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How to Cover a Mismatched Wood Floor

A wood floor increases the value of a home because it adds warmth and beauty. However, not all wood floors are attractive. If your floor consists of mismatched wood strips, it can detract from the ambiance and decrease the value of your property. The best solution to this problem would be to remove the floor and replace it with well-designed wood strips but the process is often expensive and time-consuming. If you are not ready to replace the offending floor, you can hide it with one of several stylish remedies.

Instructions

    • 1

      Hide as much of the mismatched wood floor as possible. Place a large area rug at the center of the floor. Arrange furniture strategically around the rug to cover other problematic areas. Ensure that the result is attractive and allows for easy passage through the room.

    • 2

      Install a carpet to hide the mismatched wood. You can perform the job yourself or hire professional carpet installers. You can rent the necessary equipment from a home improvement store if you choose install the carpet on your own.

    • 3

      Apply a wood stain to make the wood sections appear uniform. It is less obvious that a wood floor has pieces that do not match when they are the same color. Sand the wood to remove the finish then vacuum the shavings and clean the floor. Apply a dark stain or a stain that matches the shade of the darkest wood strips. Apply a polish to complete the process.

    • 4

      Paint the wood floor if other options are not agreeable. Clean the floor to remove dirt and grease. Apply a thin coat of floor paint and allow it to dry for at least 24 hours. Apply a second coat. If you choose to apply more paint, wait 24 hours to two days between subsequent coats. Seal the floor with a coat of polyurethane.