DIY Guide: Fixing That Pesky Swollen Wood Floor
Hello fellow DIY-ers! I found some free time between tightening bolts and hammering nails, so I figured I'd write up this fun little guide on one common issue we often encounter – a swollen wood floor. I'm your neighborhood-friendly repairman, ready to bestow upon you my wisdom on how to tackle this problem without needing to call a professional.
Why Does Wood Swell in the First Place?
Before we dive headfirst into the steps of fixing your floor, it's always good to have some background knowledge, right? Wood tends to swell when there's an increase in moisture or a sudden change in humidity levels. This pesky problem can weaken your floors and is usually noticeable due to the convexity (the fancy word for the floor extending upwards). Now you know what we're up against, let's roll up our sleeves and jump on in!
What You’ll Need: Tools & Equipment
Put on your handyman/-woman hat and gather the tools and equipment you'll need. Here's your shopping list:1. Sandpaper: a variety of grits, from rough (60) to fine (220)2. A handheld orbital sander3. Scraping tool4. Wood putty that matches your floor 5. Varnish or wood stain that matches your floor 6. Paint brushes7. A clean cloth8. Protective gear: googles, dust mask, and gloves
Step-by-step guide to dealing with the ‘swell’
With the knowledge and tools in tow, let's dive into this project, step by step:
Step 1: Clear the Area
Remove all the furniture and items in and around the swollen area. Hitting your elbow on something pointy is not a fun experience...take my word on this.
Step 2: Sand It Down
Now that the area’s clear, it's time for some elbow grease. With your protective gear on and handheld orbital sander in hand, sand down the swollen part of your floor. Begin with the coarser sandpaper and gradually move to the finer ones. Always remember to apply uniform pressure and consistently move your sander for the best results. This should help bring down the swell to the level of the rest of the floor.
Step 3: Cleanup Time
Once you've sanded down the swollen area, clean it up! I'm talking vacuuming, sweeping, wiping, the works— you'll want to be painting on a squeaky-clean surface so your hard work doesn't go to waste.
Step 4: Wood Putty and Sand Again
Next, apply the wood putty to fill in any cracks or gouges caused by sanding. Let the putty dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. Minds at rest play a Mario Kart race or two, but come back to sand the area again, smoothing out the putty application.
Step 5: Re-Staining time
Now it's time to apply the varnish or wood stain that matches your floor color. Use your clean brush for clear, even strokes. Wait patiently for the stain to dry. Grab more Mario Kart breaks or perhaps a cup of your favorite brew and a well-deserved snack.
Step 6: The Final Touches
Would you look at that, we’re nearly there. Add a protective topcoat to seal in your hard work and provide an extra layer of protection against future swelling. It's that easy!
Preventing Future Swells
Once you've gone through this process, chances are you'd like to avoid repeating it. Maintaining a consistent home temperature & humidity, addressing leaks promptly, and placing rugs or mats in high-traffic areas can help prevent your wooden floor from swelling in the future.
And there you have it, my fellow DIY pal – your complete guide to tackling that swollen wooden floor. So go forth, armed with this newfound knowledge, and show your floor who's boss! After all, "If you can't find a handyman, be the handyman!" Happy DIY-ing!