From Wrecked to Wonderful: A Hardwood Floor Case Study

Posted by Aaron Schaalma

Hardwood Floor Case Study

I would like to share with everyone one of my past projects and walk you through it to show you how I took a beat up floor from wrecked to wonderful.

The Hardwood Floor Dilemma

A client came to me with a dilemma: they bought house that had a pre-refinished floor that was elevated higher than the existing floor. They were going to remove carpeting from a conjoining room and once they removed the carpet, the pre-finished floor would be elevated over the conjoining room’s floor. They wanted the pre-finished floor to be removed so that both rooms’ floors were at the same height.

The original plan was to remove the pre-finished floor, then refinish the existing Maple floors that rested underneath.

The two pictures below show the conjoining rooms with the carpet in tact. Once the carpet was removed, there was a height difference between the floors.

Hardwood Floor Case Study

hardwood flooring example

The Challenge

Once we started removing the pre-finished floor, the staples that held it in place to the Maple floor underneath it damaged the Maple floor, rending it unusable. The staples had caused holes in the floor that were beyond repair, and because of the sheer number of staples holes, I felt it was best to completely remove all the Maple floor down to the subfloor and start new. Because we had to remove all the flooring we decided that it would be pretty cool to do a different floor. So what I came up with for them was a 25" boarder consisting of Brazilian cherry and White Oak.

The field (center) is 50% Maple and 50% Birds Eye Maple. It was quite a challenge laying out the floor because the room was off by 2" and I had to try and get it close to the three other existing conjoining floors.

removing old hardwood floor

The Outcome

After these challenges, I got the floor all laid out and installed. I then began the process of finishing the floor. To sand a floor like this it takes a bit longer because of the boarder, as well as that this particular room has a lot of natural light, which shows any imperfections in the sanding.

Once I had the floor sanded, I decided to make the floor really pop and I sealed the border with a sealer that brings out more color. The Maple field I sealed with a clear sealer keeping the Maple very light. I then finished the floor with three coats of finish to ensure the floor stays looking wonderful and is protected from damage for a long time.

Finished Hardwood Floor
New Hardwood Floor Kitchen
hardwood floor border
Finished Hardwood Floor

If you have any hardwood flooring repair or refinishing needs, please call me for a a free quote at (920) 279-7871. Please also refer to my website or blog for more examples of my work!

Related Posts

Exploring the World of Hardwood Flooring: Types, Brands, Installation, Trends, and Costs

This blog post provides an overview of the various types of hardwood flooring—solid, engineered, reclaimed, and parquet—highlighting their characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks. It also explores current trends such as wide planks, lighter tones, and eco-friendly materials, and underscores how hardwood flooring enhances home value. Additionally, it discusses leading brands, installation considerations, and cost factors, positioning hardwood as a stylish and worthwhile investment for homeowners.

Posted

By Aaron Schaalma

Mopping wooden floor

Best Mops for Hardwood Floors – Our Expert Recommendations

Keeping hardwood floors clean is easier with the right mop—microfiber options like the Norwex Superior Mop and spray mops such as the Bona Premium Spray Mop are top choices for gentle, effective cleaning. Avoid steam or overly wet mops, which can damage wood.

Posted

By Aaron Schaalma

Maple Floor Hardwax Oil

From Carpet to Classic: The Craftsmanship Behind Wood Staircase Transformations

Upgrading from carpet to hardwood stairs is more than a surface change—it’s a detailed process of structural precision and expert craftsmanship. In a recent Oshkosh home improvement project, we transformed a basic staircase into a stunning architectural centerpiece through careful demolition, custom stair renovation, and exacting newel post and spindle installation. From adjusting risers for hardwood to achieving a flawless finish, every step showcased the art of wood staircase renovation. Thinking about a staircase transformation? Let our home renovation specialists bring your vision to life.

Posted

By Aaron Schaalma

angle-leftangle-rightfacebookhouzzinstagrampinteresttwitter