I have an oak block floor, how can i restore it, do i sand it? what sort of sealant should i use?

Answer 1

You should sand it with one of these
http://www.floorsanderhireuk.com/machine_trio.htm

and finish it with Osmo Hardwax oil or Bona Hardwood Floor Lacquer

http://www.realoakfloors.co.uk/bona_mega_hardwood_floor_lacquer_5l.php?p=4

Answer 2

Noticed you had no answers yet. I think few people have such floors today. I have a similar floor made up of blocks around about 6x2 inches. I took some up and sanded them individually - if you use a big sander on the floor it does not look good as the blocks face different directions and the grain of the each block cannot be consistant with the sander.

In one room I took them up in desperation and re-laid new oak. - got £100.00 for the old blocks. In another area I cleaned them with decreaser and then a damp cloth and sealed them with a modern light sealer that is really hard. I don't know the name but is it expensive and any shop selling real wood flooring will stock something similar.

You could try borrowing a small electric sander and going over a small area say under where a settee stands - just to see what it looks like and how long it takes. The trouble with a small hand sander is that it tends to leave an uneven finish.

Sorry I am not very helpful but this is my recent experience.

Answer 3

Hire a sanding machine with a dut bag and another sander to get right into the corners. When it is sanded, get a cloth soaked in white spirit to wipe over and remove any sawdust left on the surface. Purchase atin of wood dye for the colour you want and appply with a brush, When dry apply 2 coats of clear varnish.

Answer 4

Floor restoration usually includes the use of a floor sander and a couple coats of finish. You should be able to rent the sander and accessories. Check with a flooring store or paint store about the durability of finishes and the proper way to apply them.