Uncovering Timeless Beauty: Refinishing Hardwood Floors in a Cottage Grove Rambler
A spotlight on the timeless beauty hardwood floors help bring out in the typical midwest rambler.
When our clients peeled back the dated carpet in their newly purchased Cottage Grove, MN, Rambler, they uncovered a hidden gem: pristine hardwood floors, buried since the 1970s when wall-to-wall carpeting swept through Midwest suburbs. Born in the 1950s during Cottage Grove’s transformation from a rural farming community into a bustling Twin Cities suburb, these iconic single-story Ranch homes—known for their open layouts and minimalist charm—were designed for family living. As highways like U.S. 61 and I-494 connected Cottage Grove to St. Paul, the population soared from 833 in 1950 to over 13,000 by 1970, cementing its suburban status. Back then, durable oak and maple floors were a hallmark of Ramblers, but by the 1970s and 1980s, carpets became the go-to for warmth and modern flair, especially in Minnesota’s harsh winters. Now, with mid-century modern style roaring back, our clients joined a wave of homeowners reviving their Rambler’s original hardwood, embarking on a refinishing journey that restored its timeless elegance.
The process began with removing tack strips and staples, prepping the floor for a thorough sweep. We fired up the drum sander to sand away decades of old finish evenly starting with 36-grit belts. Subsequent passes with 60- and 80-grit sandpaper smoothed out scratch patterns, Our trusty Super7 floor edger ensured every bit of old finish was gone by sanding the edges with precision. Then, an orbital sander with 120-grit screens buffed the floor to a fine finish.
We fired up the drum sander, loaded with 36-grit LOBA Belts
Once sanded, our clients had a clear choice for finish!
The bare wood revealed its natural beauty—no major stains, just clean grain and clear boards. Our clients, thrilled with the result, chose to let the floor’s natural tones shine without stain. For the finish, we used a water-based system with a whitener additive from UP-GRADE Waterborne Systems, sourced from Ground Floor Supply. After three coats of Berger Seidle Ceramic Star 2-component water-based finish, the floor gleamed, a testament to the original installers’ craftsmanship from 70 years ago.
UP-GRADE
This universal whitener, compatible with any waterborne finish, added a subtle brightness.
The result? A stunning hardwood floor that honors the Rambler’s minimalist roots and Cottage Grove’s suburban heritage.As flooring trends evolve, embracing the natural beauty of hardwood floors transforms any home into a warm, timeless sanctuary. Ready to uncover the hidden potential in your Rambler?
Contact us to start your refinishing journey and bring your home’s history back to life!
Is it worth restoring my wood floors?!
Over time, and especially considering Minnesota winters. Wood floors will show scratches, fading, or dullness, but refinishing removes imperfections, enhances the wood’s natural grain, and allows you to update the stain or finish to match your evolving style. Not only does refinishing extend the life of your hardwood flooring, but it also adds character to your home while increasing its value.
When embarking on a home improvement project, one of the best decisions you can make is restoring old wood floors. Hardwood flooring has long been admired for its warmth, durability, and timeless appeal. Instead of covering worn-out floors with carpet or replacing them entirely with vinyl, refinishing hardwood flooring can breathe new life into your space while maintaining its authentic charm.
Think about Refinishing before you think about replacing.
If your hardwood floors show signs of wear—scratches, dullness, or minor damage—you may think the only solution is replacing or covering them. However, hardwood refinishing is a cost-effective and sustainable way to enhance your floors without the expense and hassle of installing new flooring. A few things to consider:
1. Cost-Effective Home Improvement
Replacing hardwood flooring can be expensive, but refinishing is a budget-friendly alternative especially when you hire a local small business like BBSANDING * wink wink* . With proper refinishing, your existing floors can look brand new at a fraction of the cost of a full replacement.
2. Enhancing Your Home’s Aesthetic Appeal
There’s nothing quite like the rich, warm tones of refinished hardwood flooring. Whether you prefer a natural, light finish or a deep, dark stain, refinishing allows you to customize the look of your floors to complement your home’s style. Without committing to a major overhaul project.
3. Increasing Property Value
Hardwood flooring is a desirable feature for homebuyers. Well-maintained and restored wood floors add character and value to your home, making it more attractive on the market when you’re considering selling your home. More details below regarding National Association of REALTORS®
Research Group impact report’s findings.
4. Eco-Friendly Choice
Choosing to refinish rather than replace is a sustainable option. It reduces waste, eliminates the need for new materials, and preserves the beauty of natural hardwood flooring.
The Beauty of Refinished Wood Floors
One of the most rewarding aspects of refinishing hardwood flooring is revealing the intricate grain patterns and depth of color that make each floor unique. Over time, hardwood develops a natural patina that adds character and history to your home. By restoring your floors, you’re not only preserving this beauty but also allowing it to shine for years to come.
2022
Remodeling Impact Report
National Association of REALTORS®
Research Group:
Consumers rated Hardwood Floor Refinish as one of the most satisfying projects they undertook considering home improvements.
Restoring old hardwood flooring is a smart investment in your home improvement project. It enhances beauty, increases value, and promotes sustainability. Whether you’re refinishing floors for a fresh new look or pairing them with stylish vinyl flooring for added durability, your home will benefit from the warmth and elegance that only wood floors can provide.
