5 Tips for Restoring Old Wood Floors

In San Diego, hardwood flooring is a popular choice for homeowners who want an aesthetically pleasing home. Luckily, many homes in the area already come with wood floors. However, sometimes these floors are fairly old and in need of restoration. Before you cover up your old hardwood flooring with another type of material, you might want to reconsider. In most cases, wood floors can be restored and looking great, some even brought back to their original beauty. Here are 5 ways to reclaim and beautify old floors.

Completely Refinish
Remove all traces of the old flooring from its surface, then repair or replace any damaged areas. Use a drum sander to remove the old finish and the surface layer of the wood, then follow the manufacturer’s directions to apply a new finish.
Use a Linseed Oil Finish
An old linseed oil finish can be identified with a magnifying glass. Look for a crinkly flat or satin surface. Clean the surface with a 50:50 solution of mineral spirits and linseed oil, then apply linseed oil to the surface of a small area before moving on to the next section. If the oil soaks into the wood, add more oil. After 30 minutes, wipe the excess oil away and allow the floor to dry for 24 to 48 hours.
Refurbish
If you want to avoid a shiny new look, do spot repairs to damaged areas and lightly sand the entire surface by hand or with a palm sander. Remove any dust, then stain bare or heavily sanded areas to blend with the old finish. Finally, apply two coats of lacquer or varnish to the entire surface.
Lightly Refinish
If your floor is in decent shape, you may be able to get by with a new topcoat. Lightly sand the entire surface, remove the dust, and recoat the floor with a new finish. Use polyurethane for newer floors and lacquer or varnish for older ones.
Stain
Some wood floors are too heavily damaged to reclaim. Others, such as those originally installed in the kitchens or bathrooms of older homes, were never meant to be on display. Even when fully refinished, these floors may be a disappointment. A heavy layer of floor stain can be an excellent solution for these floors, especially in rooms that get a lot of use. Start with a clean, solid floor and follow the manufacturer’s directions.

In the event your wood floors are not salvageable, you may want to consider replacing them with newer materials. At Unique Flooring San Diego, we carry a wide variety of hardwood floors, as well as carpet, tile, vinyl, and laminate, and we also provide installation services. Call 760-945-0010 or stop by our showroom to see what we have to offer.