Lubbock, TX on Jun 04, 2012

Refinishing 60 year old hardwood floors

Lots of soiled spots that had to be coarse sanded and still didn't remove completely. After the polyurethane it all blended together pretty well. The wood was age but in excellent condition other than the spots. My question is: Should I put a round rug underneath my round table. And.... I have jungle/tropical theme-What color should I paint? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for looking

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2nd & 3rd coat poly on 7/20/12. LQQK at that shine I let the first coat dry well over a month. Finally got back with a better poly this time. Use MiniWax Sup...
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Before the stain 6/02/12- I sanded alot in soiled areas the applied bleach to the stain- Would NOT recommend to anyone else.
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After the stain & poly 06/04/12- the floor stayed tacky after about 3-4 days UGH !! Not fast enough for my liking. Was MiniWax Fast-Drying- Clear Glo...

17 Comments

Pam D Alexandria, LA

Grat job, Sherry. That some undertaking but looks like it was well worth it. The result looks really pretty. Cudos.

on Jun 04, 2012 · Like 0
Sherry R Lubbock, TX

Can you believe this only took part of 3-days- My helper from Craigslist was extremely knowledgeable. He did the heavy stuff & carpet removal. I did the sanding and final coat of stain. Stain dried over night (abt 14 hrs) then he tacked down the carpet and first coat of polyurethane.

on Jun 04, 2012 · Like 0
Susan S Fredericksburg, VA

Hey Sherry: That really turned out beautifully!! Makes you feel so proud when you accomplish a job like this, doesn't it??
NOW, as to your other questions re: paint color and shape of rug.
Is this a dining room - and what size is your table - 70" 90" ? Generally, if you use a different shape under a table, the room has more interest instead of all shapes being round, rectangular ...»
or whatever. Are the two prints in your picture the only major accessories in the room?? If you could post more pics showing what is in the room and any other colors that have an influence in there, it would help w/suggestions!

on Jun 04, 2012 · Like 0
Sherry R Lubbock, TX

There are some added benefits to older homes. The total expense was under $300. for the "REAL Hardwood" floors to be exposed. I'm very pleased-just need advice on a color for the room and 8' round rug. Should I go with splash of color? Already have olive green & tropical theme. Anyone's thoughts ?

on Jun 04, 2012 · Like 0
Jeff C Broadview Heights, OH

Nice job. I recently had my office floors refinished by Mr. Sandless and although I love the look, it cost me $650.00

on Jun 05, 2012 · Like 0
Sherry R Lubbock, TX

Jeff- My floor still has some work to go-Need to sand down the first coat of poly and add another layer and maybe even a 3rd coat. - D.I.Y. project

on Jun 05, 2012 · Like 1
YouAreTalkingTooMuch.com Conway, SC

WOW! Gorgeous!

on Jun 05, 2012 · Like 0
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

When I do floors I like to remove the baseboards, then sand. If a stain is used it goes on after the entire floor has been final "screened" to 100 grit.
After a day of the stain drying I like to apply 3 full coats of a satin oil based poly. Then after this cure for another day or two I re-install the base. Ideally the floor needs a full week to harden before furniture is replaced.

on Jun 05, 2012 · Like 1
Jeanette S Atlanta, GA

The beauty about old floors is the character they accummulate over the years! So they are perfect! As for a rug, I like one under the table to anchor it and to protect the floor from chair scrapes! If you have a green scheme going, that is what I would have suggested. Since the floors are darker, use a very light green tone in here. You are on the right track! You can even recover your chairs yourself with a bright color in the green family or contrasting color such as in the ...»
lavender/purple family! A color across the color wheel is good for accent!

on Jun 05, 2012 · Like 0
Jeanette S Atlanta, GA

PS...you do not have to take off the existing chair covers...just add another layer...then you can change it out as they get dirty from spills!!!

on Jun 05, 2012 · Like 1
Susan S Fredericksburg, VA

Jeanette S - that's a great suggestion for Sherry to update her chairs - provided they are "slip seats" that can be unscrewed and removed!!

on Jun 05, 2012 · Like 0
Carroll A Coos Bay, OR

For me I personally wanted wood floors for so long that when I finally got them I want to see them, so I would not put a rug down. But make sure that the furniture has good protection under the legs. As for wall color I would pick one material from the room, like the curtains or the chair covers and pull a color from one them for the wall color. They look really great! Love the color.

on Jun 05, 2012 · Like 0
Matt H Lodi, CA

Sherry, What kind of sander did you use. My home has the same type of spots, I pulled the carpet up before I moved in almost three years ago but have been apprehensive to tackle the project after hearing some horror storeis.

on Jun 05, 2012 · Like 0
Sherry R Lubbock, TX

Thanks for all the responses. I purchased a black & decker electric and used 80 grit sand paper on soiled spots. After I grinded as much as I felt comfortable I took small amount of bleach and tried to bleach out the stain.
It worked but when I went back to re-stain the area, it really soaked in. have to wipe it off fast.

on Jun 05, 2012 · Like 1
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

Matt one of the more user friendly DIY machines for floor sanding is the multi-head orbital...or the large rectangular "pad" sander. large drum sanders take some experience that most DIY'ers do not have. I do a good chunk of my floor work with a 17" orbital

on Jun 05, 2012 · Like 0
Sherry R Lubbock, TX

thanks everyone, i appreciate all the good input.

on Jun 05, 2012 · Like 0
Susan S Fredericksburg, VA

I would have thought using bleach would have raised the grain. Maybe that's why it soaked the stain up so quickly. I wonder if applying a light coat of sealer in the area you bleached might have "soothed" the wood before you put the stain on??? If there's a next time. . . . .LOL

on Jun 07, 2012 · Like 0