Can these 120 year old floorboards be reclaimed?

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this week we tried to rescue the 120 year old floorboards...and found a little secret
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[@RocketChild]

"if it breaks, we'll fix it" is such a great attitude to have.

[@JoshuaRes]

Side note - NOT BORING! Love these funky old house details. And the work is real.

[@ReverendTed]

Absolutely right - this wasn't boring at all... It was mostly cutting and planing.

[@JoshuaRes]

@@ReverendTed 😂

[@mothanwrdz]

Same

[@rusted_ursa]

Do as many floor videos as you want, they're all terrific.

[@kalieris]

This!

[@VoodooMcVee]

Yes, and if they break you can still fix them later.

[@TonyBullard]

Even if it is MORE flooring videos, they've all required different solutions, which is what makes these videos interesting.

[@freddieweasel2533]

@@VoodooMcVee And they look good!

[@VeretenoVids]

Agreed. It gives me hope that my 113 year old floors can be salvaged!

[@barbnoren]

smudo is such a workshop dog. watching him playing with offcuts of wood is just the best! and my cats also love putting themselves where my attention is XD

[@Selestrielle]

I love Laura because she's so chaotic and creative but also she can't help being German and caring about millimeter accurate floor levelling.

[@EnginerdNate]

I live in a 100 year old house and the hallway floor is like 2cm off in a meter wide space. 😅 Would love the opportunity to level it out but it'd mean major surgery and tearing up 100 year old hardwood that's perfectly good.

[@Partlycloudy70degrees]

I live in a 160 year old house. The floors are so crooked, but I had them painted (they couldn’t be saved otherwise) and I think they are beautiful. You are correct that fixing an uneven floor is major surgery! And would be so expensive.

[@davebauerart]

Really glad you were able to reuse those original boards and keep that bit of history of the house! It's going to look great.

[@scharen9]

When a project is as cool as this one, it doesn’t matter how many weeks you spend on one aspect. It’s going to be beautiful when it’s done.

[@nancyoleksy]

These aren't boring. It shows what it takes to put a house back together. I think the floors look great. Like you said if it breaks you repair it. Doing an amazing job on this house and you have a good crew.

[@andrejohnson6731]

6:56 I love the "spunk" of whoever wrote on that board. You need to highlight that someway. Keep it for posterity ❤

[@judyfeldman5066]

Dogs are the best. Lovely to see Smudo again. Wow, what huge project.

[@sharonh667]

“And if it breaks, we fix it”. My new saying! Love it

[@AGCipher]

Felix & Laura have such great synergy, love the intro :D

[@geneard639]

Growing up country, among a bunch of Great Uncles who did a bit of building... You can fill the gaps using Hemp Oakum, or even just thick Hemp twine along with something like tar, pine resin, two part epoxy and cover it with sawdust and glue. I know they would go on a rant to use wooden pegs for wooden floors so you don't damage the plane iron or gouge out a bare foot. They used to go into old houses and deconstruct them for the wood to make cabinets with and because of where we lived quite a few of those homes were built using old ships wood. So, teak or rosewood floors would get reused a few times.

[@joebashor7412]

I don't find these videos about floors boring at all. I love watching someone going thru the process of repairing their home and your videos are especially entertaining.

[@adamwp527]

I watch a lot of "reno" videos and I'm always surprised and sad seeing how other youtubers simply throw away everything "old". Is there a single scratch on a plank? Is it 100yrs old? Throw it away... What a waste... So it's so great to see how you reclaimed that old floor. I love the fact that you did and I love how it came out. Kudos! Keep up the great work! 😍

[@DanielRustad]

Laura, I retire next year and you have inspired me to work on my 120 year old house. Nowhere near as much work as you have had to go through though. 😊 I am so excited! Thanks. The floor looks cool!

[@phoenixwyllow]

I love the new/old floor! It looks absolutely stunning even now! Smudo reacting to "where are mice?" makes me laugh every time too 🤣

[@helenehendrikse9625]

I’m so glad you reused the floor boards ! Looks fantastic ! Authentic to the home.

[@eflarsen]

i love the reuse of the floorboards! and don't worry, if it breaks you'll fix it.

[@anniekate76]

And it looks good!

[@driverjayne]

And if it breaks, you can fix it! 😅

[@violadrone4285]

I'm so glad the original floorboards are getting reused - they have such character that I don't think could come from new boards. Also it's great to see Smudo again - he's such a good boy!

[@marklindsey4112]

That was so satisfying. Also, Smudo was working at peak cuteness in the video. 😂

[@peggykhiev2884]

Only just binge watching all your videos now….i think reusing the old floors is a great idea. This charming 120 year old house deserves it. You are doing an excellent job rescuing it. I hope you get to reuse as much original materials as possible!

[@kimvanek2322]

Your home is going to be beautiful!!! Really enjoy your positive attitude!!!❤ sending love from Ohio!!!🎉😊

[@danischi4080]

Warte, du bist bei Sendung mit der Maus dabei?! Wie cool, das war meine gesamte Kindheit 😊

[@vanwesthuizen7427]

Ich finde es richtig gut die alten Bretter für den Boden wieder zu verwenden. Gibt dem Haus so viel Charakter :) Liebe die Serie, ihr macht richtig gute Arbeit!

[@andsothenilookedandsaid3650]

That's really awesome that people wrote messages like that on the wood back then, especially in the collective. Very cool.

[@jimmccorison]

Every defect deserves respect. When we built our house we couldn't afford fancy flooring. We bought a unit of D-grade fir. We cut out sections with loose knots, planer snipes, or large cracks. Everything else was used. The end result is that we have a floor that is visually stimulating instead of looking monolithic like a gymnasium floor. Overwhelmingly we get compliments on the floor. Imperfections bring their own pleasure.

[@electric_claire]

I think you're underestimating how much people like watching floor restoration videos, Laura. I am on the edge of my seat waiting for you to go at this with a floor sander.

[@n.p.5323]

When we are working on the shell and the front door is already installed, we often build a temporary protective frame. When carrying the material in, you can briefly cover the door, especially the sill and everything stays intact

[@steampunk8036]

I love this video! After decades of experience, here’s a quick tip: use a very large screwdriver for prying the boards tight to the previous row instead of risking damaging a fine chisel. You get great leverage with a big screwdriver. - Rick, USMC

[@stevejohnstonbaugh9171]

I suggest you take all of the floorboards back to the shop. Any splits or cracks, glue them back together. Thickness plane the floorboards all to the same thickness. Joint one edge of the board just to remove the paint/stain/soiling. Run the second long edge through your precision table saw with a slight back bevel (94 to 96 degrees) WHen installing, the relief cut will allow the faces to come together nicely. Switch your screws to finish head and make sure they are counter bored for finish sanding.

[@heyitsjay22]

As usual, your video is a delight for my Sunday morning. Your content is always educational and enjoyable

[@elliotcm]

Great stuff as usual! Probably not worth it at this point but I highly recommend smooth-shank screws like the Spax self-drilling floor screws, to stop squeaky floors down the line. I couldn't reuse my 115 year old floorboards so they're becoming a kitchen table instead, to still keep some of them around in the house :)

... and not those PZ or PH screws... Way to much work!

[@adapa22]

Recycling Repurposing Repairing Reconstructing Rejoicing Recreating !!! What else can you ask? The floors are looking great! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼💖💖💖💖👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@philgilson260]

It is a delight to watch Laura nad her helpers overcome each obstacle and carry one getting the job done. I'm sure the spirits watching over the house feel the same way. We lost our summer house in the Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and it took nine years to rebuild it. The new house was completely new starting with a hole in the ground. Then came covid and all those delays. Good luck to Laura, you inspire all of us watchers with your cheerfulness and determination to complete the renovation. Phil Gilson, Brooklyn NY

[@lisascott7873]

Laura never worry about doing the same jobs over ! We love watching it no matter what you do! Not boring soooo fun!!

[@bug-zug]

you absolutely HAVE to keep the messages! they will be AWESOME as decoration pieces for the finished house!!!!

[@michaelbuss3318]

Wow, the floorboards already look awesome. So nice that you can reuse them!

[@cruelaz]

right? and saving cost for new boards! Let's see how much they can cover once they remove all the unusable parts. I think it will be a really cool feature of the house and its history :D

[@tay13666]

I'm betting Laura is going to resin pour those holes. Much like a river table that seems to be all the rage. The difference is, I think the little pops of color on the floor will make for nice accents.

[@23oakhill]

I love the look of the old boards, once they are sanded and sealed, they will be stunning.

[@joshuayoung2643]

If it breaks we fix it. Laura, that is the mindset that will always prevail. I don't think our paths will ever cross but know that if they do, beers are on me. Do you know MacGyver? Its not about doing it perfect the first time but knowing that it can be modified later. You are such an inspiration and joy to watch. Keep on keeping on! I love your work!

[@dianeconnors6263]

That floor is going to be awesome! Showing the age isn't a bad thing. I can't wait. Show it all! Nothing is boaring❤

[@garagemonkeysan]

Cool flim. New t-shirt "It looks good and if it breaks we fix it." Floor looks awesome thanks for upcycling. Mahalo for sharing! : )

[@katiearthofer9544]

I like that you reused the boards, it fits well with the general ethos of natural/low impact building, and keeps visual character of the home

[@rc31802]

Love reusing and reclaiming old materials!

[@ruthstevens770]

I love all of it! You are the only person I watch who is redoing an old house.

[@tigerboi9694]

Not at all boring!!! I feel like part of the process, I like to see the grind and the repetitive stuff. Keep it coming!😍

[@EndoLP]

Those floors look absolutely stunning!! I am so excited to see what the final product looks like 👀

[@airlui]

I think it ain't about renovations, creations or else. It has to do with your crazy positive attitude, the way you solve problems, and your entourage, you seem very lucky to have so many and caring friends, and they are as lucky to have you. I'd watch you mow the lawn, and I'm sure you'd still make it entertaining. Stay who you are, please.

[@AJ29430]

This series might just prove that you can in fact make a silk purse out of a sows ear. I admire your perseverance

[@egbluesuede1220]

Between your smile and Smudo chasing mice, I had a 20 minute therapy session that left me smiling too! The house is really coming along and I think the floor looks great too! Can't wait to see the next episode!

[@alhandra1982]

Never boring to watch but I can understand that working on the floor for weeks maybe can get boring. :) But it is always a pleasure watching these videos.

[@jacqland]

"I'm excited because this work sucks but it's almost done" are words to live by.

[@korinnespencer1324]

Seriously love bringing back in imperfection from the original houses. Love the floors!

[@TonyBullard]

15:51 Felix films himself driving in one screw so it looks like he's helped :)

[@matthewb8229]

I have a power planer, and they are so handy for things like this. I've used mine to make surfboards, among other things. It's so nice to see the LK Industries Safety & Quality Inspector finally show up for work. Guten tag Smudo!

[@Sailor_Greg]

I would put those boards through a thickness planer and edge jointer - that will be WAY easier than sanding them in place. Then I’d glue them down with construction adhesive so they don’t squeak and then screw then down in pre-drilled holes and bung the holes. It will have a nice finished look. Also, be sure to get the bunged holes in nice lines. Also “bunged” is a hilarious word. Keep up the great work!!!!!!

[@johnpayne2465]

It looks great. Full support for reusing those boards. A house is a living thing. It breathes, moves, ages, and sometimes prefers the familiarity of what it has known. Did you choose to keep the floorboards, or did the house?

[@sharontrujillo]

...I LoVE your question!!!

[@beany530]

Love sharing your excitement with your projects! You’re amazing!🇨🇦

[@RichardGoth]

Floors are NEVER boring with you laura :-)

[@frauzimt]

Smudoooo! Ich hab ihn schon vermisst. Mein Hund liegt auch bevorzugt da im Beet, wo ich gerade pflanzen muss. Mein alter Hund war immer sehr technisch interessiert und hat oft sehr genau beobachtet, wenn irgendwo was geschraubt wurde. Ich bin schon sehr gespannt, was die Methode zum Reparieren der Schäden in den Dielen sein wird. Cool zu sehen, wie das Einmessen des Bodens gelöst wurde. Mich überfordert sowas immer sehr...

[@theonetrueanthonylong1843]

I'd also love to see something done with the messages. It'd be such a beautiful and funny way to show the history and character of the home.

[@ecenbt]

Smudo always knows how to get involved with the work and the video

[@magdamundt9483]

Loved that you decided to reuse the old floor. But I think... .... you should definitely treat them for woodworms BEFORE reusing them!!! Unfortunately, I have LOTS of experience (😖!) about this. They may seem dead or under control NOW, but when your house is again warm and cozy, it will be ALSO warm and cozy for these little nasty invasive beasts.

[@Deeply-k3t]

I love the building stuff. No matter how often. That's why we are here.

[@nicholkid]

"every defect gets respect" I once heard someone say

[@TrevorHigginsDustysqueak]

So good to see the old flooring back in. Looks great Laura! What secret messages did you put in?

[@Zombiemuffin.]

"Wer das liest, ist doof"^^

[@jenifergorman1223]

I’m so glad you reused the old floorboards. They look amazing!! And “if they break we fix it.” Lol

[@kleines_vergissmeinnicht]

Ich erinnere mich an die Freude, als du die Holzbretter entdeckt hast.. Dann die Ernüchterung, als du darunter geschaut hast... Darum halte ich es für den besten Abschluss dieser "Geschichte", die alten Bretter wieder zu verwenden und das Allerbeste daraus zu machen. Es wird großartig aussehen! Für die Lücken tippe ich persönlich ja auf Epoxidharz... 😅 Damit habe ich die Ritzen in meinem alten Esstisch geschlossen. Sieht super aus!

[@sashacat53]

Laura, what I really like about watching your videos is just how genuinely happy you are, even when things don’t go as planned. You are a beautiful soul.

[@kzookid2051]

This whole series should be put out in a DVD set. It's a wonderful reference for anyone with an older house in need of repairs. Thanks so much for sharing this with us, Laura.

[@gadgetmeister8503]

Your "Perfect comment reminded me of a story. The calibration technician says, "That's near enough." Standing behind him, the supervisor says, "Near enough, is not good enough." After some more adjustment, the calibration technician says, "That's near enough." The Supervisor repeats his statement, but more firmly, "Near enough, is not good enough!" After a lot more careful adjustments the calibration technician finally says, "Perfect." The Supervisor smiles, and says, "That's near enough." and walks away.

[@ohboilien]

Ouff Felix, the cut at 12:13 was so smooth dude you get better at this with every video

[@marialeemlb1574]

💖💖 that you keep as many original elements as possible at a huge expense of time/labor/thinking outside the box. Your home looks amazing

[@tomspence2984]

I have used the same technique on several floors and they all turned out beautifully! I first checked all the boards for hidden nails with a metal detector, then I used an electric hand plane to clean the decades of dirt from the edges of the boards. I then re-installed the boards with the painted sides down using finishing nails followed by sanding with a coarse sandpaper using a rented floor sander. Then I filled all the defects with a commercial walnut (dark) coloured filler to accentuate the defects and the nail holes. The last step was to sand again down to a smooth finish and use several layers of polyurethane to seal everything. It's a lot of work, but it's been worth it every time!

[@pennyharding4140]

I applaud you using the old floor boards!!!

[@petersage5157]

Nice to see Laura finally find some old treasures in the house! That "kiss our asses" board should have pride of place in the living room.

[@Rick_Makes]

"If it breaks, We fix it" needs to be on merch. I'd love it on a small tool pouch or tool roll.

[@raktoda707]

That is so cool to see you planeing the floor boards with the laser light on as a guide.You made my day ! Great video!

[@heinzschmitt6239]

With all these teasers how you will fix the gaps of the floor boards, my guess is: pieces of aluminum boxes with a nice finish. :) you know it would look good.

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Laura, A Wonderful video and great progress! I have watched a few videos on floor restorations and a lot of reclaimed wood has been brought back to strong flooring with the addition of acrylic resin! You can fill in the dips, holes, gaps with a color or a neutral filler! Then the clear resin coats the top and you have a real "hard floor" with the beauty of real wood! I await your final solution for this floor! This is an exciting video series! Thanks for sticking with it!

[@thomastieffenbacherdocsava1549]

Laura, consider expansion and contraction. The gaps will open and close due to humidity. Flooring is tongue and groove for a reason. You've spent a lot on structure and function. You will live with the floors forever. Toe nailing will provide a nicer surface. Is there a service that will mill them for you in your area? You've come a long way. I usually screw up when I take a cheaper route. Murphy is my mentor.

[@S3145]

I did the same thing in my house by planing the shims a few years ago. It worked out very well.

[@Pineappleparty]

I love it when people find little messages hidden in walls of old homes.

[@jerrycapizzi2081]

So great that you found a way to keep the OG lumber!

[@TabaquiJackal906]

Whoo, floors! I think the age, stains, imperfections of the floor boards is VERY cool, and will make for a much more interesting floor than a bland, perfect new one. Yay for reusing and not throwing away! Also, nothing but love for Smudo and his mouse hunts. :D

[@jackeewhiteaker9894]

I love all your videos. I love watching and learning all the techniques you use. You are absolutely amazing. Thank you for all you do.

[@sharvo6]

If you're satisfied, I'm elated. I am so happy to see you making progress, hopefully all the sad surprises are over.

[@irenewalker4962]

The floors are so warm and beautiful.

[@halfbubbleout]

Mantra for life, "If it breaks, we just fix it."

[@Champ1i]

Just watched the whole playlist. What a project. Kudo's for sticking with it!

[@jeromykeloway]

Thanks for showing that it IS possible to reuse old floorboards. Every time I talked about that with professionells they always say that it IS not possible. Will show them this Video from now on :)

[@barbaraheinbeck4778]

Simply beautiful. So much beauty and character in repurposing the old.

[@jamie3593]

Beautiful floor boards for a beautiful old house. It already looks so amazing You are ALL extremely talented and so entertaining to watch. Thanks for sharing your talents and time with others. Cheers!

[@glowhazel]

flooring or otherwise, i don't find these videos boring at all! thank you for making them!

[@guster4356]

I don't know if you'll ever see this but just wanted to say THANK YOU for all of your hard work into the nitty gritty. I'm a newer homeowner myself and while it can be overwhelming unexpectedly, seeing you encounter challenges and stressing but not quitting is what's so big about watching you on this project. The ACTIVE TACKLING of these challenges is why I come back to over and over and over again. It helps keep me calm knowing that if I just keep at it day by day and bit by bit, even the largest problems can be solved. (It's also good knowing that it's not only acceptable but necessary to seek out help from trained professionals as well!) And also your dear sweet Smudo when we get to see him.

[@graydanerasmussen4071]

Good call on the floorboards! The more you sand them, the less the "cracks" will be noticeable, and you weren't in the market for a new-looking floor, but something with character. Can't wait to see the final result :)

[@lindseyrose05]

Can't wait to see how the floors turn out. Starting now

[@nicolalang5603]

I'm so glad you decided to save the boards, both aesthetically and environmentally!

[@deancox3173]

Great to see the problem solving with floor. It will look terrific when sanded and oiled.