Squeak

Although the subject for many a cartoon and comedy sit-com, a squeaky floorboard is far from amusing when it happens just as you are trying to get a tired baby (or yourself!) off to bed. Whilst squeaks are an inevitable part of owning a hardwood floor, you don’t have to put up with them. There are ways to get rid of squeaks and creaks without too much hassle and just a little carpentry intelligence.

Squeaks are usually caused by loose boards moving together or against the subflooring. However, if you can feel a loose board with your feet then this is a more serious flaw that needs requires immediate action. That being said a large percentage of squeaks are not caused by something major and can be fixed with a simple readjustment of the boards or risers, if the squeak is on stairs.

Even though your squeak may not denote anything serious be assured it will not go away on its own so the sooner you get rid of the squeak the sooner you can enjoy peace and quiet again.

Squeak on the floor

Once the source of the squeak has been discovered, it is prudent to take time to carefully plan the best method of elimination. It may be that the simple solution of lubrication is sufficient to quell that pesky squeak. Should this be the case then simple talc powder or a powdered form of graphite are the best squeak eliminators. Simply sprinkle the powder over the squeaky board and walk it into the wood. However be aware that this will not be a long-term fix, but it does work well in the interim while you are pondering on a permanent solution.

Squeaking boards can also be caused by loose or missing nails, which can be easily fixed by removal or replacement. Other causes of squeaks include the collapse of subflooring support and in this case you may want to add bridging blocks. If you are able to get into the subfloor you will find locating squeaks much easier. Sagging boards are easier to reach via the subfloor too.

If it is not possible to get to the subfloor then you can work from the top by way of cutting or drilling a hole in the board before inserting nails. This method is called countersinking and can be used with the correct carpentry tools and a bit of common sense. If you feel unsure about attacking your hardwood in this way then try using carpentry adhesive applied with a putty knife instead.

Squeak on the stairs

Squeaky stairs can be eliminated by working from the top of the stair or from underneath. Repairing from the underside has the obvious advantage of hiding any repair work as well as offering more room for general manoeuvre.

Once you have located the squeak you need to drive a wedge in between the tread and the stair riser. When the wedge is securely in place you can tidy off any overhanging ends and sand evenly by hand.

If you are repairing from the top of the stair, drill holes in both the riser and the tread to prevent splitting. Once secured the holes can then be filled with putty or wood plastic solution.

Look after your hardwood stairs by checking for signs of damage from time to time. The old adage ‘a stitch in time’ applies here, as fixing squeaks, creaks and other small repair jobs when they become apparent (rather than waiting) will ultimately extend the life of your stairs, as well as the possible prevention of injuries caused by accidents.

Banishing squeaks forever

It is realistic for any hardwood floor owner to understand that squeaks are an inevitable part of owning a hardwood floor. However with a little vigilance and the willingness to spend a little time on maintenance, you can ensure banishment of these annoying little squeaks forever.

Wood Flooring Sanding | Sanding Wooden Floors

How to Attain Perfect Parquet

If you have parquet flooring that is in urgent need of some care and attention then the first thing to do is to carefully remove all shreds of carpet or vinyl that is hiding your parquet flooring under a less-than-attractive covering! Even if the design is hardly visible, parquet is remarkable in that it will come up like new with some proper care and the right treatment.

Parquet designs

In addition to the classic herringbone, Hungarian point, chevron and square designs, parquet is the only flooring design that offers a beautifully constructed 3D effect. If you are fortunate enough to have uncovered a wonderful circular or step-effect 3D synchronic pattern then you are on to a unique showpiece which, when properly restored, will be the envy of everyone who sees it.

Parquet flooring adds value to your home

Classic parquet designs come in a variety of natural hardwoods, although if your flooring dates to around the 1920s then it is likely to be an oak variety, beech or mahogany.

Whatever the wood type or design, perfect parquet adds real value to any property. Estate agents and conveyancing solicitors agree that properly restored real wood flooring adds value and stimulates viewing interest, making it easier to sell your property, even in the middle of a soft real estate market.

Fools rush in

If you wish to do the restoration yourself then take time to plan ahead. Be aware too that the perfect restoration will require a high degree of DIY skills, so be sure you can carry out the process before starting out.

You will of course need to remove the original veneer and this is safely done by using an up-to-date sanding machine with integral dust collector. The floor should be examined first and all ragged or broken nails removed, replaced or hammered in. Check for gaps too as all spaces between the boards, however small, should be filled before the sanding process begins.

If you have never operated an industrial sander before then make sure you ask questions at the hire company so that you are confident you can handle the machine before you take it out of the shop.

Depending upon the shape of the room, the condition of the flooring and whether there are any stairs, you may also need to hand sand to get into those difficult to reach areas. Hand sanding is done on the knees so in addition to your safety equipment of gloves, goggles and dust mask remember to use knee protectors.

Perfecting sanding

When sanding, make sure you travel over the blocks carefully and slowly. Be sure you spend an equal amount of time on each block, although of course if some blocks have particularly stubborn residual veneer sticking you will of course have to spend extra time on those. But in the main do not over-sand any areas, as this will become evident in the finished look.

You will probably find that you need to sand your parquet flooring more than once, especially if it has been a few years since it received the attention it deserves! In between sandings it is always a good idea to sweep the floor with a soft brush before re-sanding.

Your sanding is finished when the floor has an even smoothness all over. Remember that the natural wood colour will be lightened by the process, and your floor will now look several shades lighter. This is normal and is sometimes referred to as ‘bleaching’. To inject colour into the wood you can choose a coloured wood stain for finishing.

When the sanding process is successfully completed it is then time to apply your veneer of choice. Whether you choose stain, varnish, oil or lacquer always go for toxin-free products that leave little or no residual smells and will not cause harm either to your floor or your family.

It is always a good idea to take time over the sanding process. Don’t set yourself targets or declare you will finish the floor in one weekend. Perfect parquet comes naturally when lovingly restored and is well worth taking time on. And if you’re in any doubt as to your ability to give your parquet flooring the attention it needs, talk to your local professional Floor Sanding experts for qualified advice and guidance.

Parquet Floor Sanding | Sanding Parquet

Hardwood Floor Restoration

There are many reasons why hardwood and parquet flooring require ‘back-to-the-bare-boards’ restoration work. Extensive water damage, interior building work, mould or plain, simple neglect can all cause a hardwood floor to rapidly disintegrate and require a little TLC to bring it back to its former glory.

The process

Before anyone goes near your floor with any type of sanding machinery, it’s vital to find out exactly what needs doing. An in-depth examination of the floor will reveal damaged, unsafe and/or missing boards. The professional restorers will always match replacement boards as closely as possible to the originals. Specialist care will also ensure that replacement flooring has been obtained from a reclaimed or sustainable source, and be the perfect match for the floor.

When the damaged boards have been replaced and made safe then cracks and gaps in the wood can be filled in with wood slivers, neutral or coloured fillers that will blend beautifully with the floor so that the ‘new’ boards will not be prominent.

Any loose or missing nails should be taken care of at this stage before the sanding, sealing and staining commences and the floor magically returns to its former elegant state.

How many sandings a floor requires will be entirely dependent on the individual flooring. A properly sanded floor will feel smooth all over. Edges, nooks and crannies will also be sanded to the same level.

Planning is everything

It may appear that the process of restoration is relatively easy from the few sentences above but, as with most things in life, this is rarely (if ever) the case! Whether you choose a professional Floor Restoration company or decide to do it yourself you should know that planning is paramount to a successful wood floor renovation.

If you choose the DIY route then it is essential to make a list of materials you will require. Professional flooring companies generally have access to higher-grade trade materials that are not available in DIY shops. Similarly, the sanding equipment they use will probably be the latest hi-tech kit generally not available to hire.

Don’t cut corners

The most common reason for a botched floor restoration is taking shortcuts. A reputable professional floor sanding expert will never do this, as their reputation is on the line with every job they undertake. Similarly, if you take the DIY route and cut corners any flaws will be glaringly obvious in the light of a varnished finish.

Many a perfectly good wooden floor has been ruined by corner cutting, so don’t let your floor be one of them. Take care over the planning stage, be flexible and willing to read up on each stage of the restoration process if you are going it alone. Don’t put your floor in jeopardy due to lack of foresight as it may cost dearly to put it right.

Every floor has the potential to look fabulous

Whether the floor is hardwood, softwood, parquet or bamboo it has the ability to look fabulous once it has been restored back to its former glory. No matter how tired, dull, broken or stained a floor may be, it can always be improved considerably by the restoration process.

With a successful restoration, the finishing veneer adds the final touch of glamour. A properly restored floor will accept any type of topcoat, and by applying your own choice of finishing and colour options you can have the floor you have always wanted.

Commercial or domestic

Any type of premises benefits considerably from restoration. Offices, schools, public buildings, restaurants, hotels as well as homes of every shape and size look fantastic with a properly restored hardwood floor. In addition to adding real value to your property, a restored floor speaks of elegance, beauty and grace and is a real talking point with customers and visitors alike.