-
anyone know if I definitely have to swap them out or just advisable for perfection
Again, those look fine. Basically two oddly shaped board now. If you're happy with the split aesthetically, then leave it.
When you say 'punch the nails in far enough' do you mean anything other than hammering so they're flush with the board?
You'll want them a little below the board as you'll be taking some wood off. Even with punching them all down, some of them didn't go deep enough and I ended up sanding a lot of nail heads. A punch and a 4lb lump hammer makes short work of it. Just be methodical and go along each board and you'll be done before you know it. The bigger hammer just means it's going to be one whack for most of them instead of relentlessly tapping with a regular claw hammer (unless you take a big swing).
You are reading a single comment by @stevo_com and its replies.
Click here to read the full conversation.
stevo_com
owl
This is really helpful, thank you! When you say 'punch the nails in far enough' do you mean anything other than hammering so they're flush with the board? RE filling/fixing, I'm not looking for perfection here, there are no massive gaps and I sort of just want the scratched-to-fuck orangey-ness gone and for it to look like a reasonable wooden floor. Do you think fixing/filling is necessary. Also hoping to get a puppy next year so it's likely to get fucked again anyway.
Similarly somewhere said you had to replace cracked/split boards. I have a few, but they still feel entirely solid, anyone know if I definitely have to swap them out or just advisable for perfection? Pic below.
And re primer/lacquers, what is the usual advice? I see some people online proposing multiple coats of stains, sealants, lacquers and top coats. That seems like quite a lot. I just want something natural, definitely not weirdly orange like the current situation and - because puppy - hard-wearing would be good.