 | Jay Wyckoff has been involved with wood for over 15 years and is currently the wood specialist at Star Flooring & Decorating. Star Lumber has been in business since 1939, and offers full service professional installation on any flooring project you can dream including wood, laminate, carpet, ceramic or vinyl. You can contact Jay or any one of the other professionally trained sales staff at the Maple & West location at (316) 946-1630. |
Home Improvement
2001-09-01 10:14:00
Keeping a hardwood floor
Question: We have pulled out all of the carpeting on the main floor of our house. The original floor is hardwood. We have decided that it may be neat to refinish the original floor as it is in relatively decent shape, although there are some trouble spots including many staples, some chipping, and some water-stains...especially near the front-door entrance. Some of these stains are somewhat black in color. How would you go about this project?
Answer: I'm guessing that if the stains were removed or at least lightened considerably, that after sanding, a bit of stain might neutralize the stained areas to match the greater part of the floor. Am I anywhere near reality here? Also, advice on preparation products and techniques would be appreciated. By the way, the floor is vintage 1964 and looks to be a medium pine color.Answer:You are quite near to reality. In fact, hard surfaces, especially natural wood floors are dramatically increasing as the choice for many people as they consider remodeling projects for their home. Ease of maintenance, cleanability, warmth and look of nature make wood floors a beautiful accent to any home. Refinishing wood floors is a very normal procedure. Most actively used floors require some kind of refinishing over time. Your case poses several challenges but nothing that can't be overcome. The major two problems on this job are the water damage and the nails. Most water damage that has turned the floor black cannot be sanded out and those boards will need to be replaced unless the stains are small and add character to the floor. If it is determined that they do need to be replaced most professional installers can do this. The second issue is with the nails and staples. They must be removed to keep from damaging the sanding equipment and causing future rust spots in the floor. Small chips, cracks, imperfections and nail holes should go away after sanding and filling the floor. Another option would be to replace the edges with a boarder or a medallion. This can be done for much less then replacing the entire floor. When it comes to finishing your floor, stains and finishes can be blended to give just about any look the homeowner wants. Natural wood floors enhance a room with warmth and elegance like no other flooring. Wood is one flooring option that actually can improve with time. Investments made in a new wood floor or restoring one and regular maintenance will pay dividends in enjoyment and improve the value of just about any home.
