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!
