Revitalising wooden flooring in my hallway

[Participant]

Hi, we moved house last December and I've been slowly but surely working my way through many minor DIY jobs. Next on the list is to make this wooden flooring in the hall:

...look better basically. I have a belt sander and an orbital sander. What's the solution; get sanding then get oiling? I don't even know what wood that is, so any opinions here are appreciated, as is advice on products to use, sanding techniques, and just generally the best way to accomplish this. So far all we've done is clean it with Method wooden floor cleaner.

Many thanks.

 

[Lt_Red]

I wouldn't want to do that with a orbital hand held sander - you would be better off with the belt sander going with the grain, but really, you'll likely end up with troughs and peaks unless you are very very careful.

I would look to hire a proper floor sander and get it done in quick sharp fashion without the knee damage. These things also collect the dust arisings so they are cleaner for a start but you can use the dust mixed with PVA solution to infill any gaps and sand over to level.

As with anything its worth doing it properly, but I guess it depends on your square meterage vs patience...

 

[Participant]

Hmm thanks. Maybe I'll try cleaning it and oiling it and see how it comes up before sanding.

Any ideas what wood that's likely to be? What oil should I use?

 

[Maccapacca]

Wire wool and white spirit then Danish oil three coats.

 

[Lt_Red]

maccapacca has a point there - what are you trying to achieve?

Are you just looking to tart it up a bit = Clean and re-oil.

Or are you trying to take out years of gouges from the wood = sand off the top 2-4mm and re-oil.

Either way danish wood oil is your best bet, you can get clear or tinted versions.

As for the wood it looks like oak from where I am sat, hard to tell from the image.

 

[bitslice]

Wire wool and white spirit then Danish oil three coats.

Try stainless steel wool, otherwise bits break off and it stains the wood with rust.

 

[Mark A]

I'd sand it right back, if its been treated with floor varnish, wire wool will do nothing and the oil wont be able to penetrate the varnish.

If it has only had oil on it before then a clean and re-oil would work, but i'd still sand it back a bit. Oil takes better when sanded, especially on aged wood.

http://www.osmouk.com/previewpage.cfm?bookid=book001&chapter=57&page=116

This stuff is apparently very good for wooden flooring.

 

[MikeTimbers]

Osmo oil on my kitchen work tops. Lovely stuff!