Know your Hardwood Floors by Starting at the “Finish”
- Choose a high-traffic area where the finish is likely to be most worn and pour a tablespoon or two of water onto the floor. If the water beads up so that you can wipe it up without a trace, your floor's finish is doing its job.
- If after a few minutes, the floor slightly darkens because the wood has absorbed the water, don’t panic. ...
Full Answer
How do you identify wood flooring?
This will allow you to identify wood flooring more accurately. So, push a fingernail into the finish a bit harder. If it’s a softwood, like pine, you will see a dent forming. Nevertheless, if it’s hardwood, the finish will remain unmarked. Maple and birch look quite similar when finished with dark paint or stain.
How can you tell if a wood floor is waxed?
The easiest way to test a floor finish is to run your hand along the surface of the floor. If you can feel the graininess and texture of the wood, the floor probably has a coating of penetrating oil and -- perhaps -- wax.
How do you know when it’s time to replace hardwood floors?
Gray stains and discoloration are common signs of water damage. At this stage, a refinish will fix the problem. If left unchecked, though, the stain will get darker and eventually turn black. This is usually a sign that the water has damaged the wood’s structure and that you should replace the hardwood.
How do I know if my hardwood floor is sealed?
Just be careful and look at the labels on the bottle. Some chemicals have wax mixed in with the bottle and it will tend to build up over time. While it will shine in the short term, over time it will start to look milky. Then you’ll have to spend time getting that off the floor to start fresh. Final thoughts on testing hardwood for seal
How can I tell how old my wood floor is?
Scrape Some of the Finish Off So, push a fingernail into the finish a bit harder. If it's a softwood, like pine, you will see a dent forming. Nevertheless, if it's hardwood, the finish will remain unmarked. Maple and birch look quite similar when finished with dark paint or stain.
What kind of wood was used for floors in the 1950s?
1950's and 1960's Although other products such as linoleum were starting to get popular, houses in this era still predominantly used hardwood for flooring. As a result, 1 1/2″ red and white oak strip flooring was by far the dominant trend. The floors are either strictly red or white oak or a mix of both species.
What year did they stop putting hardwood floors in houses?
In 1966, the U.S. Federal Housing Authority approved carpeting as part of a 30-year mortgage. Both homeowners and homebuilders turned away from expensive, labor intensive hardwood in favor of cheaper, easier, and faster-to-install carpet.
What is the life expectancy of hardwood floors?
Hardwood flooring can last a lifetime, but the glossy shine of original wood flooring will fade over the course of its life. You'll notice fading after about 25 years. Hardwood floors, if installed properly, can last 100 years.
Can you refinish 100 year old hardwood floors?
If you followed along on the One Room Challenge, you already know that we refinished our 100 plus year-old hardwood floors ourselves. And oh what a difference it made! We went from paint-splattered hardwoods hidden under stained, rust-colored carpets...
Do houses built in 1965 have hardwood floors?
While a number of homes built after the mid-'60s do have hardwood floors, that was the time when a home began to be considered a home even without them.
How do you clean 100 year old hardwood floors?
Avoid using a steam mop to clean old hardwood floors....Dampen a terry cloth towel and wipe down the hardwood floors, then let the floor dry.Mineral spirits can cause irritation. ... You can clean your floors with mineral spirits as often as you'd like. ... Avoid using water-based cleaning products on an unsound finish.
Do original hardwood floors add value?
Hardwood floors are one of the best flooring options for homeowners looking to increase the resale value of their home, with hardwood typically yielding around a 75% return on investment.
What flooring was used in the 1960s?
Wooden floors in the 60s were often painted over in bold colours and strong varnishes to look as contemporary as possible. Vinyl flooring and LVT was also very popular for many homeowners in the 1960s as it was and still is a low-maintenance flooring choice. Essentially, any bold, statement floor will do the trick.
How often should you refinish your hardwood floors?
every 7-10 yearsDepending on a floor's thickness and the experience of the flooring professional, a floor can be sanded around 4-6 times in its entire life. Hardwood floors can be refinished every 7-10 years, making the 4-6 refinishes more than enough.
How can I make my hardwood floors last longer?
Tips to help care for your hardwood floor:Wipe up water spills quickly.Block out rain water and moisture during the wet season.Vacuum the floor on a weekly basis.Use a no-wax cleaner to remove any residue from the floor.Don't get furniture polish or hairspray on your floor.More items...
Which of the following flooring type has the longest life expectancy?
Tile. Installed and maintained correctly, tile can last 75 years or more, per the NAHB report.
What were floors made of in the 1950s?
In addition to linoleum, wood floors were also incredibly popular in the 1950s. And, if you're currently renovating a 1950s home, you'll also know (thanks to lots of blood, sweat, and tears) that they were likely also covered up with carpet or other flooring materials in the intervening years.
What flooring was used in the 1960s?
Wooden floors in the 60s were often painted over in bold colours and strong varnishes to look as contemporary as possible. Vinyl flooring and LVT was also very popular for many homeowners in the 1960s as it was and still is a low-maintenance flooring choice. Essentially, any bold, statement floor will do the trick.
What's the difference between White oak and Red Oak?
Red oak varieties usually have pointed tips on their jagged leaves, as well as a smoother appearance to their bark. In contrast, a white oak's more bulbous leaf will be rounded at the tips, and the bark will have deep grooves, giving it a much more textured appearance.
What type of plywood is used for subfloor?
Standard plywood can be used for subfloors, but a better material is 3/4-inch tongue-and-groove plywood subflooring. The tongue-and-groove edges interlock to resist movement along the panel edges and create an overall stiffer floor.
Why do hardwood floors fade?
Wood discoloration. The color of your hardwood floors might change for a few reasons. For example, long-term exposure to the sun can cause colors to fade. You can fix this washed-out look by restaining or refinishing your floors. However, water damage might be the source of your floor’s discoloration.
Why is my hardwood floor turning black?
However, water damage might be the source of your floor’s discoloration. If your hardwood absorbs water , it starts to oxidize and change color. Gray stains and discoloration are common signs of water damage. At this stage, a refinish will fix the problem. If left unchecked, though, the stain will get darker and eventually turn black.
What happens if you scratch a hardwood floor?
You should also keep an eye out for any large chips or gouges. If a scratch is deep enough to cut through the stain and reach the wood, then your floor becomes more vulnerable to water damage. Even minor spills can cause serious damage if they manage to seep into the wood beneath the stain.
What to do if stain fades?
If the stain starts to fade or completely wears away, you can fix the problem by simply refinishing your floors. However, worn stain can lead to more serious issues such as splintered or warped wood, both of which call for a replacement.
Why does my wood stain turn black?
This is usually a sign that the water has damaged the wood’s structure and that you should replace the hardwood.
What does it mean when your floorboards are creaking?
Creaking floorboards usually mean the wood is rubbing against itself or against the subfloor.
Is Vestibulum lacinia sed. good for hardwood floors?
Vestibulum lacinia risus sed. Hardwood floors come with many benefits for your home. From the elegant beauty of this traditional option to the sturdy, long-lasting foundation it creates, it’s no wonder so many homeowners are fond of their hardwood floors. However, as with any aspect of your home, the wear and tear will eventually get to be too much.
How to make wood floors look good?
Pour a spoonful of water onto the floor. If it forms droplets that stay on the surface of the wood, the floor finish is still good. If the water is slowly absorbed into the wood, the finish is worn and needs to be restored. If the water is quickly soaked up into the wood and leaves a darker stain on the surface, there’s no finish left; the wood needs refinishing as soon as possible.
Why are hardwood floors so popular?
Hardwood floors are one of the most popular features in any home. Quality woods can create distinctive and impressive looks that last for generations. Hardwood floors increase home value. But over a period of years, even hardwoods can lose visual appeal. Wear due to foot traffic, water damage or stains from spills, ...
Is hardwood floor refinishing the right move?
Other wear might involve scratches from pets or moving furniture, dings from dropped objects, or uneven surfaces due to the settling of older homes. In most cases, hardwood floor refinishing is the right move, provided you have the right tools.
How to tell if a floor is aluminum oxide?
Examining the condition of the finish relative to the age of the floor is one way to identify an aluminum oxide finish. Because this type of finish is applied at the factory, it's thicker and harder than a on-site polyurethane finish. Aluminum oxide finishes are guaranteed for 20 years or more, so if the wood is still in good shape, but the finish is showing signs of wear-through, it probably isn't aluminum oxide. If the finish is aluminum oxide, and you want to restore it, use a product designed specifically for that type of finish.
Can you refinish polyurethane floors?
Polyurethane finishes sometimes can be restored--typically a process of lightly abrading, or " screening," and recoating the floor--but only if the original finish is well- adhered and no waxy or oily products have been used on the floor. Otherwise, professional refinishers are likely to recommend sanding off the old finish before applying a new finish. In this case, you also have the option to switch to a traditional oil or other type of finish instead of polyurethane, if desired.
How long does a solid hardwood floor last?
A solid hardwood floor can also stand up to being refinished repeatedly, and can last for decades as styles and tastes change. The planks are milled specifically to create a uniform and stable fit. Hardwood floors are easy to clean with a quick sweep and occasional damp mop, plus mild detergent.
How long does it take for a prefinished hardwood floor to acclimate to the house?
A pre-finished hardwood floor is ready to install as soon as it arrives, and acclimates to the home's temperature and humidity, usually within 24 to 48 hours.
What is hardwood flooring made of?
Traditionally, hardwood floors were made of lumber from regional species. Today, hardwood flooring options include engineered wood that looks a lot like the real thing, but at a lower cost. Advertisement. Hardwood is milled from a single piece of wood.
Why choose hardwood floors?
For one, hardwood floors are durable and can stand up to generations of heavy traffic, maintaining their structural integrity and aesthetic.
What is the width of a strip of wood?
Strip flooring. The wood planks has a set width of 1.5 inches, 2 inches and 2.75 inches. It has a set thickness of 5/16 of an inch to 3/4 of an inch. Plank flooring. This type of hardwood flooring only comes in two set thicknesses, but a wider variety of widths.
What is the difference between red oak and white oak?
It adds old-fashioned charm and warmth and is available in red and white. Red oak is lighter and more neutral. White Oak is more of a pale brown, with either a pink or gray undertone washed throughout the sturdy planks.
What is the best flooring for bare feet?
Maple is affordable and can absorb stains well to create darker flooring that mimics Walnut or Cherry. Ash. Light almost to a whitish hue, Ash can stand up to high traffic, but is smooth and comfortable for bare feet. It is affordable, and adds warmth and style for almost any décor.
How long does a wood floor last?
Besides, a properly maintained wood floor can go 20 or 30 years or more before needing to be refinished, says Lupresto. And it can be sanded and refinished "easily six or seven times" over its lifetime, he says. Hand-scraped boards (factory scraped or scraped on site), often with pillowed or beveled edges.
What happens if you sand a floor too many times?
And floors that have been sanded too many times may have "no meat left on the wood," Lessick says. The tongue and groove is falling apart and nails may be exposed.
Can you refinish hardwood floors?
The answer usually comes down to preference, not do-ability. Jamie Lupresto of Diamond Flooring of Elizabethtown, Ky., says there's an excellent chance you'll be able to accommodate your client. "Ninety-five percent of the time, if not more, you can refinish a hardwood floor, replace boards, make repairs and have a very nice floor."
Can old floors be repaired?
Of course, some old floors are beyond repair. Here are some symptoms that indicate a terminal condition: Floors with extreme movement between boards are not good candidates for refinishing because "the movement will affect the sanding and finish," Lupresto says.
Is it ok to install hardwood flooring in a kitchen?
Installing hardwood flooring in a kitchen is a great option because it lasts a long time. The experts show how to install fold and lock hardwood flooring material.
Do old floors look new?
Homeowners who have old floors should not expect them to look like brand-new floors, according to Sprigg Lynn of Universal Floors in Washington, D.C. Over the years Lynn's company has restored or refinished historic or just plain old hardwood floors in buildings ranging from simple homes to the White House.
Can you salvage old wood floors?
Almost all old floors can be salvaged and refinished by skilled contractors. Termite-damaged planks, insect-infested boards or delaminated strips can be replaced if there aren't too many. Squeaky floors can be tightened and quieted, at least temporarily, with nails or dry lubricant. Holes can be plugged. Damaged floor sections can be patched. Patches that match the species, cut, grain and color of the wood and are feathered in go unnoticed, Lynn says.
What type of wood can stand the test of time?
Luckily, oak is the type of wood that can stand the test of time. If you can find old oak floors, the likelihood of restoration is high!
What is the best part of a hardwood floor restoration?
Sealing the floors was the best part of this hardwood floor restoration. Adding the seal added a layer of shine that brought out the wood in the most magnificent way. You can see in the photo below how the sealer changes the look of the wood. Half the floor was sealed when I stopped to take this picture.
What happens if you install wood floors incorrectly?
If you install the boards incorrectly, you risk the integrity of the entire floor. Wood floors need to breathe. They need to be able to contract in winter and expand in the summer. Install them too tight and your boards will pull or warp.
What saw do I use to cut out flooring?
With the mini saw, we were able to cut out large inside portions of flooring. After we cut out all the boards we could, we used the chisel and hammer to pry out the remaining parts of the boards.
Is a drum sander bad for flooring?
You could try it with a standard orbital, but I can tell you from experience- that’s a bad idea. The drum sander removes a lot of flooring. You would have to be on your hands and knees for a long time trying to match the levels.
Is a restored hardwood floor perfect?
They are not 100% perfect, but I’m okay with that. These restored hardwood floors have a rustic charm that adds a lot of personality to the house.
Can you refinish hardwood floors?
Hardwood floor restoration can be very challenging. Especially after years of foot traffic, dropped items, scratches from bedposts, fires, and floods have left behind all sorts of damage. For us, refinishing the hardwood floors in our home meant dealing with all those things.
How much does a hardwood floor cost?
Pine is usually cheapest around $1.20 per square foot and rare woods tend to run much higher in the $4.50 (or more) per square foot range.
How much does it cost to refinish hardwood floors?
There is very little that is more frustrating then getting an estimate for $1,000 dollars to refinish your hardwood floors because they aren’t sealed only to be billed for $1,500 because they needed to bring in another helper to finish on time.
How to figure out square feet of a room?
To figure out the square foot of a room, simply multiply it’s dimensions. A 10 ft. x 10 ft. room is 100 square feet. Then, just multiply the square feet by the cost per foot. 100 square feet x $2.75/square foot = $275. Keep in mind, this table does NOT include the labor costs.
Can vinegar be used on hardwood floors?
Also, don’t get hasty and just pour the water out on the floor, for the same reason. The vinegar does a great job of breaking down any grime that would otherwise be pretty tough to get off the hardwood floor.
Can you refinish hardwood floors?
The exact process to refinish a hardwood floor is something that requires an entire post all of it’s own. That would be a very long post too! However, I will put together a quick list of things that you’ll need to get the job done.
Can polyurethane be used on prefinished floors?
When finish, such as polyurethane is applied to pre-finished floor, it often leaves the seams unprotected. If you pour water into the seam it may leak down in to the floor boards and can potentially lead to warped boards.
Do you have to look at a room to make sure it doesn't have chips?
Well, this is great news for you! You will want to take a moment to look the entire room (s) over to make sure they don’t have any obvious deep gouges or chips. It should be pretty obvious because you’d be able to see the shine disappear in those spots.
