How to Distress Flooring

Creating an old world style look in a log home is very appealing to some log homeowners.  How do they go about doing this, though?  There are a number of excellent tutorials covering this project on the following sites:

1. Hardwood Floors: Making New Look Old
2. DoItYourself.com: Distressing Floors
3. Hand Dragged Floors
4. Distressed Hardwood Floors
5. Distress Wood Flooring

Even though this is a project any experienced do it yourselfer can complete, there are contractors that have distressed flooring available.  And, in some cases, contractors will come in and distress a floor that has already been installed.  Be sure to communicate the look you are after in detail before starting.  Your vision might be completely different from theirs, so be sure you are clear.

Protecting the wood floor is not necessary because you want the distressing to continue over time.  Developing its own characteristics is part of the charm of an old distressed floor, whether is it authentic or not.  However, if you choose to add a seal this is an option you can speak to the flooring specialist about.

Do not be surprised if friends and family try talking you out of this project.  Why would you destroy a perfectly good piece of hardwood flooring?  Well, in your mind, you are not destroying it at all.  In your mind you are creating exactly what you want and it will be perfect!