What's this flooring? A mix?

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › What's this flooring? A mix?

muncedog

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#233570 22-Apr-2018 12:10

So I've looked at rimu, matai , tawa , jarrah, kwilla and even mahogany!
I'm beginning to think this flooring is several types mixed. Any ideas? The photos are both unsanded and old presumably oil varnished. The house is from 60s

Goosey

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#2000584 22-Apr-2018 12:25

bog standard pine?

larknz

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#2000595 22-Apr-2018 12:54

If it is from the 60s it's probably time. Ring can have a lot of colour variation

larknz

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#2000596 22-Apr-2018 12:56

Isn't spell correct a pain. I meant rimu, not time.

Fred99

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#2000679 22-Apr-2018 15:38

I think it probably is rimu - the greyer looking bits probably just more sapwood than heart.

If you're going to sand and refinish it. Bunnings have pro quality US made drum and edge sanders, not very expensive to hire - but before launching in to it read up thoroughly on technique, and do a practice run somewhere it can't be seen - a cupboard floor, under where benches will go or whatever. Warning also that the Drum sanders are extremely heavy (60kg maybe?) and awkward to lift - don't try loading or unloading or lifting up stairs etc on your own.

mdf

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#2000684 22-Apr-2018 15:54

Another vote for rimu.

kingjj

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#2000691 22-Apr-2018 16:15

mdf:

Another vote for rimu.

Ditto. Very similar to ours which we had confirmed as Rimu (1959 build).

muncedog

35 posts

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#2000804 22-Apr-2018 21:19

Fred99:
I think it probably is rimu - the greyer looking bits probably just more sapwood than heart.

If you're going to sand and refinish it. Bunnings have pro quality US made drum and edge sanders, not very expensive to hire - but before launching in to it read up thoroughly on technique, and do a practice run somewhere it can't be seen - a cupboard floor, under where benches will go or whatever. Warning also that the Drum sanders are extremely heavy (60kg maybe?) and awkward to lift - don't try loading or unloading or lifting up stairs etc on your own.

Thanks for the advice everyone, just interesting the transition from red to yellow heart to sap in most planks! Then the odd brown one that looks almost like walnut.

So as for the sanding, the floor seems in tact as per original floorboard quality. I can't imagine much aggressive sanding is required, we are looking to use a Matt varnish so will hopefully hide some imperfections better than gloss. Do you think I could use an orbital or still the drum required? Some of the slight marks are only visible when floor is wet/reflections at an angle

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blackjack17

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#2000812 22-Apr-2018 21:33

If you want an okay floor that each time you look at it you see the issues go for it. Best option pay someone to to do it properly.

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kiwijunglist

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#2002009 25-Apr-2018 05:23

From what I've read and heard. This is a good job to skip doing yourself.

HTPC / Home automation (home assistant) enthusiast.

kryptonjohn

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#2002021 25-Apr-2018 06:47

We sanded down our 1960s matai floors and the look incredible with a simple wax treatment.

pctek

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#2002148 25-Apr-2018 11:31

Doesn't look rimu to me...too pale.

However, it's REAL wood, whatever it might be. Awesome, and gorgeous when polished. be very happy, I had real wood twice, now I have that abomination, weetbix board.

Fred99

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#2002297 25-Apr-2018 13:58

blackjack17:

If you want an okay floor that each time you look at it you see the issues go for it. Best option pay someone to to do it properly.

kiwijunglist: From what I've read and heard. This is a good job to skip doing yourself.

Huh - naysayers!

It's not as hard to do well as some suggest, I'd heard the same as what's repeated above - second hand "common knowledge", but treat things like that as a challenge.

Kickinbac

427 posts

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#2002306 25-Apr-2018 14:12

In these cases it’s always worth getting a quote or two then weigh up the cost saving of diy.
Paying a professional means you should get their experience, they have the correct tools and equipment and insurance and will get the job completed in a couple of days.

kryptonjohn

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#2002509 25-Apr-2018 20:50

Especially when the machine and abrasives can be very expensive to hire compared to just getting a guy in to do it.