Original Hardwood Flooring Isn't Always Salvageable—Here's The Deal

Fixing up a historic home has its challenges, sure, but also its glorious discoveries. An original farm house sink under a layer of dust in the basement, perhaps, or a good-as-new cast-iron tub in the master bath. And, if you're lucky, original hardwood floors underneath the bad carpet job. All it takes at that point is a good sanding followed by staining, sealing, and adding a final protective finish like polyurethane, and you've got the prettiest floors in all the land. "We love the opportunity to specify wood floors to be hand-scraped with a micro bevel on the edges because this treatment adds an amazing depth of character to the surface of the floor," notes architect John B. Murray. But here's the thing: No matter how badly you wish it to be true, old wood floors aren't always salvageable. You can know more about one, visit billig Gulvafslibning Here's how to figure out if yours are and what to do next.

Original Hardwood Flooring Isn't Always Salvageable—Here's the Deal

"The two best indicators to tell if a wood floor is not salvageable are cracking or breakage along the perimeter of individual planks, and exposed nail heads—meaning the flooring has been sanded down so much the heads of the original blind nails are exposed," says Murray. Or there may be obvious damage upon first glance: "If there is significant water damage or deep-set staining, that could also prevent us from successfully refinishing an existing wood floor."

"A floor can be replaced in parts," says Murray. "However, it is incumbent on the installer to source the best possible matching lumber. Quite often, we specify custom mill flooring to match old flooring. We try to be careful with mixing in newer wood because it typically has wider growth rings."

"I think it is important to have a professional, like Stephen Estrin of I.J. Peiser’s Sons, refinish floors because there is always a strong chance of over sanding the flooring or improperly applying the finishes. You can only re-sand the floor so many times."

"I have found even when a floor seems to be unsalvageable, we have successfully employed remedies like wood patches called Dutchman patches that can result in a priceless look," Murray explains. "In other contexts, we suggest adding a floor covering, like sisal or carpet."