Tips And Precautions for Renovating Flooring in An Old House

I. Key Assessments Before Renovation

Floor type identification: Solid wood flooring or composite flooring with a surface layer thickness of more than 4mm is usually suitable for renovation, while laminate flooring, due to its thinner wear layer, is generally recommended to be replaced directly.

Damage assessment: Focus on scratches, warping, or moldy areas. Localized issues can be repaired; larger areas of damage require complete renovation.

Environmentally friendly material selection: Prioritize water-based paints or low-VOC products to reduce formaldehyde release during construction and ensure indoor air quality.

II. Detailed Explanation of Step-by-Step Renovation Techniques

Polishing process:

Use coarse, medium, and fine sandpaper to sand in stages. First, remove about 1-2mm of the old paint layer, then use an angle grinder to process the edges and corners to ensure a smooth surface.

After sanding, dust must be thoroughly cleaned to avoid affecting the adhesion of subsequent paint.

Crack repair:

Use a mixture of sawdust and putty to fill in the pits and dents. After it dries completely, lightly sand it to prevent the new paint from cracking.

For larger cracks, special wood glue can be injected for reinforcement.

Painting and maintenance:

First, apply a primer to enhance sealing. After it dries completely, apply 1-2 coats of topcoat, sanding off any burrs between each coat.

Finally, polishing and waxing are performed to enhance the floor's gloss and wear resistance, extending its lifespan.

III. Key Considerations

Substrate preparation: If there are hollow areas or sand on the ground, the loose parts need to be removed, leveled with cement mortar, and a primer should be applied to enhance the adhesion of the paint film.

Door gap height adjustment: The floor may be raised by about 15mm after renovation. It is necessary to confirm in advance whether the wooden door can be closed normally, and the door panel may need to be cut if necessary.

Construction safety: During construction, dust masks and goggles should be worn, indoor ventilation should be maintained, and moisture or stepping on the paint film should be avoided while it is still wet.

Environmental adaptation: It is recommended to choose the dry season for construction, and the ambient temperature should be controlled between 15-25℃ and the humidity below 60% to prevent the paint surface from blistering or cracking.

IV. Cost-effective and efficient solutions

Partial renovation: For minor wear and tear, you can purchase floor paint to repair it yourself, thus saving on overall costs.

Laying wood flooring over tiles: This method allows you to lay wood flooring directly on top of existing tiles, saving on removal costs. However, you need to be aware of the difference in floor height.

DIY tool selection: For small-area projects, a handheld sander can be used, while for large-area projects, it is recommended to rent professional equipment to improve efficiency.