How to remove stains on timber floor?

[Innov8tive]

I have spotted this on the wooden floor. I'd like to know what it is and how to remove it. Thanks

 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Innov8tive,

The dark marks look very similar to the staining that happens when steel nails begin to react with moisture inside the timber. Around the two visible nail holes you can see that same dark halo, and the next board below shows the same pattern. That points to an iron oxide type stain, which occurs when the nails start rusting and the discolouration leaches into the surrounding timber.

The mark to the left that is not near a nail is a bit harder to explain. It might be an unrelated stain from something that sat on the floor or spilled there, even though it happens to be a similar colour. 

Unfortunately, the only reliable way to remove staining from timber floors is sanding. If the stain is shallow and only in the top layer, sanding back the surface and recoating may remove it. If it has penetrated deeper, which is often the case when the staining comes from rusting nails, sanding may not get rid of it completely.

If the staining around the nails is coming from within the timber, there is not a lot you can do cosmetically, although it is not usually a structural concern. It could be worth considering whether there has been any moisture in that area, including minor leaks or dampness under the floor. If you have access underneath, a quick inspection would help rule out any ongoing moisture issues. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Innov8tive]

@MitchellMc 

Wow, that's all really interesting and I didn't actually know any of that regarding the marks. I think given what you have said and already prior to this post thinking about it I have wanted to sand the floors and re coat. There are some deep scratches in the wooden floor and sanding is really the only way to fix it. I know it's a big job and time consuming but there is no other way. This house is owned so selling later down the track will make this fix more appealing for buyers. I've read another post to try determine some things before sanding but unsure what type of finish the wood is? Unfortunately this house doesn't have any way to access going underneath - something I recently found out. I'm aware I can hire a sanding machine from Bunnings but not sure about the full process as I just havnt had time to look into it. 

[EricL]

Hello @Innov8tive 

I've placed links to a few guides below to give you an idea of how to sand and seal your flooring.

Here are some handy step-by-step guides.

• How To Sand Timber Floors

• How To Seal Timber Floors

• Tips For Using A Floor Sander

• Timber Floor Trends And Finishes

Once you 've had a look at the guides you'll get a better idea of how the revamp process works.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Innov8tive]

Thanks @EricL I will have a look and ask questions if needed. 

[Innov8tive]

@Eric - I'm wondering instead of using the edging sander if an orbital sander can be used instead. I'd hire the drum sander but would it be alright to use an orbital sander for the edges that the drum sander wouldn't reach? 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Innov8tive,

Yes, you could use a random orbital sander; it would just take longer, and you'd have to be a bit more careful not to bump the skirting boards and risk the sander kicking at you.

If you've already got an orbital sander, it might be worth testing it out and seeing what you think, then deciding whether the edging sander is needed. From my experience, they make the work go a whole lot faster, but if you are happy to take your time, you might be fine with it.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Innov8tive]

@JacobZ 

Thanks alot. While it would be nice to fix up the floors, I've decided to let it go for now. At least though I know what do in the future. Cheers.