Asked on Jan 25, 2016

Do oak floors tend to get discolored in some spots over time?

Audra Bailey
by Audra Bailey
I'll try to be brief. Currently I am living with aunt and have been accused of varnishing certain spots on every single wood board in her house. Also a frame, a buffet table, and a mirror. The spots are darker in color. She claims its tiger wood so it's got multiple colors throughout but how can I convince her that it's not my doing? It's never been sealed properly and the house is very drafty.
  8 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Jan 25, 2016
    Heres an article for you. www.homeadvisor.com/article.show.Discoloration. Hope this helps
  • Bruce Siebers Bruce Siebers on Jan 25, 2016
    Yes, they will fad over time especially if exposed to sunlight.
  • Richard Richard on Jan 26, 2016
    As Bruce Siebers said above, yes, oak flooring will fade if sunlight shines on it and it will also turn dark if something spills on it and is not wiped up quickly; especially if the flooring has NEVER been sealed with anything. Any other items that are made of wood and not painted or sealed will do the very same to varying degrees. On a different note, sounds like the HOUSE needs sealing more than the flooring!
    • See 1 previous
    • Richard Richard on Jan 29, 2016
      @Audra Bailey; I presume that your Aunt has been living by herself for these past 11 years. If she lost a husband or companion prior to the 11 years, I can understand the reason for neglect. Otherwise, she just may not be cognizant of maintenance issues. Gently bring her up to speed on things that need attention.
  • LD LD on Jan 26, 2016
    As Richard, and Bruce said, yes hardwood floors can change color, due to ultraviolet light. But since you say the floors have never been sealed, the discoloration of the floors or any wood can also be caused to dirt, dust, water, and grime rubbing on the wood. Even polyurethane, which is used for sealing hardwood floors, can become discolored. Hardwood that hasn't been sealed develops a patina, from all of the elements, and therefore aged looking.
    • See 1 previous
    • LD LD on Jan 30, 2016
      You're correct.
  • Suzette Trimmer Suzette Trimmer on Jan 26, 2016
    I have worked with various types of woods for many, many years. In the capacity of making my own Picture frames. I have worked a lot with Tiger Oak wood. I know there are Oaks of various shades colors depending on the region where they have grown. Tigerwood is unique in and of itself with being known for its' color variations, looking like Live Tiger stripes. Your poor problem my dear is that with all that wood your Aunt has, none of it, was NEVER sealed? Really how could that be? I ask because both woods are known for their radiance and finish. Did your Aunt get this wood straight from Lumberyard and built with it, as is? Then all this time, ( Life was lived on this unfished wood) goes by and afraid to ask but did you prep the wood at all or how did you, or what did you do prior to varnishing? I firmly support the above experts and their answers. If seeking more detailed information I often consult Bobby Simons, whom I found on YouTube one can email him any question directly and he will answer you. I hope this helps any dispute between you and your Aunt!
    • Audra Bailey Audra Bailey on Jan 29, 2016
      This woman has never done/updated a thing in this house. To my knowledge, the floors haven't been cared for in the 11yrs she's been here. So I guess I can't claim that they have NEVER been sealed. I'm just confused on why a person would varnish some spots and not others on anything or why she would even think this in the first place. Sigh.....I don't even think it's tiger wood. It's ugly lol. Patching random spots would be like putting lipstick on a pig.
  • Priscilla G Priscilla G on Jan 26, 2016
    Yes, with everyday use on some areas more so than others. The sunshine will also dull spots, walking the same path all the time will wear also.
  • Grandmasue10 Grandmasue10 on Jan 26, 2016
    All I can say is thank goodness for the new polyurethane finishes!
  • Suzette Trimmer Suzette Trimmer on Feb 01, 2016
    Audra, wow that is a long time to neglect any decent wood, what a shame. However; it may be that she just did not know any better and we do not know what the installation folks said to her, you know. Another great wood knowledgeable person I consider a Great friend is Alan Korb he lives in NH and you can find him via FB or google.Go ahead and find out how or whether it is worth the work. I still hope the best for you and always here to help.