Timber flooring is a popular and attractive treatment however you have some work in front of you to achieve your desired result. Remove all existing floor coverings and assess the quality of the floorboards. If the boards have been sanded before, you need to know how much of the board is left and how much sanding can be done before you hit the edge of the groove between the boards.
Any damaged or split floorboards need to be replaced. The protruding nail heads or tacks need to be removed and nail heads punched a few millimetres below the surface so that sand paper isn’t ripped from the sanding machine when sanding.
Use coarse abrasive sandpaper to start and finer sand paper until you achieve the desired level of finishing . Vacuum all dust from the boards after the first sand ready for filling nail holes, cracks, dents and other features of the timber but leave the gap between the board as this will spread and contract with changes in the weather. This should be left to dry before the second sand.
Sanding has a number of steps, and depending on the condition of your boards, may require repeat sanding and filling. Make sure that doors, air conditioning vents, and other openings to the remainder of the house are sealed and where possible keep windows open whilst sanding as the dust is not all removed by the sanding machine. Wear a dust mask and ear plugs when using sanding equipment.
There are a number of finishing treatments available for timber floors including stains, oils and synthetic sealers. Choose the right product for the desired look and finish of your floor. Remember to check the care and maintenance of your finishing treatment as some are more durable than others.
It is important to follow treatment instructions for application, safety and maintenance.
In high traffic areas and near exterior entrances, the use of rugs or mats is encouraged to prevent dust and sand which can damage the floor and reduce its attractiveness. Excessive noise is also a factor to consider if you are installing timber flooring in high traffic areas near bedrooms.