Repairing the wood floors

We tore the carpet out throughout the main floor, knowing there was wood underneath but not knowing what condition it was in. I was thrilled when the majority of it looked fantastic. There were a few burn marks (we think from a space heater) and six holes that had been patched (where floor vents used to be).

We didn't want to leave the patches (they were quite unsightly) so we decided to feather in matching oak floor, reclaimed from another home built during a similar era. I found a batch of it for sale (and at a great price!) at Pete's Hardwood Floors in St. Paul and am thrilled with the results. If you look closely you can tell somewhat where the patches are. I think it suites this little old house (and me) just fine...pays homage to its long and loved life, with a few bumps along the way.

(p.s. apologies in advance for the iPhone photos..at this point we were slaving away till all hours of the night in order to get this finished pre-vacation...the last thing I was thinking about was documentation!)

I was timid to try and do the patching, but after cutting my first piece of floor and fitting one plank in correctly, it was a breeze (mostly). 

Hole #1 - BEFORE

Hole #1 - AFTER

Hole #2 - BEFORE

Hole #2 - AFTER

Hole #3 - BEFORE

Hole #3 - AFTER

Hole #4 - BEFORE

Hole #4 - AFTER

And so on, for a handful of holes all over the main floor. It was a time consuming process, but I don't regret it for one second! I'm so happy we took the time to repair all of the holes with such care and used refurbished old wood to do so.

Now, on to the next steps..sanding and staining..