How do I repair/replace this floor?

Nicole Hickey
by Nicole Hickey

When we first moved in there was brown paint over the wood floor. My stepdaughter insisted she wanted a pink floor so we did it. Well my husband passed away and my step daughters went to live with their mother and it's just me and I would like a more grown-up floor. So I have laid tile 3 or 4 times only to put it back up not satisfied with the way it looked. I have bought wooden planks to put down over the wood floor and still am not satisfied. I am really really leaning toward the brown paper bag floor but I'm not sure if I have to get all of the pink up before I lay the bag. I think this is the way I really want to go but I'm open to any suggestions. I want to thank you all for taking the time to read and look at the horrible pictures y'all have a blessed day.Nicole the floor -less soul(lol)

  11 answers
  • Ann Cherkas Halstead Ann Cherkas Halstead on Sep 01, 2018

    When we were remodeling our 1928 home I had a hard time with the floors also. So I made an idea board. I cut out photos of different aspects of a room and pasted them on the board. Putting matching things together helped me made a decision.

    • Nicole Hickey Nicole Hickey on Sep 02, 2018

      Oh I've hadso many ideas. Some good I think and some down right horrible. Like I said in the original post I have started tile and wood planks and all of a sudden another idea comes along so it seems I'm always at the beginning. I really don't have many more options now. The tile and planks were leftover materials from a family member. Could've been an almost FREE floor but no. I have to have the perfect floor. Whatever that may be. Lol.

  • Landsharkinnc Landsharkinnc on Sep 01, 2018

    I would rent a floor sander to remove all the 'stuff' that's been applied .. paint, glues, etc... then you can either stain/seal the hard wood floors or anything else ... but I'd be concerned about the appearance of anything put over a poorly prepared base --

  • Annie Annie on Sep 01, 2018

    Call in a floor guy. Sanding this yourself will be a very tough job. The sanders are heavy and unwieldy and can gouge the floor. Since it’s a bedroom, would you consider carpet?

  • Em Em on Sep 01, 2018

    Sanding floors is not tough. I have done many. If you go that route get an orbital. WEAR A DUST MASK. Close off the room or you will have dust every where. The sander may be heavy to put in your car, but it isn't hard work at all. The trick is to keep the sander moving, or it will grind a spot on the floor. I did an entire house. I really don't think you need to do that unless you are restaining it which you claim you are not. The paper bags will cover the paint. Do a small section and see. Other than a light sanding to remove LOOSE paint I would just go for it.

    • Nicole Hickey Nicole Hickey on Sep 02, 2018

      That's exactly what I was wanting to hear. Whether or not it does indeed cover it is the question.

  • Melissa V Melissa V on Sep 01, 2018

    I am so sorry about the loss of your husband. It seems like you’re moving ahead 🌅

    I agree on the floor sander BUT you must have someone who’s strong 💪and can handle it. Even then it can get away from you if you don’t know what your in for 🎢

    Yes, so check into flooring places that you can compare prices, references, etc. It’s one room not the whole house!

    Or the carpet thing, but I understand you wanting to get the pinkpinkpink floor outta there!!!

    • Nicole Hickey Nicole Hickey on Sep 02, 2018

      Thank you . This room is directly off of mine and has been stiitng for going on 2 years. ( wow) I'd love to eventually have it and my room combined .

  • Pjo26908388 Pjo26908388 on Sep 01, 2018

    The floors are wonderful and all wood. Wood is forgiving and cleans up so nicely. I am with restoring them because a real wood floor goes with the era of home you have, looks the best, is always in style and is a wonderful plus when you go to sell.


    There are times when the brown bag thing works and of course you can do it. Wood floors restored are the best of the best. I don't want to see an A fantastic asset covered with paper (or paint.)

  • Dorothy Sittler Dorothy Sittler on Sep 01, 2018

    I am sorry about your husband!

  • Ohiorn Ohiorn on Sep 01, 2018

    I am sorry about your husband. It sounds like you've spent considerable time/money on this floor but aren't satisfied with the result. Consider a flooring person.

  • Dokey Dokey on Sep 02, 2018

    I’m sorry but I don’t like floors like this 😥 if anything I would have them sanded and stained. Good Luck 🍀👍

  • Oliva Oliva on Nov 07, 2018

    Hi, Nicole,

    You will be so ecstatic when you see how lovely your floor becomes after sanding and restaining!

    If you choose to do it yourself, do small 3' square sections at a time when sanding, using an orbital sander and frequently changing sanding disks. You'll start with 60 grit, then after doing the entire area, move to 80, 100, 120.

    Make sure the hose is attached to a shop vac to minimize dust. Wear good knee pads, face mask, eye and ear protection. Anti vibration gloves really help.Take breaks after every 15-30 minutes.

    Use tack cloths after vacuuming dust between grit changes.

    This takes patience and time, but it is so worth your efforts! Your floor will look like glass. Wait until you see how nicely light reflects on it!

    I applaud your decision to do this for you! Your husband would be very proud of you.

    Best of luck!

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Jun 30, 2021

    it all depends how thick it is .. it may not be reperabble