DIY Distressed Hardwood Floors
Distressed hardwood flooring is a popular option for homeowners who want to give their interior spaces a more relaxed appearance. A distressed hardwood floor is one that has the appearance of decades of wear, complete with scratches, worn finishes and dents. Distressed hardwood works particularly well with Southwestern and country themed decor. While you can purchase premade "distressed flooring," it is typically more expensive than hand-distressed flooring. Depending on the size of your hardwood floor, you should be able to complete this task over the course of a weekend. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Sand areas of the floor with a hand sander, working in random strokes so the floor doesn't look like it was distressed on purpose. An electric hand sander will speed up the job, but if you want an authentically distressed look, use a manual hand-held sanding block.
-
2
Drag the blade of a metal paint scraper across the surface of the floor to pull off bits of paint or stain. Work in different directions to create a random effect. You can also use harder or lighter strokes in some areas to remove more or less paint or stain.
-
-
3
Drop a hammer or other heavy object on the floor to create dents, which will enhance the floor's distressed appearance. Repeat this process as you walk around the room, leaving small dents across the floor.
-
4
Remove any splinters or rough edges from the floor with sandpaper or a floor buffer.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Use different types of sandpaper to make the floor look authentically distressed. Sandpaper comes in fine, medium and coarse grit, and each type will give the surface of the floor a different effect.
Always wear a respirator mask and eye protection when distressing your hardwood floors. Also, sturdy shoes are essential when you are dropping heavy objects on the floor to create dents.
References
- Photo Credit hardwood floor texture image by GoodMood Photo from Fotolia.com
