Restoring a 100-Year-Old Douglas Fir Floor: A Labor of Love

Restoring old homes can be a challenging yet rewarding task, as one homeowner recently discovered with their 100-year-old Douglas Fir floor. The image showcases the transformative journey between two rooms, highlighting the stark difference between the worn wooden floorboards and the stained floral-patterned carpet. This project not only rejuvenated the hardwood but also reignited the charm of a century-old home.

The closer room boasts wooden floorboards that have clearly seen years of wear and tear. Marks and discolorations tell tales of time passed, while the threshold reveals part of the old carpet, hinting at the effort put into this renovation. The adjoining room, still dr**** in its older floral-patterned carpet, contrasts sharply with its light blue and red flower motifs, further marred by dark stains and damage.

Comments from the community reflect admiration and encouragement. One user remarked, "Those are some sexy floors," while another added, "It looks good and you and yours should be proud." The sentiment of accomplishment resonates strongly, with praises like, "That’s amazing and awesome 👏" and "Your post is good and you should feel good!"

The historical significance of Douglas Fir flooring in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) adds another layer of appreciation. It was widely used due to its availability, and as homes evolved through the decades, different flooring materials became popular in various parts of the house. One user pointed out, "Doug fir was super common in the PNW for flooring as it was right there. Then, as homes got fixed in the 30s and 40s, they would put oak downstairs to fix the wear, but upstairs it would be carpet or sometimes painted."

Advice and personal anecdotes also pepper the comments. "Screws squeak less than nails. But nice floors. I like the darker stain before but that's my taste," shared one user, emphasizing the subjective nature of home aesthetics. Another user humorously noted, "The great thing about wood is there's always more wood underneath the wood so no matter how s***ty it looks a bit of sanding works magic."

The dedication required for such a project is not lost on the community. "Gorgeous and hard wood flooring like that is insanely expensive. We gutted and restored our hundred-year-old house as well. It was a true labor of love and I will never do it again," shared one user, echoing the sentiment of hard work and immense satisfaction.

For those inspired by this restoration, the suggestion to document the process on platforms like YouTube was made, with a user saying, "Finding a livable 100 yr old home in Canada is a feat in itself. Start a YouTube channel and document it, you'll get views. Good on you for restoring it."

Restoring a 100-year-old Douglas Fir floor is a testament to the resilience and beauty of old homes. It requires dedication, effort, and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. As this homeowner has shown, the results can be spectacular, breathing new life into a space and preserving a piece of history for future generations.