How can I fix these floors without spending a fortune on new ones, considering the nails present?
Asked by Abel Samaniego 
6 months ago
Last Updated: June 20, 2024
What can we do about these floors? It’s tricky to sand them because of all the nails, and getting new flooring can be pretty expensive.
Those floors would look amazing with a light sanding and refinishing
I think that floor is really old based on the nails they used. You can’t find lumber like that these days. Just sink the nails a little and sand it down.
Yep, I posted that too.
That floor might be 5 years old. It’s hard to tell if those are cut nails.
You can actually rent a buffing machine that works just like a floor buffer. All you need are some sanding screens to gently sand the floors and remove the urethane. It’s not as intense as using a floor sander. Once you’re done, you can restain the floors the same color or darker and apply a fresh coat of urethane.
If necessary, you could set the nails a bit deeper to allow for sanding
You might enjoy them just the way they are.
Or I could handle that, haha.
Use a nail set to further set the nails, then proceed with sanding and refinishing as desired
Not all floors are suitable for sanding. It has been discussed here before, you can find more information if needed. It appears to be yellow pine – unfortunately, it seems to be surface nailed 😜🤪. However, you didn’t mention your plans. I have never heard of anyone attempting this before. Once you determine how much of the top groove remains, you can use a ‘nail set’ to set all the nails, lightly sand, dust-fill, and stain to start the waterthane process.
If the floors are not tongue and groove, you could consider sanding and refinishing them. Can you lift out any floor registers?
I have 25 years of experience as a hardwood floor installer and refinisher. Those who suggested sinking the nails further and sanding/finishing are correct. The old pine floor should clean up nicely!
Secure the nails, rent a drum and edge sander, do a light sanding, and get to work. You have a beautiful floor there!