Tips for a Distressed Gray Wood Floor

The Distressing Process

• There are several ways that you can distress a floor. Hand scraping is a technique that involves gouging out the wood in random spots to give it a look of extreme age. Other techniques include beating the wood with a heavy chain to put deep dings into the surface. You can also fill a cloth bag with a collection of heavy nuts and bolts or rocks and repeatedly hit the floor with it to create a larger distressed pattern.

Making the Wood Look Unique

• Uniformity is never recommended when you are distressing a wood floor. Keep in mind the natural aging process of wood. Some boards will be heavily distressed, while others may shown only slight signs of aging. Vary your pattern as you work to give the floors an authentic look. Use a combination of techniques, such as scraping and beating, on each board, to make it look even more weathered.

Adding the Color

• Once the distressing is complete, you can add a wood stain to give the floors a gray color. This allows you to use new wood instead of more expensive reclaimed flooring. Look for a gray wood stain that is water based for a true color application. Painting is another option to give floors a gray color. In this instance, an oil-based product that will penetrate the surface of the wood is essential for better wearing and a better finished look.

Other Considerations

• Even though you are distressing a floor, it is vital to protect it when you are done with a clear coat of polyurethane. Distressing marks open up the wood to bacteria, dirt and moisture. Over time, this will degrade the surface of the wood and may cause harmful mold. Look for a low-sheen polyurethane to keep the authentic look of aged wood. Sanding off any rough spots left by the distressing process is also essential to avoid possible injury. This step must be done before the clear coat is applied.