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In this audio episode The Handyguys address a listener question about how to rejuvenate the hardwood floors in his new old house.
The question from Jeremy:
Hi guys, just found your podcast and I love it. working through the archives right now. I’m planning to refinish the original hardwood floors in the 1950s ranch house that I just bought as my first home. I will be pulling all the base trim off and want to go to a dark color to help hide any flaws in the flooring as well as future dirt. Can you please give me any advise regarding: proper prep work, proper tools, recommend a good stain (from what I read product quality can vary significantly), as well as any tips to make the job go smoothly. Lastly, could you please go over any basic wood repair techniques that would be helpful. i.e. filling gaps with stainable wood filler, patching gouges, etc. There are many projects I’m planning and I’m sure I’ll get some great tips in the archives! Thanks Guys.
The Handyguys respond:
Changing hardwood floors to a dark color
I wouldn’t go dark for the reasons you mentioned. Go dark if you like the look. Flaws can usually be fixed, dirt can be cleaned and dark stained hardwood may actually look dirtier faster than a neutral color.
Preparation of hardwood floors
Prep work will vary depending on the current condition of the floor. If they are in bad shape then all the old finish is usually sanded off, the floors repaired and cleaned before staining and finishing.
Tools for hardwood floor finishing
Again, this will vary based upon what the condition is. Sometimes a floor only needs a light sanding and then a fresh coat of poly. In a case like that a vibrating sander is ideal. If many heavy coats of old finish and some wood need to be removed then a drum sander is called for. Drum sanders can do a lot of damage if not used properly. You may want to hire that part out unless you are super careful and maybe have an inconspicuous place to practice. Your True Value may have a rental store attached that can guide you on sanders.
Hardwood Floor Stains
Tips for hardwood floor finishing
Jeremy sent us this picture in a follow-up email
Floor rejuvenation steps
The Handyguys recommend the following steps to Jeremy and anyone else who wants to rejuvenate their floors without completely removing the old finish.
Jeremy – Those floors do not look like they are in that bad of shape. As you do your other projects take care to not damage them.
- Sand lightly with a vibrating type floor sander. Don’t expect this to remove all the old finish. You are just touching up scuffs in the existing finish.
- Do not apply a stain – You cant stain without completely removing the old finish.
- Clean, clean, clean. You want to remove any dust. Use a damp rag or a tack cloth to make sure you do not leave any dust on the floor.
- Apply 3 or 4 coats of water based poly floor finish. Sand with a fine grit paper between coats. Follow the manufactures recommendations here. You could sand in one day and if your water based poly drys fast enough you could get your 3 or 4 coats on in another day.
As always, listen to the podcast for all the discussion.
We were one of the bloggers selected by True Value to work on the DIY Squad. We have been compensated for our time commitment to the program as well as our writing and productions about our experience. We have also been compensated for the materials needed for our DIY project. However, as always, our opinions are entirely our own and we have not been paid to publish positive comments.
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If this wood finish is done how, how long can the floor finish hold? Is it good for 5 years or less? I can you please suggest some brands of floor finish so that I can start with my wood floor. Thanks. =)
If you do multiple coats of the water based poly floor finish you can expect many years of service. My old house they floors looked good 5 years after refinishing as described in the podcast. I then sold the house. Of course it will depend on how much traffic the floors get and also how well they are kept clean. If you track dirt and sand on the wood floors it can grind the finish like sandpaper. Dogs and cats can also scratch the finish. I used a product called Fabulon, Varathane is highly regarded as is Minwax.
My OLD hardwood floors are dull and need to clean and finish myself. What would you recommend?
First try some soap and water and a scrub brush. Murphy’s oil soap is commonly used. If that doesn’t get them looking like you want then listen to this podcast and try some of the tips mentioned.
I know you mention there is no need to go from light to dark wood – but I have been in many homes where the dark wood is actually quite pleasant looking.
Nice! I refinish hardwood floors< for a living and just found your site. Pretty cool place you have here.
Dents, gouges, and scratches that are less than 1/8 inch deep can usually be repaired by sanding and refinishing. If any of these are deeper than this, the board/s will have to be replaced and the whole floor sanded and finished. A professional hardwood floor installer< can help you determine the best course of action.
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