Refinishing Pre-finished V-grove Floors

Bob H

Is it possible to sand down through the v-groves on old Bruce pre-finished flooring?
The floors are about nine years old and have seen a lot of abuse. There is some minor water damage where moisture got in between boards by the doors and near the dog bowls. There are also a lot of surface scratches and a few deeper scratches that need attention. The owner never liked the look of v-grooves and would like them gone without the expense of replacing the whole floor.
One sub is telling me it isn't possible to sand out the v-groves in Bruce floors. I don't understand why. Is he just trying to make this into a bigger job or is he right?

Tom R

I mainly work with 'Mirage' floors, - - maybe someone who's more familiar with Bruce will come along, - - but in the meantime as long as it's solid hardwood you can sand them down, no problem.

Those V-grooves are put in there for design and/or hiding slight imperfections (highs and lows).

Now, - - if the floor is not 'real', - - and simply has a veneer on top, - - you can't sand it at all.

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Donedat

With Bruce the beveled edge is pretty profound. If it is V-Groove, you are talking sanding as much as 1/8 of an inch of wood off leaving 3/16 or less. I wouldn't do it. Yes, it is possible, but I agree with the sub. It's not a good idea.

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mack9110000

Why don't you explain to the client how many years of wear you would be taking off his floor, if you sand the grooves out.I've sanded many grooved floors but the only times the groove disappeared was when the flooring had been resanded 3 or more times.