The Wilde family needed about half their homes 11-year-old solid oak flooring repaired. There were a lot of areas that were damaged by scratches and water. In the kitchen and dining areas the flooring had 1/8 in gaps between boards. I marked the floor with tape to outline the problem areas, then sanded the floor to remove the finish and remove the scratches and dings. I used a commercial drum sander first with 36, 50, 80, and 100 grit papers. I used a commercial 9" orbital sander (edger) to get areas close to the walls, corners, and under cabinets. I used a couple of 6" orbital palm sanders using progressively higher grit papers to finish the details.
Next, I filled in all the cracks, gaps and holes with a quality wood filler using a trowel and putty knife.
Then I sanded it all down again with just the two palm sanders and 150, 180 grit papers. Then I vacuumed the floor very well and felt with my hand to make sure EVERY little piece of dust was off the floor.
Here is the wood-filler product I used for this floor.
Next, it was ready for some stain touch-up on the maple inlay and a first coat of polyurethane. Notice the large fan in the back window. When finishing a floor you have to be very defensive against fume inhalation and fire. A build up of toxic fumes could ignite like a bomb with just the flip of a light switch. I don't use portable lights or other power tools until the floor is dry the next day. I opened all the windows and used two fans to circulate air in and out.
Next, I sanded the first coat using palm sanders and 220 grit papers. Then I removed all the dust from the house again.
I forgot to take a picture with the final coat but will when I go back to collect my furniture dolly and other tools.
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