How to Create Designs in Hardwood Flooring

The beauty of hardwood floors is undeniable. Hardwood floors add beauty and elegance to any room and is one of the top requests on the list of home buyers. With care and maintenance, hardwood floors last for decades and adds instant value to any house or condominium. For extra added detail and flair, a decorative medallion, inlay or painting technique will bring the floors into the design and set the stage for furniture placement and division of space in great rooms and open kitchens.

Things You'll Need

• Wood floor
• Paint
• Stencil
• Paint brush
• Painters tape
• Paint stripper
• Polyurethane
• Sandpaper

Instructions

1. Paint a design on the floor: Lightly sand the area you wish to add a decorative element to. This will remove the sealer and allow the paint to adhere to the surface. You can either hand draw a design to paint or use stencils to create the design. Once it has been painted and is dry, protect the finish with two to three clear coats of polyurethane.

2. Select and design a medallion for the floor: Flooring manufacturers have decorative medallions and other inlays that can be added to the design of your floor. Medallions are available in wood and metals, and are used as focal points and perimeter markers. Wood inlays are used to mark an area in the room, like for a dining-room table.

3. Strip the color of the floor in a design: Create a design by masking it off on the floor. Then use finish remover to the area inside the tape to create the design. Once the stain has been removed, remove the tape, lightly sand the area and protect with a clear-coat polyurethane.

4. Create designs by alternating the angle, cut or vary the way the floor is installed: Check with the manufacturer or installer and ask about inserting flooring at an angle next to the regular layout. By turning the floor on a 45 degree angle, a pattern will emerge.

References

• Hardwood Installer
• Custom Wood Floors