Comments on: Tips for Sanding Vintage Hardwood Floors

By: Gail Wilson

Gail Wilson — Thu, 07 Feb 2019 20:08:22 +0000

Wow! I take my hat off to you for sure! That was a huge undertaking. I think I would have been so discouraged during the process, thinking it would never end.
Congrats on a job well done!!!

gail

By: Jody Harder

Jody Harder — Thu, 07 Feb 2019 15:10:06 +0000

I have done about 3300 sq ft of hardwood flooring on an old school house for my boss (as well as the sanding portion of the basement-another 2000ish sq ft). It was a time consuming task as some of the flooring had rotted and needed to be replaced. The replaced portions werent the same height as the old parts and needed extra sanding to level out. I used a drum sander rented from Home depot and used an orbital for edges. I followed up with the orbital over the entire floor to get 70 years of scratches and gouges as smoth as possible. There were also gaps between many boards. The most difficult part is cleaning before staining and/of a coating. I vacuumed and used a putty knife to scrape between all of the boards then vacuumed again and again and again. Then a wash with clean water over and over until the water comes clean followed by a wash with methyl hydrate mixed with water. The end product was beautiful after 2 coats of finish.

By: Gail Wilson

Gail Wilson — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 16:04:26 +0000

In reply to Jade Brunet.

Happy to be of some help! It’s a tough job, but totally worth it if you’re able to complete your own hardwood floor redo.

gail

By: Jade Brunet

Jade Brunet — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 18:50:34 +0000

We are looking to refinish our hardwood floors and are looking for tips on sanding. It is good to know that using the right tool for the job will save time and money. Thank you for informing me that not all drum sanders are alike. We will be sure to find a quality sander when we get to that point, thanks.

By: Gail Wilson

Gail Wilson — Tue, 20 Dec 2016 14:10:24 +0000

In reply to Serena – Thrift Diving.

It’s a lot of work…. I need to do it in my own home Serena!

gail

By: Serena - Thrift Diving

Serena - Thrift Diving — Sun, 18 Dec 2016 13:24:25 +0000

So glad to see this, Gail. I’ve been thinking about doing my own floors since they’re in good condition, overall, but need sprucing up, and perhaps, a more modern stain. Thanks for the tips!

By: Gail Wilson

Gail Wilson — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 01:09:53 +0000

In reply to Allison. Happy you found this helpful Allison! Wishing you all the best on your project. gail

By: Allison

Allison — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 14:01:17 +0000

Thank you for the info. This is one of my winter project. I have never done it before. Your info has been the most help so far in my research. Thank

By: gail@myrepurposedlife.net

gail@myrepurposedlife.net — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 13:06:26 +0000

In reply to Bobbie.

Bobbie,
this house was vacant, so I took my time. It was during the polar vortex, so I had to work on days that were a little warmer due to having to keep the heat off. It was about 3 weeks, but in real time, I think you could DIY it in about 10 days….

The space? 2 small rooms and one large room. I’m sorry I don’t know sq ft.

I recommend those knee pads and a kneeler to take care of your knees. No matter what you do, your back will ache! Good luck to you!

gail

By: Bobbie

Bobbie — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 02:13:57 +0000

Thanks for all the info! I am going to be refinishing the floors in my downstairs this weekend, plus working on some really tough stairs and hallway (old padding stuck to it). How long did it take you to finish your job and how big was the space?