Old Hardwood Floor Construction

It can also be a pain if you aren t sure what types of old hardwood floors or softwood you are dealing with.

Old hardwood floor construction. For hardwood flooring in homes it is the most popular material. This floor restoration method requires a floor buffer with a sanding screen to scuff the old finish of the floor which is why it s called a screen and recoat. You must be on guard for signs of. In the snippet above from 1920 you can see the recommendation of shellac wax or varnish as the choice finishes to use on wood floors.

Most old hardwood floors from the mid 19th century onwards are connected via interlocking edges called tongue and groove a laying method that minimizes gaps and keeps the faces of the floorboards from cupping. Its wide availability means that it costs less than other types starting around 2 per square foot. If you are adding hardwood to a different level e g. If you have 2 1 4 on the 1st floor and you are adding wood to the 2nd floor.

With good upkeep it can last longer than a century. Because of the trees age and massive diameter the desirable heartwood was extremely tight grained making the lumber harder and more durable than the relatively immature wood of the same species that is harvested today. After mopping the floor and letting it dry you use the buffer to run a 120 grit sanding screen over the surface. Historic wide plank flooring reclaimed from 100 year old barns and wooden structures.

If you found gorgeous planks of hardwood under old flooring during a remodel or renovation this can add value to your home and more. If you are adding wood to the kitchen and you are trying to set it apart and or going on a diagonal or a different direction for the kitchen. A plywood subfloor will bridge any minor waves in the existing floor and leveling compound would help too. You will have to make sure your joists can handle the addition of considerably more weight from the plywood subfloor and any floor coverings.

Each type of wood requires certain care and repair. Hardwoods were abundant in the early 20th century so the quality of wood in an old floor is usually high. The history of wood flooring begins in colonial america when the first floors were wide thick planks cut from the continent s abundant old growth forests. On the top side of the floor another fix it idea to lay down new hardwood over the existing floor.

Oak is one of the most durable species with a tight dark grain that works in almost any room. Probably the most obvious changes and advancements in the hardwood flooring industry since the 1920 s have been in protective finishes and coatings.