New floors don’t match old
Kristin
5 years ago
We are doing a renovation project and just had new floors installed directly abutting our existing floors. We had everything sanded down and refinished at the same time (clear oil based poly). We were told that while it wouldn’t match perfectly, it would be pretty close. Well, it’s not as close as we’d hoped.
Based on the attached photos, do you all think the correct species/grade were installed? Did they mess up or do we just chalk it up to darkening with age and live with it?
We were told we have red oak.
Based on the attached photos, do you all think the correct species/grade were installed? Did they mess up or do we just chalk it up to darkening with age and live with it?
We were told we have red oak.
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Comments (15)
Marta
5 years agoRelated Discussions
New Entry Door hardware - hinges & doorknobs don't match?
Comments (6)Thanks to all your responses & suggestions. Replacement hinges are a possibility...I've never done hinges on a door, so I'm not sure I can handle that. Might be easier to paint the parts that show. But I'll think about that. I think I'll get the black hinges & either replace or paint them. As for why I'm replacing the door instead of leaving as is, the door is an eyesore. The entry door is very important, esp for curb appeal. I agree if it were okay, not worth it to upgrade. But it sends a cheap message upon entry to the house, so I'm going to upgrade it to at least something decent and attractive. I have done some research on what might be worth doing to fix up the house for selling it. So I decided to concentrate on the curb appeal, the kitchen, the baths. I'll be doing as much as possible myself, contracting out the things I can't do (like granite countertop....my countertop is chipped & must be replaced, anyway). Then I'm going to concentrate on de-cluttering, painting everything in sight, and cleaning it until it sparkles, as well as staging. I still remember all the musty smelling houses I encountered when house shopping years ago. As a footnote, I decided to go with the big box (Lowe's). The contractor, as it turns out, quoted on the wrong doors. So although that contractor was highly recommended on Angie's List, I think my project is too small for him to bother with (altho I am getting TWO doors...the 2nd one is the one to the garage, which doesn't close properly and is also an eyesore). Thanks for all your suggestions. I'll just go with the matte black hinges and either replace them or paint them....See MoreNew wood floors don't match stair rail :(
Comments (12)I encourage you to live with it for awhile before you decide on anything. I had the same situation in carpet against my marble when I built 14 years ago but I lived with it until just last year when I tore out the carpet and got laminate. I would hate to see you paint the stained wood on your stairs. I think the balance is striking against the white and once it's painted it is VERY difficult to go back. As suggested, when you replace the carpet, that would be the time to use get a closer match to flooring which I agree would look nicer. Since the floor appears darker, a good sanding on the rail and stairs with medium grit paper would remove the varnish/poly and some stain and you could then darken it to match the flooring. Until then, consider adding some accents that bring out the golden oak color and "justify" that wood color in the foyer. Perhaps a small table or bench or anything that compliments the color of the stairs. Over time, I can assure you that it will become less predominant (as you have found) and your eye will focus more on the total impression. Also, you could provide a more spectacular focal piece in that area that draws the eye in a different direction. JMHO....See Morehelp with new hardwood floor installation for matching some old floors
Comments (11)Those "gaps" are mild. They are normal. They are expected. They tell the story that they are original. They are meant to be there. The new floors will eventually do that too...which means they will match (eventually). It might take a decade...but it will happen. And don't forget that once everything is sanded down, you will be VERY surprised at how those "gaps" seem to go away (visually). Why, you ask? Because some of that is dirt. Once the floor has been sanded down (1-2mm of wood is taken off with the sanding), the dark material between the planks gets shaved off as well. And voila...they look cleaner (because they are). Relax about the absolutely normal spacing between planks. Unless you have museum quality climate control, this LITTLE bit of shrinkage is normal and to be expected with every floor (especially if it is 30 years old)....See Morenew floors don’t match stairs
Comments (6)Curious... what was the rational to not match new floors to existing tread and handrail stain?If you prefer lighter wood tone (your new floors) you'd need to remove spindles & railing and either sand & refinish (depending on wood species - are treads and new floor same type of wood?) or replace treads to match new flooring... From experience it's a big job! Where did you purchase the flooring - do they sell treads? If not, suggest you speak to a few flooring & stair specialists (not just big box store sales reps no offense meant). When we installed our h/w floors the flooring store's installers were able to sand & match our existing stairs to the new floor...but we had the same wood species (oak) on both... Hope this helps....See MoreKristin
5 years agoMarta
5 years agoI took a quick picture of the two floor types in our house, it’s not the best color representation (stain looks way too orange) as the sun is very bright. Old and new floors flank the horizontal piece.
cookncarpenter
5 years agoKristin
5 years ago
strategery
5 years agoci_lantro
5 years agoKristin
5 years agoSJ McCarthy
5 years agocat_ky
5 years ago
Fori
5 years agoKristin
5 years agoUser
5 years ago
PROJohnson Flooring Co Inc
5 years ago
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