Is old floor too dry to use?
#1
02-27-19, 12:52 PM
Is old floor too dry to use?
We just pulled up a hardwood floor to do some other work and found an old pine wood floor (T&G) below. We would like to reuse it and have planne it but it seems very dry.
is there any danger of using a dry floor? Should it be oiled first maybe?
is there any danger of using a dry floor? Should it be oiled first maybe?
#2
02-27-19, 01:00 PM
Member
Good wood floors can last hundreds of years. Attempting to pre-condition would most likely cause some issues with any added finish.
#3
02-27-19, 01:12 PM
Group Moderator
As long as the subfloor is in good condition go ahead and use it.
Being "too dry" is actually pretty good. It means the wood has achieved it's long term moisture content for your home. If the wood were wetter it would shrink and crack as it dried. If it were dryer it would swell as it absorbed moisture from the air. This is why manufacturers recommend bringing hardwood flooring into the home, opening it up and let it acclimate before laying.
Being "too dry" is actually pretty good. It means the wood has achieved it's long term moisture content for your home. If the wood were wetter it would shrink and crack as it dried. If it were dryer it would swell as it absorbed moisture from the air. This is why manufacturers recommend bringing hardwood flooring into the home, opening it up and let it acclimate before laying.
#4
02-27-19, 01:48 PM
Is there any danger storing the wood outside in the wet until ready to bring inside for a few days? I assume it might warp.
covered with a tarp is maybe better
covered with a tarp is maybe better
#5
02-27-19, 01:54 PM
Just being outside will make the wood absorb moisture. Tarps often trap moisture under them.
Finish wise the only issue with extra wood is it will suck up more stain or poly if not staining. I'd only apply oil if you intend to use an oil finish [not oil base finish]
Finish wise the only issue with extra wood is it will suck up more stain or poly if not staining. I'd only apply oil if you intend to use an oil finish [not oil base finish]
#8
02-27-19, 04:49 PM
Member
Trust me, you do not want to mess with un-acclimated wood.
It's critical that the wood be acclimated to the conditioned environment, if the wood has been inside find a way to keep it inside!
It's critical that the wood be acclimated to the conditioned environment, if the wood has been inside find a way to keep it inside!
#9
02-27-19, 05:26 PM
Group Moderator
We just pulled up a hardwood floor
#10
02-27-19, 05:47 PM
There's a subfloor, then a pine floor, then a hardwood floor.
it's the middle pine we want to try and re-use.
I've often seen when a floor is sanded that the sawdust fills the cracks and then when varnished it goes hard. I was kinda hoping it would fill the nail holes as well?
it's the middle pine we want to try and re-use.
I've often seen when a floor is sanded that the sawdust fills the cracks and then when varnished it goes hard. I was kinda hoping it would fill the nail holes as well?
#11
02-27-19, 05:54 PM
Group Moderator
LOL, that's not sawdust. If it was, the floor would look like sandpaper. Wood filler gets applied, then the floor is sanded again.
#13
02-28-19, 03:27 AM
Yes, but it would be a lot simpler/easier to buy the floor filler paste, smear it on, let it dry and then resand the floor. Another option would be to use colored putty to fill the nail holes.
