Is it worth restoring my wood floors?!
Over time, and especially considering Minnesota winters. Wood floors will show scratches, fading, or dullness, but refinishing removes imperfections, enhances the wood’s natural grain, and allows you to update the stain or finish to match your evolving style. Not only does refinishing extend the life of your hardwood flooring, but it also adds character to your home while increasing its value.
When embarking on a home improvement project, one of the best decisions you can make is restoring old wood floors. Hardwood flooring has long been admired for its warmth, durability, and timeless appeal. Instead of covering worn-out floors with carpet or replacing them entirely with vinyl, refinishing hardwood flooring can breathe new life into your space while maintaining its authentic charm.
Think about Refinishing before you think about replacing.
If your hardwood floors show signs of wear—scratches, dullness, or minor damage—you may think the only solution is replacing or covering them. However, hardwood refinishing is a cost-effective and sustainable way to enhance your floors without the expense and hassle of installing new flooring. A few things to consider:
1. Cost-Effective Home Improvement
Replacing hardwood flooring can be expensive, but refinishing is a budget-friendly alternative especially when you hire a local small business like BBSANDING * wink wink* . With proper refinishing, your existing floors can look brand new at a fraction of the cost of a full replacement.
2. Enhancing Your Home’s Aesthetic Appeal
There’s nothing quite like the rich, warm tones of refinished hardwood flooring. Whether you prefer a natural, light finish or a deep, dark stain, refinishing allows you to customize the look of your floors to complement your home’s style. Without committing to a major overhaul project.
3. Increasing Property Value
Hardwood flooring is a desirable feature for homebuyers. Well-maintained and restored wood floors add character and value to your home, making it more attractive on the market when you’re considering selling your home. More details below regarding National Association of REALTORS®
Research Group impact report’s findings.
4. Eco-Friendly Choice
Choosing to refinish rather than replace is a sustainable option. It reduces waste, eliminates the need for new materials, and preserves the beauty of natural hardwood flooring.
The Beauty of Refinished Wood Floors
One of the most rewarding aspects of refinishing hardwood flooring is revealing the intricate grain patterns and depth of color that make each floor unique. Over time, hardwood develops a natural patina that adds character and history to your home. By restoring your floors, you’re not only preserving this beauty but also allowing it to shine for years to come.
2022
Remodeling Impact Report
National Association of REALTORS®
Research Group:
Consumers rated Hardwood Floor Refinish as one of the most satisfying projects they undertook considering home improvements.
Restoring old hardwood flooring is a smart investment in your home improvement project. It enhances beauty, increases value, and promotes sustainability. Whether you’re refinishing floors for a fresh new look or pairing them with stylish vinyl flooring for added durability, your home will benefit from the warmth and elegance that only wood floors can provide.
Refinishing Vintage Hemlock
A Vintage hemlock-hardwood floor is transformed and refinished into a beautiful, warm canvas for many family moments yet to come.
I received a call during winter about a flooring project that ignited a spark of excitement in me, reminiscent of the first challenging projects that demanded my full attention to transform them into integral elements of what makes a house feel like a home.
Nestled in the corner of the Twin Cities metro, near one of the many lakes scattered across the forested landscape, sits a charming house rich in character. Its centerpiece is a stone chimney that seamlessly flows into floors with a story of its own:
Vintage hemlock pine, weathered and worn by what must have been thousands of shoes.
The owner shared the floor’s history, revealing that the unique flooring was salvaged from an auction. Originally, it had been taken from an armory in the Twin Cities and installed by a previous owner, though the specifics remained unclear. Whether it came from one of the National Guard buildings in Saint Paul or from one of the armories in Minneapolis, these floors have certainly borne witness to a myriad of human experiences. Each grain and knot carries the weight of countless moments.
A small batch of wood, purchased by the previous owner, was installed tongue and groove, with widths ranging from 3 to 5 inches. Layers of varnish or thick oil-based polyurethane showcase the warm natural tones, highlighting the wear and tear over the years. Gaps from seasonal expansion and general use open like creeks of varying sizes, inviting dust, pet hair, and anything else that might fall.
Top nails litter the surface, and this small floor is in desperate need of renewal.
With the project booked and on the calendar, it was time to devise a game plan. Those gaps couldn’t remain open; they needed to be sealed with a flexible filler to accommodate the seasonal expansion brought about by the fluctuating northern Midwest climate.
While many flooring filler products can address gaps or cracks, few possess the strength and integrity to withstand the challenges posed by Minnesota’s climate. Consulting with our local distributors, I discovered a product I had only seen featured on Northern European flooring social media pages:
Berger Seidle’s Pak Stop + Pafuki Powder, in black.
Thanks to Dustin, the owner and operator of Ground Floor Supply — located where the beloved Pete’s Hardwood Floors once stood — I found the right solution. Dustin embodies the friendly neighborhood spirit that Pete’s cultivated for years. Upon reaching out for advice on suitable products, we quickly settled on the Pak Stop + Pafuki combination.
It was a bold choice, but the right one. Stock was limited, but with Dustin’s help, we sourced enough product from Denver just in time.
After drum sanding the first pass, I was eager to tackle those gaps. Armed with a grout cleaner and my trusty multi-tool, I spent what felt like hours meticulously clearing the debris from the gaps — a necessary step to ensure a clean surface for the filler to adhere.
Finally, after carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions to achieve the perfect mixture of Pak Stop and Pafuki powder, I applied the filler to every visible gap, letting it dry overnight. I couldn’t recall a time I’d woken up more excited to drum sand a floor than that morning!
As soon as I started the 60 grit pass, the filler had no problem sanding right off. It had a rubbery texture but did not melt or spread. A breeze to sand off.
The Black Filler was the perfect accent to accompany the beautiful character throughout the floor. The uneven gaps framed each board like a treasured piece in a gallery.
Seeing the vivid brightness of bare wood, I knew we had to go with a light tone. Completing the project with Berger Seidle’s Ceramic water-based finish, three coats.
As the finished product glimmered in the morning sun, joy filled me — every hour spent scraping away was worth it. I felt satisfied with the process and the products used, grateful for the opportunity to work on this charming home. The wood, having already stood the test of time, has now been restored to serve as the backdrop for even more memories to come.