How to Distress a Floor

Old houses are the fashionable alternative for buyers looking for something a little different. Other homeowners are looking for ways to make their new home have the charm of an old house. A distressed floor is a popular way to give a worn wood floor a new look or turn a new floor into one that looks old.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Use chains, socks filled with nuts and bolts, the heels of high-heeled shoes and various other similar items to make impressions or indentions. The common household hammer is another great item that leaves impressions by using both the head and the claw.

2. Take one item at a time and go over the entire wood floor leaving the marks as you go. Be careful that you do not unconsciously create a recognizable pattern while distressing. You can do this by varying the tools being used in different areas, always using several different tools to make the mark but varying the specific tools from one area to the next.

3. Create rings by filling clean food cans with hot water and allowing them to stand on the floor in different areas for about 10 minutes. This will leave the mark without damaging the wood.

4. Stain then entire floor making sure the distressed areas show up clearly as a darker stain. Allow to dry completely, then apply a protective coat over the entire floor.