Refinishing Vintage Hemlock
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.
