411homerepair.com

3 Ways to Spruce Up the Look of Your Wood Floors

by Janet Holman on Aug 15, 2013

It’s time to make those wood floors look new again. However, you won’t have to polish off a lot of dollars to do it, but one does have to employ some know how and a bit of elbow grease.

Of course, the professional renovation makes a mark on your old floors, but hiring professionals is often expensive. Furthermore, one needs to wait for a time that is convenient for them. You want your floors looking new right now. Here’s how to do it.

Method One

Check your floor for surface damage, such as stains, tarnish, and scratches. Use mildly-warm water, removing surface stains and discoloration. Next, use steel wool to scour the surface of your wood floor. Don’t scrub too hard, or you will scratch. The steel wool prepares the floor for another coat of finishing.

It’s likely, the scrubbing process reveals more dirt and excess grime. Use a broom or vacuum to rid the floor of existing debris. Now, it is time for the finish. The finish can be applied with a foam pad or sponge. Use an appropriate paintbrush or similar device to cover the corners and any areas left unfinished.

Method Two

This method involves a sander, usually, a device leveraged by professionals, yet any do-it-yourself hardware store will have them available for rent. Look for weekend sales on a belt and edge sanders. Some people feel anxious about using a sander, and for good reason; improperly using a sander can damage your floor rather than revitalize. Test the sander, seeing how your floor reacts, using a small space, such as in a closet, where damage won’t be as visually crucial.

Use the sander in a back and forth motion, reading the direction of the floor grain. Like using a trimmer for the lawn, use the edge sander around the corners and hard-to-reach places. As with the sander, apply your stain in the direction of the wood grain for the best application results, you have. Watch the paint on the walls while working with the stain! It takes more time, but it may be best to apply a strip of protective tape or covering around the walls or floor trim to ensure only the floor gets stained.

Method Three

Go to a hardware store, maybe a mom and pop shop rather than a large retailer, searching for mineral spirits. This method is not as abrasive as using a sander and usually takes only a fraction of the time. Some people don’t care for chemicals found in some other finishes, so as an alternative, try finishing with a mixture of boiled linseed oil and varnish. A pro tip about sanding: Don’t sand unless you feel it’s necessary; sanding diminishes the thickness of the wood as well as the functionality, shortening its lifespan, aside from the added costs, resources, and time it takes to leverage a sander.

That’s it! Try one of these three ways to magically transform your existing, fading wood floor. No matter how harsh it may initially appear, even after uncovering floors trapped under rugs for years, there’s an opportunity to make your old wood floors look new!

Janet Holman has a hands-on approach to all interior design tasks. She draws from her experience in interior design when blogging.

Latest Articles

How Much Does It Cost To Take A Bath​?

Plumbers know that a bath may seem like a relaxing luxury, but the real cost extends far beyond your water bill. The average soak uses 35 to 50...

on Apr 8, 2025

10 Concrete Patio Ideas on a Budget

A concrete patio can be a game-changer for your outdoor space. It is durable, versatile, and can be customized to fit your style. But what if you...

on Mar 25, 2025

Tips for Creating a Stunning Personalized Photo on Canvas

Order the unique beauty of a personalized photo on canvas and bring your memories to life. With a customized photo on canvas, you can transform...

on Mar 7, 2025

Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth

Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...

on Feb 18, 2025

Troubleshooting Excess Water in Your HVAC Secondary Condensate Drain Pan

When maintaining your air conditioning system, it is easy to overlook the condensate drain pan - until excess water starts pooling in places where...

on Jan 12, 2025

Sponsored Articles

Actions

More DIY Articles

Homeowner In The UK? Here's Why You Need to Know about Rainwater Drainage Systems

In the United Kingdom, there is an average of around 1,200 millimeters of rainfall annually. Keeping rainwater out of your home and away from your...

Plumbing / Basements

Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink: Ways to Choose

Before buying kitchen sinks, you have to carefully plan the design of your kitchen. And as you are searching for the right sink, it would help if...

Kitchen / Bathrooms

Five Tips to Take Better Care of Your Basement Insulation

Basement waterproofing is an essential part of home maintenance, as it helps to protect the basement from moisture, flooding, and other...

Plumbing / Basements

Smart Upgrades to Get More from Your Home Renovation

If you are planning a home remodeling project, it is the perfect time to consider making a few major upgrades that will make your home more...

Improvements / Remodeling

Simple Home Tips for Repairing Your Garage Door

Garage doors are prone to malfunctions now and then due to their frequent usage and perpetual exposure to the elements. They compose of different...

Doors / Garages

Contact Us | Submit Article | 411homerepair © 2025