Sanding No. 2 white oak and the rustic look.. - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Texwing · 02-24-2009, 08:00 AM

Ok, I am slowly becoming aware that the no. 2 white oak 3 and 1/4 inch plank going down in our cabin may or can be done differently for a rustic look-now sanding is the question. I am about ready to sand, and we have decided to not fill most of the imperfections. Do we need to sand this floor to the same extent that one would for a formal living room using clear oak? Do some not sand at all? Are some slightly out of level edges ok? We will be staining an using poly. Thanks for the help!

the big 12 inch · 02-24-2009, 04:50 PM

If you are planning to sand them yourself,the best and ONLY advice you need is.....DON'T DO IT!!!.I don't care how smart you are.I don't care if you can build a rocket with your eyes closed!!.It takes years of experience to be able to sand hardwood floors without ruining them.Even if you had the right equipment(which you cannot rent)you don't have a clue as how to use it...Anyone that tells you any different is doing you no favor...good luck...I have put in the same thing for several customers over the years and just putting the stain over the unsanded wood and 3 good coats of poly makes for a nice rustic looking floor.I usually stain them a pretty dark color or a grey-wash stain...

Floordude · 02-24-2009, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texwing

Ok, I am slowly becoming aware that the no. 2 white oak 3 and 1/4 inch plank going down in our cabin may or can be done differently for a rustic look-now sanding is the question. I am about ready to sand, and we have decided to not fill most of the imperfections. Do we need to sand this floor to the same extent that one would for a formal living room using clear oak? Do some not sand at all? Are some slightly out of level edges ok? We will be staining an using poly. Thanks for the help!

Go rent a U-sander or a 220 version called the SuperBee, and you cannot possibly ruin the floors sanding with either of those sanding machines. They are not as aggressive.

sparehair · 02-24-2009, 10:46 PM

I watched a homeowner try and refinish their home once. I didn't believe that a human being could actually spontaneously combust until that point.

the big 12 inch · 02-25-2009, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparehair

I watched a homeowner try and refinish their home once. I didn't believe that a human being could actually spontaneously combust until that point.

I have witnessed this spectacle MANY times over the years...

Mellison · 02-25-2009, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the big 12 inch

If you are planning to sand them yourself,the best and ONLY advice you need is.....DON'T DO IT!!!.I don't care how smart you are.I don't care if you can build a rocket with your eyes closed!!.It takes years of experience to be able to sand hardwood floors without ruining them.Even if you had the right equipment(which you cannot rent)you don't have a clue as how to use it...Anyone that tells you any different is doing you no favor...good luck...I have put in the same thing for several customers over the years and just putting the stain over the unsanded wood and 3 good coats of poly makes for a nice rustic looking floor.I usually stain them a pretty dark color or a grey-wash stain...

Great advice.
A new oak floor that is un sanded before the poly is applied will give a very nice rustic look.
Absolutely perfect for a cabin.