How to Restore Flood-Damaged Wood

Remove any flood-damaged boards and set in a dry, well-ventilated room until the wood is completely dry. If the wood is having difficulty drying, bring in portable heaters and increase the temperature in the room to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Remove any wax residues on the wood with steel wool pads.

Sand the boards back to a smooth state by first going over the entire board with 120-grit sandpaper until the ridges are removed, then going over the entire boards again with 220-grit to remove any scratches. Wear a mask and goggles when working with sawdust.

Remove stains in the wood by applying oxalic acid crystals dissolved in water. Always follow manufacturer's directions regarding proper amounts of oxalic acid for the project. Paint the acid onto the stain and leave it there to dry. Once the spot is dry, dust off the dried crystals. Repeat this process until the stain is removed. Use rubber gloves when working with oxalic acid.

Rub down the entire boards with a cloth diaper to remove any remaining sawdust.

Finish off the wood by either staining and sealing as necessary with shellac or varnish. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the proper amounts of coats and procedures for sealing the wood.

Secure the wood back into its original position.