🖼️
The project:
When we moved into our house, the first thing I tackled was the disgusting old carpet—it had to go! As I ripped it up, I uncovered a hidden surprise: beautiful timber floors running throughout the entire house. From that moment, I knew there was no way I could cover them up again. Instead, I was determined to bring them back to life. With plenty of sanding, hard work, and a little help from Bunnings, I transformed the tired old floors into one of my favourite features of our home.
- Materials:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/cabot-s-10l-water-based-matt-cfp-floor_p1520540
https://www.bunnings.com.au/uni-pro-sheepskin-deck-and-floor-applicator-with-extension-pole_p1670779
https://www.bunnings.com.au/parfix-4l-pva-wood-glue_p1210353
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- Tools:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-200w-detail-sander_p0098548
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HiretechFor Hire: Floor Edger - 7day
HiretechFor Hire: Floor Sander - 7dayÂ
CraftrightCraftright 3 Piece Nail Set Punch
https://www.bunnings.com.au/builders-edge-200mm-plastic-joint-knife_p0730313
- Step 1:
Demo! The first job was ripping out the old carpet and lino, and to my surprise I discovered beautiful timber floors hidden underneath! I started by removing the transition strips, then cut the carpet into manageable sections so I could roll it up and remove it more easily. Once the carpet was gone, I pulled up the underlay and removed all the carpet grippers around the edges of the lounge room and all four bedrooms. After that, I moved on to the hallway, dining room and kitchen, where I tackled the old lino.
- Step 2:
Next, we went around the entire floor with a nail punch and hammer, tapping down any nails that were sticking up above the surface. This helps protect the sanding equipment and creates a smoother, safer surface to work on. You’ll know if you miss a nail when sanding because sparks will fly everywhere so just spot the sander, locate the nail, punch it in and check the sand paper hasn’t ripped
- Step 3:
I hired the floor sander and edger from Bunnings and spent the next seven days putting them to work! I started by sanding the main areas with the floor sander before going around the edges with the edger. As the edger couldn't quite reach the corners, I used my Ozito detail sander to finish those by hand. This was by far the toughest part of the project physically—I was sore every single day! I began with 80-grit sandpaper to remove the old finish, then finished with 120-grit for a smooth, even surface ready for coating.
- Step 4:
Once the floors were sanded smooth, I saved a bag of the 120-grit sawdust and mixed it with PVA glue to create a fine wood filler paste. Using a plastic joint knife, I worked the mixture into all the cracks, gaps and nail holes throughout the floor. This helped create a much smoother, more seamless finish before the final sanding.
- Step 5:
Once the sawdust and PVA glue mixture had completely dried, I gave the entire floor one final sand using 120-grit sandpaper. This removed any excess filler and left the floors smooth, level and ready for the final finish.
- Step 6:
To finish the floors, I applied CPF Floor Varnish using a floor applicator. I applied two coats in each room, allowing the first coat to dry completely before applying the second. This gave the timber a durable finish while enhancing its natural colour and grain.
