DIY Supermarket

Wooden floorboards can add to the character of a home, highlighting the beauty of existing decor and furniture. However, floorboards have often been covered for many years, either by carpets or tiles or both. The floorboards may also have suffered from spillage stains and damage. In older properties, there may be a ribbon of dark stain around the floor’s edges from the era before carpets were fitted.

To make the most of the natural wood floorboards, a homeowner must first repair and sand them. To sand floorboards, the room must first be cleared. Homeowners should remove all floor coverings and take stock. Black underlay residue can hide problems so it is essential to vacuum it up. Next, a homeowner should look for wide gaps between the floorboards or between floorboards and the skirting. The floor should also be checked for splints and rot damage. Homeowners should make any necessary repairs and countersink any nail heads or pull them out if possible. Floorboards should be replaced with boards of the same size. Any heavily painted areas should be stripped of their paint.

Homeowners should hire a sander suited to use on their floor area. Sandpaper and a block for final finishing will also be required. Goggles and a facemask are necessary. With a level, fairly clean floor, DIY enthusiasts should work along the boards. However, if their floor is warped and uneven, they should work diagonally before finishing lengthwise. Homeowners should always finish with a fine (120 grit size) abrasive. Ideally, a 40-60 grit size abrasive should be used for heavy work and an 80-100 grit size for lighter work.