back and forth, and try to sand with the grain of the floor. Begin with a coarse paper, then medium and then a fine paper. Make sure that the edges of the room blend in with the larger surface of the floor.
  
  Scrape and sand the corners using a hand scraper and small palm sander. You will not be able to reach the corners using the larger tools. Make sure that the corners blend in with the rest of the floor before continuing.
  
  

Cleaning

• Vacuum the sanding dust from the floor. Pay attention to the corners and baseboards and make sure that no dust remains in these areas.
  
  

Staining

• When selecting a stain for your wood floor, choose one that matches your overall design aesthetic--both now and in the future. Pick a tone that is universal in color and suits your style. For example, if you are a dark-floor kind of person, choose a medium dark that will fit with many design ideas.
  
  Use a flat screwdriver to open the cans and a stirring stick to mix the stain. Apply the stain with old cotton T-shirts, which will absorb the stain well. Always wipe the stain into the wood in circular motions. It is OK to have extra stain on your rag as you apply, but never leave any excess stain puddled on the floor. Wipe away any stain that remains on the surface of the floor. The object is to stain the floor in layers to get the desired depth of tone. Stain can be purchased as oil- or water-based stains. Your local paint store salesperson will help you decide which one is better for you. The amount of coats is entirely up to you. You may apply one coat for a lighter shade of the color you have chosen, or you may apply four coats for a darker shade. Allow the stain to dry for two to four hours in between coats.
  
  

Finishing

• Floor finishes can be purchased as either oil or water-based. Oil-based finishes are harder to clean up and emit strong odors, whereas water-based finishes aren't quite as durable. You may also choose from satin, semi-gloss and gloss finishes. Pour the finish out onto the floor from the can, and apply it using a sponge or wool applicator. Apply two coats, lightly sanding between each coat for a smooth finish.