If you are renovating, and not sure what to do with the original timber floors, Frances outlines what some floor options are, in this episode. They may not need to replaced, and Frances discusses some choices and considerations you can explore to understand the best outcome for your home.
SHOWNOTES
Timber floors can be sanded back many times unlike an engineered board. Depending on the thickness of the veneer on top. Timber floors can be sanded back a couple of times but you can never sand an engineered timber board the same amount of times that you can a solid timber board.
A solid timber board can be sanded back into its original colour. You can then make a decision whether to put a clear coating on top or stain them.
- For clear coating, water-based coating is a good option as it will not discolour over time and it has less chemicals than a polyurethane
- Staining the board creates a brand-new look and feeling of the space
Going over the top with an engineered board costs significantly more than sanding the boards back. The only time that it may not be as good a solution is if you have the Baltic timber pine.
Instance where you may not use the original timber in the home (applicable for homes that are renovating but not doing an extension, not having walls removed, or not changing a kitchen layout)
- Baltic pine – you may opt not to retain as it is very soft solid timber and has very light color
- No clear delineation where to end the original board and start with the new board
- You can actually get a second-hand and recycled timber board that may be the same timber type as the original part of the home.
- For options that may not be the exact same color
- If you use clear coating, you may be able to see that difference but very subtle
- If you choose to stain with darker color, you won’t see a change in the timber type as you’re going from the original timber to the reclaimed timber, even when using a new Vic ash.
Where to start the new board from the old board:
- Changing the floor completely and not matching up
- Using reclaimed board of the same timber type. You may stain it or retain it in it’s original colour
- If you are using new but the same timber type together with the old timber, you may have it in a hallway or a not obvious position
Knock-on effects:
- If you’re going to put a floor over the top of the solid timber, you’re going to have to raise the skirting boards which is a finish I would not recommend. A better finish is having to take off the skirting board, put the floor down, and then put the skirting board over again.
Advantage of sanding the boards back:
- Skirting boards remain as they are
- Don’t have to worry about the door heights having to be shaved or make space for this additional flooring that’s going to go over the top of the solid timber
Takeaway:
- Don’t be so fast in getting rid of solid timber on the original part of the house if you’re renovating
Useful links
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