Hardwood flooring is a welcome addition to any home but can be tricky to deal with when it needs to be removed or replaced. However, it is impossible to remove stains absorbed by wood fibers. And sanding only creates recesses in the floor, which are more noticeable than stains. At this stage, the only way to cut the hardwood floor and then you should go for a new hardwood floor installation.
Cut it into Small Sections
Cut the hardwood vertically at regular intervals. This reduces it to a more convenient size and makes it easier to retrieve later. Pass the saw in a straight line from one end of the work area to the other, then turn in the opposite direction to continue. Set the depth of the saw blade to the same thickness as the hardwood to prevent accidental scratching of the floor. For example, if the floor thickness is 5⁄8″ (16mm), the top guard should also be set to 5⁄8″ (16mm). Cut approximately every 1-2 feet, being careful not to cut the “tongue” of the hardwood.
Lift it With a Pry Bar
Insert the tip of the pry bar under the bottom section. Pull the handle firmly to pull the board out of place. Assuming you cut the board into small enough sections, it should pop right out. Repeat this process until the entire floor has been removed. Always lift the plank in the direction it was nailed. This will help prevent cracking and chipping. If the board is too tight to move, use a chisel to knock the bottom of the board off where it meets the floor.
Discard Old Hardwood Floor
Place large trash bins lined up in the working area to dispose of discarded wood chips. This is a much safer and more organized approach than tossing everything together. In the end, the old floors are taken to a landfill or recycling center. Be careful with the trash can, as it can have a lot of nails and jagged edges.
Remove Nails and Staples
Be careful when moving the work area as there may be loose metal fasteners scattered on the floor. You can pick up these materials by hand or use a powerful hand magnet to pick up metal waste from nearby. Dispose of used nails and staples in the trash immediately. Protruding nails can be bent before disposal to avoid danger. Do not remove work gloves during the entire cleaning process in case of contact with sharp objects.
Clean and Store Recycled Wood
You can hang solid wood here or use it in other projects. Wipe each board with a damp cloth and store in a cool, dry place until ready to use. If desired, old wood can be restored to its original condition by grinding or sanding it and removing stains. Recycled wood can be used to cover floors in other rooms in the house, create unique and rustic wall panels, and create garden paths or other projects. In some cases, recycled wood may be sold to other companies or individuals looking for inexpensive building materials. The longer the part, the higher the value.
Hardwood Floor Installation
Cut the hardwood floor to a new length so that it fits neatly into the existing plank seat. It does not matter which saw was used to repair the parquet floor. Make sure the cut is perfectly straight.
Remove the centerpiece and cut the edges of the old floorboard, taking care not to nail the edges of the ‘grooves’. Cut the board to length, turn it over and shape the bottom edge of the slid edge. This allows it to stick to the protruding tongues of adjacent floorboards. Test new parts. If it is slightly lower than the surrounding floorboard, cover it with kraft paper.
Then remove the board and apply wood glue to the tabs and grooves of the new and old parts. Slide the new board into place, protect it with scrap blocks and hammer it. Cover the board with wax paper and press overnight with a heavy book or weight.
Alternative to gluing: Hammer the board with a 6d finish nail. Drill the pilot hole at a slight angle and then hammer in the nail. Tap under the surface with a nail kit and fill the hole with wood putty. Lightly sand the entire board until smooth, but be careful not to remove too much finish from the surrounding board.
After experimenting with a piece of flooring and finding the right stain color, polish the board to match the original floor. Let it dry overnight for successful hardwood floor installation, then apply two coats of clear polyurethane varnish. If the old floor is unpainted, simply apply polyurethane.