Should You Refinish or Stain Wood Floors in a Brownstoner?

Evaluate Condition of Wood Floors

• Determine if your wood floors need to be refinished. If the boards are gouged, scratched and dull, then they may be a good candidate. However, if they are only lightly scratched and the finish still remains intact, a good buffing may be all they require. On the other end of the spectrum, if your floor boards are split or cupped---an indicator of water damage---several boards or possibly the whole wood floor may need to be replaced.

  Also, you should determine if your hardwood floors are original or at least very old, and not the result of a recent renovation. Old floor boards are at least 3/4 of an inch thick. Boards that are much thinner than this may not be able to sustain heaving sanding that occurs during refinishing. Check the thickness by removing a transition strip between a different type of floor, such as tile, or check in closets or attic entrances to find an edge.

Research History of Brownstone

• Refinishing damaged floors can greatly improve the value of a home, even a brownstone, but you should first do your research before choosing a different stain color or finish. Although hard to find, historic photos of the interior of the home can give clues, or you can research similar brownstones built within the same time period.

  Check the trim color in your brownstone. If it has been painted, scrape away layers in an inconspicuous area to determine if it was originally stained. Quite likely, the floor was a similar shade. When in doubt, go with a clear, natural finish that showcases that natural beauty of the wood floors.

Other Considerations

• If you have never refinished wood floors before, starting off with your historic brownstone might not be the best idea, as you risk damaging the floor with the drum sander. Consider hiring a contractor experienced with historic preservation and brownstones in particular.

  Talk with neighbors who have refinished their wood floors to learn about their experiences. They will likely be able to refer you to a good contractor, from whom you can request a quote as well as advice about stains and finishes.