Clear the room of furniture, rugs, and decor
Sweep and vacuum the floor thoroughly
Clean the floor with a hardwood-safe cleaner
Inspect for scratches, dents, stains, and loose boards
Repair or replace damaged boards if needed
Fill small gaps, cracks, and nail holes with wood filler
Sand the floor to remove the old finish and smooth the surface
Vacuum and tack the floor to remove all dust
Apply wood stain if changing or refreshing the color
Apply a hardwood floor finish or polyurethane in thin coats
Let each coat dry completely before applying the next
Lightly sand between coats if required by the finish
Apply the final coat and allow full curing time
Reinstall baseboards, trim, and furniture
Use felt pads under furniture legs
Avoid heavy traffic until the floor is fully cured
Maintain the floor with regular sweeping and proper cleaning