Refinishing can make old hardwood look new again

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 03/08/2011 (5348 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Q: I have a house, about 40 years old with the original oak hardwood flooring on the main floor and a finished basement underneath.  The hardwood floors are squeaking, and I’m wondering if we can get rid of the squeaks without ruining the wood floors.

A: When it comes to aged hardwood the most common concern with squeaks is the humidity levels of your home. It’s best to maintain your humidity levels through sufficient ventilation at around 40%.  

One of the best things you can do for your hardwood flooring, especially if it’s over 30-years in age is to refinish it.  Refinishing will fill the joints in between the slats and help restore the natural luster to help strengthen them. When refinishing a hardwood floor first sand with a floor sander available through rental outlets. Then apply a water-based urethane finish.

There are professional floor refinishers that can sand your floors using a dust-free method. If you have a heritage oak hardwood floor, it’s definitely worth the effort to refinish them. It will not only keep that character look of your home but will also give you a quieter surface to walk on.

Q: How should I refinish an outdoor wood bench that is dull and weathered from being in the sun?  I am not sure if anything has been used on the bench in past. Can I use a semitransparent stain to give it some color? I am looking for suggestions for a product suitable for the outdoor wood furniture.

A: Before you start anything with this project clean the bench using my Shell Busey Home Cleaning Formula. Apply and scrub with a stiff bristle brush and then rinse well. My Home Cleaning Formula is available at Cloverdale Paint and Windsor Plywood as well as select Rona and Home Hardware stores.

I would suggest applying a semitransparent siding and deck stain. This will give it some colour but also allows the natural wood grain to show through. This stain can be used on new unfinished or previously stained outdoor furniture, usually available through paint retailers such as Cloverdale Paint and Windsor Plywood.

Another option is you can apply a brushed coating like outdoor polyurethane. This will provide a durable surface, last for years and leave a sheen to the wood if you prefer.  

Remember to store wood furniture in an enclosed shed during the winter months.

Shell Busey can be heard every Saturday morning from 8 to 10:30 a.m. on Winnipeg’s CJOB 680. Go to www.TheHouseSmart.com for more home improvement tips and information.