repair or change wood floors...?

Question

I know it's not laminate, but the wood floors I have are worn out and an ugly orangy-brown gloss.
I want to change the surface myself, and does it matter what type of surface it is before I change it, and how do I change to a different wood tone?
I also heard some people just scrape down the surface for the old worn look...
any suggestion and help please

Answer 1

I'm just guessing, but it sounds like your floor is made from heart of pine wood, and then varnished. Also, the floors are probably fairly old. Aging is what casues this type of lumber t6o take on an orange color.
Depending upon your level or skill, you could rent a sander and "strip" down the finish yourself. The "raw" lumber will probably be fairly light, and probably too light-colored to merely put a sealer over it. Thus, you could select a stain that would suit your preference. After the stain is applied, go with a polyurethane-type finish. This, as opposed to varnish, will prevent the wood from developing an orange hue later.
If you decide to hire someone, explain what you want, and if they don't come up with something similar to what I've suggested, get another opinion.
If you decide to do it yourself (and it's not that difficult), just make sure you sand the wood down to where you just remove the old varnish and have a "fresh-looking" wooden surface. Keep working the entire floor surface to get the same appearance. This should prevent you from sanding too deep and causing ripples or waves. Sand down only to the point where the old stain is removed, no more. (If you think you've gone too far in an area, set a lamp down and look across the shine on the floor. You should be able to see any waves that you may have created. But if you bear in mind to only sand to the point where the old stain is removed, you should be okay.
Afterwards, I'd select a stain that is not too radical - something like golden oak, or maple, or even pecan. You don't want a stain that dries too dark. After the stain has dried, use a good quality polyurethane finish. I wouldn't go any further than a semi-gloss or flat sheen unless you want any lighting to bounce off the floor and cause too much shine. Apply thin coats and ensure each is thoroughly dry before adding the next. No more than 3 coats show suffice. Then apply a decent floor wax like minwith wax, or Johnson's wax to finish the task.
I'm not a know-it-all, but I have worked with wood for many years.
Good luck

Answer 2

If the wood and grain patterns are nice then you might think about hiring someone who specializes in refinishing floors.It costs less then you might think. You shouldn't do it yourself unless you are experienced. A lot of people say "just rent a sander and..blah,blah,blah..." but it's really not that easy. ( yeah sure joe,learn it by putting deep ruts in your floor,thats an experience.)

Answer 3

use a floor sander but be careful not to go too fast or too slow to keep from sanding the wood to different levels. then stain it to the preferred color...
tell charlie t blah blah blah...youll never learn till you do it....blah blahh

Answer 4

you can get the floor sanded and refinished. they will sand down all the old finish, and you can pick a new color finish.