Refinish Cherry Wood Floors? (7 Mistakes to AVOID!)

Today, we’re diving into the wonderful world of cherry wood floors and how to refinish them like a pro.

But more importantly, we’re going to talk about the mistakes you absolutely must avoid.

Why? Because refinishing is not just about aesthetics, it’s about sustainability.

It’s about breathing new life into something beautiful, instead of throwing it away.

According to the EPA, construction and demolition debris accounts for a significant portion of landfill waste.

Refinishing reduces that waste, and it’s easier on your wallet too!

Cherry wood, with its rich color and stunning grain, is a classic for a reason.

But it’s also a bit of a diva if you don’t treat it right.

So, grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s get started!

Section 1: Understanding Cherry Wood Flooring

Let’s talk cherry wood. What makes it so special?

Well, for starters, it’s known for its reddish-brown hue that deepens over time.

Think of it like a fine wine, it gets better with age.

Cherry wood is moderately hard, ranking around 950 on the Janka hardness scale.

This means it’s durable enough for flooring, but softer than, say, hickory or maple.

You’ll see grain patterns that range from straight and simple to wildly swirling.

This natural variation adds character and warmth to any room.

Now, why refinish instead of replace?

First off, it’s significantly cheaper.

Replacing a wood floor can easily cost $8-$20 per square foot, including materials and labor.

Refinishing, on the other hand, typically costs $3-$8 per square foot.

Plus, you get to keep the existing character of your floors.

Those little imperfections and signs of age?

They tell a story that new flooring simply can’t replicate.

Section 2: Mistake #1 – Skipping the Preparation Process

Okay, listen up! This is crucial.

Skipping prep work is like trying to bake a cake without preheating the oven.

You’re setting yourself up for failure.

First, you need to thoroughly clean the floors.

I’m talking vacuuming, sweeping, and even scrubbing with a wood floor cleaner.

Remove all traces of dirt, dust, and grime.

Next, assess the condition of your floors.

Are there any loose boards?

Are there deep scratches or gouges?

Address these issues before you even think about sanding.

Loose boards need to be secured, and deep imperfections might require wood filler.

Sanding is next. You’ll need to rent a drum sander or an orbital sander.

Start with a coarse grit sandpaper (like 36-grit) to remove the old finish.

Then, move to medium grit (like 60-grit) and finish with a fine grit (like 80 or 100-grit).

Remember to vacuum between each sanding pass.

Why is all this prep so important?

Because if you don’t properly clean and sand, the new finish won’t adhere correctly.

You’ll end up with an uneven, blotchy mess that you’ll regret. Trust me!

Section 3: Mistake #2 – Choosing the Wrong Finish

Alright, let’s talk finishes. This is where things can get a little confusing.

There are so many options out there: oil-based polyurethane, water-based polyurethane, penetrating oil, and more.

So, which one is right for your cherry wood floors?

Oil-based polyurethane is durable and provides a warm, amber hue.

It’s also more resistant to scratches and wear than water-based finishes.

However, it has a strong odor and takes longer to dry.

Water-based polyurethane is low-odor and dries quickly.

It’s also more environmentally friendly than oil-based finishes.

But it’s not as durable and can sometimes look a little “plastic-y”.

Penetrating oil finishes, like tung oil or linseed oil, penetrate the wood and enhance its natural beauty.

They provide a matte finish and are easy to repair.

But they offer less protection than polyurethane finishes and require more frequent maintenance.

Now, here’s a word of caution: avoid finishes that contain harsh chemicals or dyes.

These can alter the natural color of your cherry wood and make it look unnatural.

I’ve seen it happen, and it’s not pretty.

I personally lean towards water-based polyurethane for most cherry wood floors.

It offers a good balance of durability, aesthetics, and ease of use.

But ultimately, the best finish for you depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle.

Section 4: Mistake #3 – Over-Sanding the Wood

Okay, this is a big one! Over-sanding is a cardinal sin in the flooring world.

And it’s especially dangerous for cherry wood, which, as I mentioned, is softer than some other hardwoods.

When you over-sand, you’re removing too much wood.

This can lead to irreversible damage, like flattening the grain or creating dips and hollows in the floor.

It can also expose the subfloor, which is definitely not what you want.

So, how do you avoid over-sanding?

First, use the right sanding equipment.

A drum sander can be aggressive, so be careful.

An orbital sander is more forgiving and easier to control.

Second, use the right sandpaper grits.

As I mentioned earlier, start with a coarse grit to remove the old finish, then gradually move to finer grits.

Don’t skip grits! This will create an uneven surface.

Third, don’t apply too much pressure.

Let the sander do the work.

If you’re pressing down hard, you’re likely over-sanding.

Finally, take your time!

Sanding is not a race.

It’s a slow and methodical process that requires patience and attention to detail.

I always recommend doing a test area in an inconspicuous spot before sanding the entire floor.

This will give you a feel for the sanding process and help you avoid over-sanding.

Section 5: Mistake #4 – Ignoring Environmental Conditions

Did you know that temperature and humidity can significantly impact the refinishing process?

It’s true! If the environmental conditions aren’t right, your finish may not dry properly.

This can lead to a host of problems, like bubbles, blisters, and uneven sheen.

Ideally, you want to refinish your cherry wood floors when the temperature is between 65°F and 75°F.

The humidity should be between 40% and 60%.

You can use a dehumidifier or humidifier to adjust the humidity levels in your home.

Avoid refinishing your floors on extremely hot or humid days.

The finish will take longer to dry, and you’re more likely to encounter problems.

Also, make sure your home is well-ventilated.

Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate.

This will help the finish dry faster and reduce the risk of fumes building up.

I once refinished a floor in the middle of summer without paying attention to the humidity.

The finish took forever to dry, and it ended up looking cloudy and uneven.

I had to re-sand the entire floor and start over.

Lesson learned!

Section 6: Mistake #5 – Applying Too Many Coats of Finish

You might think that more coats of finish equal better protection.

But that’s not necessarily true.

In fact, applying too many coats can actually detract from the beauty of your cherry wood floors.

When you apply too many layers, the finish can become thick and unsightly.

It can also obscure the natural grain of the wood.

Plus, too many coats can make the floor more prone to chipping and cracking.

So, how many coats are enough?

For most finishes, two or three coats are sufficient.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for specific recommendations.

Before applying each coat, lightly sand the floor with a fine-grit sandpaper (like 220-grit).

This will help the new coat of finish adhere properly.

And be sure to vacuum thoroughly between each sanding pass.

I’ve seen homeowners apply five or six coats of finish, thinking they’re doing their floors a favor.

But the result is almost always a thick, plastic-looking mess.

Less is more!

You need to allow the finish to dry completely before walking on it or moving furniture back into the room.

Rushing the drying time can damage the finish and leave unsightly marks.

The recommended drying time varies depending on the type of finish you’re using.

Oil-based polyurethane typically takes 24-48 hours to dry between coats.

Water-based polyurethane usually dries faster, often in as little as 4-6 hours.

Penetrating oil finishes can take several days to dry completely.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for specific drying times.

And don’t be tempted to rush the process!

Even if the finish feels dry to the touch, it may not be fully cured.

I recommend waiting at least 72 hours before moving furniture back into the room.

And be sure to use felt pads under the legs of your furniture to protect the finish.

I know it’s hard to stay off your newly refinished floors.

But trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Section 8: Mistake #7 – Failing to Maintain After Refinishing

Congratulations! You’ve successfully refinished your cherry wood floors.

But the job’s not over yet.

Ongoing maintenance is essential to protect your investment and keep your floors looking their best for years to come.

Here are a few tips for maintaining your refinished cherry wood floors:

• Clean regularly: Sweep or vacuum your floors regularly to remove dirt and debris.
• Use a wood floor cleaner: Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
• Protect from scratches: Use felt pads under the legs of your furniture.
• Avoid excessive moisture: Wipe up spills immediately.
• Re-coat as needed: Depending on the level of traffic, you may need to re-coat your floors every few years.

I recommend using a pH-neutral wood floor cleaner specifically designed for wood floors.

Avoid using vinegar, ammonia, or bleach, as these can damage the finish.

Also, be sure to use a microfiber mop or cloth to avoid scratching the floors.

And don’t forget to trim your pets’ nails!

Pet scratches can quickly ruin a beautiful wood floor.

I’ve seen homeowners neglect their refinished floors and end up with premature wear and damage.

Don’t let that happen to you!

A little bit of maintenance goes a long way.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Seven mistakes to avoid when refinishing cherry wood floors.

Refinishing is a rewarding way to breathe new life into your home and preserve the beauty of natural wood.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can ensure that your cherry wood floors remain beautiful and durable for years to come.

Remember, proper preparation, the right finish, careful sanding, and ongoing maintenance are key to success.

Take your time, do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

And most importantly, enjoy the process!

Happy refinishing!

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