🧹 Refinishing Our Original Victorian Wood Floors Ourselves, Membrane Solutions

[@yvonnerose9175]

Love the floors! But don’t worry about the floors. Wear the shoes…..a home should be lived in. I like the worn look of wood floors. Just like you said Victorian boots walked across those floors and so should yours!

[@inglishhomeandgarden8386]

Swedish homes are lived in - without trampling street muck into our rugs. 😉

[@SheHoldsDearly]

We will try the slipper idea, the pain of refinishing is too new still 😂

[@SheHoldsDearly]

this is true

[@karencurtiss1364]

I tried that for about a month right after my wood floors were refinished. For me it was absolutely ridiculous. All I did was take my shoes on and off on and off on and off because I am working inside and outside of the house constantly. I also need to wear shoes for support and I’m not supposed to wear slippers around the house. It’s very bad for anyone’s back and their feet. I even tried putting booties over my shoes which just wore through the bottoms. To each their own, but I certainly don’t feel it’s disgusting to wear my shoes in the house.

[@dianevp8644]

Hubs gets a trophy for this one!!! Looks beautiful, be proud ! ❤

[@SheHoldsDearly]

I think so too!

[@onepartwild]

We had a no shoe policy in our house when my kids were young, and after we got rid of the carpeting in exchange for wood we kept the no shoe policy. I've always worn socks or slippers on my wood floors. I go completely barefoot in summer, though. Love wood floors. Can't beat 'em! You're so lucky to have such a handy, and seemingly patient, husband.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Yes, thank you! And its true, Colby is the most patient man I know. 🤍🤍

[@Pam-j6b]

I laughed when you said it made you want to do other things to the house. It sets off a cycle of what I call "house love". The floor looks beautiful, thanks to you and your husband.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

So true!!!!

[@eileenheinkel2374]

How beautiful. We live in a pre 1850 built home. We tried to salvage the wood floors but they were too bad. I grew up with no shoes in the house and adopted that policy. It cuts down on the dirt and dust. We invest in high quality slippers which are by the door. Shoes are kept in a bin and pulled out when we walk out the door, slippers put in the bin and the process is reversed when we come in. We have a door to go to the barn and one to go to the garage, same process. It is really simple once you get used to it.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

This is such a good idea! House slippers for all.

[@sheilafae]

I have real wood floors that unfortunately have yellowed over the years and I thought about redoing them. After seeing this 😳I think I’ll just wait until orangey wood floors become the latest style 🤪. Please give your husband an extra hug for all his hard work!

[@rachelevass]

It’s alot easier than they make it look if you use a drum sander the correct way. 45 degrees to the grain, both directions (10 o’clock to 4 then 2 to 8) with heavy grit. This takes out all the unevenness. Then with the grain with heavy grit to grind out the cross hatches. Then with the grain for all succeeding grits. This floor could have been sanded in a fraction of the time.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Haha, that just might work!

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you, Rachel, we will have to try this next time.

[@cynthiafisher9907]

The floor color is beautiful, I’m so glad you didn’t go for the LVP! I’ll tell you, we have vintage fir floors, too, and the things that have damaged ours the most, by far, are the dogs and cats. We had them refinished in 2008 and have always worn shoes in the house. I think there’s no use worrying about your shoes damaging your new floors unless the animals also wear slippers in the house.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

I have GOT to keep their nails really short and not leave wrestle in the house. Out the door they go, if they are being too crazy!

[@katig.4094]

Sarah, the majority of households in Canada take out shoes off when we come into our house or visit someone house. It’s good to keep our wood floors clean and not scratched. The stain colour you picked is perfect!

[@SheHoldsDearly]

I have heard that. Thank you for your kind words!

[@meganblasco2]

So glad you choice real wood for your floors…..classic classic classic❤

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you, Megan!

[@traceyhudson5883]

Big job well done! After all the effort, its natural to want to 'baby' your beautiful floors.. but they were installed because they are tough enough to take decades of hard use. I'd encourage you to enjoy a few days of floor perfection, then let it go. Life is for living, scratches and scars come to us all...❤

[@cynthiafisher9907]

That’s true, I couldn’t live with taking shoes off all the time, I’m in and out gardening all the time. We also have antique straight grain fir floors, house built in 1910. We restored our house 15 years ago and our floors are really pretty trashed, but oh well. We can’t sand them ever again because we salvaged them from old houses, so they had been sanded too much already.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thanks for the tips!

[@SheHoldsDearly]

How do you know when they are sanded too much?

[@cynthiafisher9907]

@@SheHoldsDearly The tongues on the tongue and groove are too thin and they crack off. Since we salvaged ours from old houses being torn down, there were different thicknesses, some had been sanded previously more than others. We didn’t realize the problem until they were installed, having never done it before. After they were all finished, the wood floor guys told us they were too thin and could never be sanded again. Sad, but you live and learn, I guess.

[@j.peluso2139]

I’ve had hard wood floors in every house I’ve ever lived in. Wearing shoes on them shouldn’t be a problem. Quite durable.

[@cynthiafisher9907]

Not fir, it’s soft, everything scratches it.

[@bluesky7226]

​@@cynthiafisher9907yes, fir is very soft. My trim is fir and it dings just by looking at it. However, the dogs can't wear shoes, so their claws will likely leave marks on the floor.

[@cynthiafisher9907]

@@bluesky7226 I think Sarah said her floors are fir. Mine are too, yes, it’s very soft. My cat and dog have mostly been the ones to ruin my floors.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Yes, I think hard woods would be better. But, these are fir and soooo soft. 🙈

[@kimwood6632]

Plus you have dogs. Your shoes aren't going to be the problem. I just have birkenstocks that are indoor only and the floors are fine, the 3 dogs I have.. well we have lots of area rugs.

[@toniwadsworth7577]

Oh Yes !!! I was one who wanted you to refinish your original floors so I’m so delighted to see how gorgeous your floors turned out. My friends who are successful with” no shoes inside” policy actually remove their shoes outside where they are stored on a shelf. Slippers to wear inside are kept inside the entrances.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Haha, I remember! Thank you for the push!

[@elainewhitlock6338]

So excited for you over your new floors!! May they bring you much joy and happiness!! They look beautiful!! I’m sure the new color will be perfect and appreciated as you decorate for the coming Fall & Holiday seasons! Oh, and don’t forget, you and your hubby should have a celebratory dance on your new floor! 😀

[@SheHoldsDearly]

I love this idea!

[@meeperbird]

The spaces/rooms painted white glow like little jewel boxes, and the “treated” blue wall looks incredible, like a wall in a movie set.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you, what a wonderful compliment!

[@christinaortega-pysherconk693]

It looks beautiful! Great job ❤

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you, Christina!

[@CorinneE-vv9zx]

😂😂😂I had to laugh Sarah- I just had my floors redone 3 months ago! Biggest pain and inconvenience ever! I HIGHLY recommend anyone doing this to remove EVERYTHING out of the rooms first. Tape plastic around every door as well as put something to block under door jams. It was the biggest pain, but the absolute best reward!!!! I had mine done in almost the same color, though I chose a low sheen finish. Also one that has an anti slip built in. I absolutely LOVE my floors!! My house was built in 1951 with its original floors. HUGE transformation- but a massive amount of work. I don’t wear my shoes on it and I currently don’t let my dogs go on it because I am still painting. Hope this helps!

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you, Corinne.

[@barbaradykema3441]

Lovely floors! We refinished old maple floors in our 120 year old dining room. We don't wear shoes in the house either. Congratulations!

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Your home sounds lovely, Barbara!

[@rebeccatirrell8321]

As a vermonter and lover of wood flooring I highly suggest a basket of slippers by the door. I particularly like boiled wool ones.

[@lauramitchell6725]

I lived in Vermont for ten years in the eighties,Ludlow,then Bennington.Loved that beautiful area!

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Yes! I love them, too.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

So fun!

[@anitatucker8812]

The floors are beautiful Sarah. Your husband is such a sweetheart. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you, Anita!

[@JoanneReynolds252]

You all did an amazing job making your floors absolutely stunning! I grew up in NE Ohio and NW Pennsylvania. We were a no shoes in the house family, as was every single family I knew. To me it's an act of respect and, it seemed, was good manners. It takes a lot to keep a home clean and shoes track in so much dirt. Also, think of where your shoes go throughout the day - parking lots, gas stations, public restrooms... All that stuff ends up on your floors and in your home in general. My mom worked hard keeping our home clean, including scrubbing floors on her hands and knees. I learned that your home is only as clean as your floors. We live on a farm now in eastern NC and the amount of dirt that gets tracked in is flabbergasting. Sometimes I even bang the dirt and grass off my shoes before I bring them in the house. I'm the one cleaning so I want to make it as easy as possible! I understand it's very inconvenient taking shoes off, but it's worth the extra effort if you're into a home that's clean down to the floors. And you can tell I'm pretty passionate about this! : D

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you for sharing, Joanne!

[@phyllisshand6183]

Your floors look amazing. I live in Nova Scotia, Canada. Everyone takes their shoes off at the door. It cuts down on tracking wet and dust throughout the home. We have a bench where people can set to remove or put on their shoes and boots. As well, it shows respect for other people’s property.

[@inglishhomeandgarden8386]

Same in Scandinavia, Asia and the Middle East. Here in Sweden we never wear shoes indoors. Maybe slippers. Wool socks or woolly slippers in winter.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Yes, so many countries do this, its so interesting.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

I'm excited to try this!

[@Erin_Davenport]

What a huge undertaking! I’m so glad you were able to keep the fir and find enough supplemental pieces. It’s gorgeous! I feel your pain big time on the dust. We had our floors refinished after a small fire earlier this year and even with professionals in charge we were finding things saw-dusty for months. Prep, prep, and prep some more if you’re doing a sanding project in the house, we’ve learned! 😅 (and turn off the HVAC system during the project, if your home has one - that was the source of untold additional dust even on the levels that didn’t get the refinishing!!)

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Oh goodness. That is a really good point! I'm so sorry about your fire!!

[@StelmaDesigns]

Beautiful Sarah! I feel like I am unintentionally following in your footsteps! I just did our kitchen floors in a high quality vinyl plank that is your more traditional shade and now I need to do something about our 130 year old fir floors in a connecting room! They were redone and just waxed, not sealed, 24 or so years back. I finally decided to replace the area rug to find there is a big square of unwalked on fir under the rug. The outer perimeter is worn and a different color. I don't now what to do now, lol. All our floors in the old farmhouse were fir and I actually love the rich red it becomes with time but yes, it is super soft. The upstairs bedrooms were apparently shellac from back then and I think way better stuff than what we can get today. It can't be resanded again and so I may be on my hands and knees lightly sanding the entire perimeter by hand, oh my gosh! I am going to use Odies oil, great product! oxJulia

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Oh my, yes, it is SUCH a labor of love. Maybe a goal each day and break down the sanding task for your sanity.

[@asimon8313]

Gorgeous. Looks like it was worth all the effort.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you, it was!

[@rebekahschroeder7949]

The floors were a daunting task, but job well done! I love the color you chose. Our floors are the same color and I chose it because I felt it was a timeless color. My Mom has soft wood floors and my brother brings his Labradors over and there are dog nail marks all over her floors. 😬 It doesn’t hurt to give the no shoes indoors a try and see how it works for your family, though. If you were looking for a survey, I don’t feel comfortable having to take my shoes off at someone’s home. I don’t want to go barefoot, socks make me feel silly with my dresses and putting on someone else’s slippers seems odd. Those are just my personal opinions, but I am sure there are just as many offered on the other side of the subject. 😁 I can’t wait to see everything in its place! You have a hard working family…what a blessing! 🙌🏻

[@SheHoldsDearly]

That's a really good point, I can make its optional for guests.

[@amyjared821]

Lovely refinish! We have never worn shoes in the house. I think once you get in the habit of removing your shoes at the door, you will be really happy that your floors stay much cleaner.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

I agree, Amy!

[@Michelle-eb5cx]

Sarah the floors are beautiful. ❤ I bought a 1958 rancher last year with wood floors. Lucky enough for me I was able to have them professionally re finished before I moved in. My guys only use Bona products. As a matter I fact I believe Bona has a school that certifies them. I had beautiful white oak so I chose not to stain them but left them their natural color. I use Bona products to keep them clean. I would not worry about the shoes the dogs are going to bring in just as much dirt. You are just adding more character to them. 😊

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you, Michelle. So interesting about Bona!

[@deniseborchardt4491]

The floors look great! Jacobean is one of my favorite stain colors!

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you, I love Jacobean, too!

[@typicalanna]

No shoe policy tip: have a cutesie sign so you dont need to tell guests. It limits the awkwardness. Also, get house shoes or slippers. Game changer!

[@SheHoldsDearly]

I used to carry a little set of ballet shoes in my purse to wear when visiting others homes. That seemed to work, too!

[@Sylvia1976]

Really beautiful. The dust and back breaking sanding is why we just look at our floors and dream about doing what you did. They really fid come out lovely.❤ I know you want to keep them perfect. The slipper idea is a good one. Good luck with that.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you! Yes, looking into nice slippers for all.

[@SusannahPerri]

Sarah, your floors look absolutely gorgeous! Such a labor of love. IKEA has a cool shoe keeper, or you could probably repurpose a thrifted old cabinet that would be very charming at your front door and invite people to take off their shoes. Also, don’t forget to clip the doggie’s claws regularly, as they can scratch soft wood as well. Fantastic job! ❤

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thanks for the tips! I'm totally taking your advice!

[@SusannahPerri]

@@SheHoldsDearlyso awesome! I’ve followed you for years and really respect your taste and design choices! 😃❤️

[@brendaw53]

I love the stain color of the floors! Lots of hard work but it looks great! You’ll have fun decorating again. Just in time to welcome Fall and the other Seasons! ❤ 🍁☕️🐿️ Anxiously awaiting. Thanks for posting!

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Yes! I can't wait!

[@christinabrooks5991]

Wow the work involved in this project. Too cool. X

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you!

[@deborahparadis3442]

Those new floors look stunning!!!😍I had to have the floors redone at my last home (long story). In the end removing shoes helped a little, however, I still had to put pads under rugs to prevent slow rubbing of the surface and damaging the floor underneath and, paws and claws just didn't work. We had a lot of adjustments to make. Anyway, bless the two of you (and your family for helping) and putting the love and care back into this home you have been blessed with. It is a gem! 💖

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Good to know, Deborah!

[@nicolenash9187]

Beautiful floors or ugly floors, my home always has a no shoes on policy. Less work . House smells cleaner... I mean when you walk outside you are stepping in all kinds of things... some people spit out there ! Walking in poop ... and then in the house ? No way ! Love your refinished floors ! You are brave to take on all of that work. Wow 😮

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Such good points, we are loving our new policy!

[@marciafirst2271]

It is beautiful!!! You have inspired me to work on my floors. Our 1973 house is carpeted, and has never had hardwood floors. We have purchased engineered hardwood white oak flooring, and I will be installing it as soon as I finish a bathroom remodeling project. I can’t wait-you are motivating me to get going. Thanks for a great video.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Yay! I'm so excited for you!

[@inkydinkydoodle]

Hello Sarah. Beautiful results after all of that hard work and endurance. We are a No Shoes in the House Family. We have hardwood, carpeting, tile, and LVP. But as a retired nurse, I cringe at the thought of what we walk through out in the wild world. Yes, we have three dogs, but that their little feet are nothing in comparison to public restrooms, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations. It was an adjustment for my family, but they have finally changed their habits. Everyone has inside shoes and knows that their outside shoes are taboo. And we feel healthier for it! Best wishes! ~Kelly

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Good to know, Kelly!

[@bluesky7226]

Great job Colby! The floors look beautiful, Sarah! We ripped out our carpet in the tea and dining rooms in july and had oak flooring installed. We also used Bona products with the stain called popped provincial. Even with the plastic separating the rooms, I am still cleaning dust out of things. Yes, I forgot to take my blinds down and cover the chandeliers. I've spent hours cleaning. I wear slippers in the house, but I don't expect anyone else to take off their shoes unless they are visibly dirty. Enjoy your beautiful floors!❤

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you, Lina! Glad I'm not the only one who forgot about the chandeliers!

[@justasmalltowngirl_lynne5089]

Unbelievable beautiful ‼️‼️‼️. What a labor of pure love too💙💙💙. Our floors are a golden oak..from aging…(107) years old…so I love the beauty of them too…I have a basket by our doors…with all assortments of booties..socks…for everyone to put on when they come in and take off their shoes…. And the booties & socks are changed with the seasons 🎄🎅🏻, 🍁🐿️, 🇺🇸🎉🌺🪻🌹❄️☃️

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Oh, what a cute idea about the booties and slippers.

[@cathyhatfield5340]

They turned out gorgeous! Enjoy them you guys earned it!❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you!

[@lmddavis7748]

Beautiful job with the floor. Well worth all that hard work. 😊 Love your dog too lol.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you so much!

[@karellarsen939]

The floors look beautiful !! So happy for your family! Yes! No shoes! 😊👍❤️❤️

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you!

[@katiepeterson9761]

Phew!!! Hooray! So happy for you all!

[@scarlettwinters5642]

So I’ve never refinished floors but have pulled up carpet and laid floors in 3 separate houses and it’s a LOT of work!

[@SheHoldsDearly]

OH Goodness, that does sound like a labor of love.

[@barbarathomas2471]

Stunning!

[@jackiemartin9737]

The floors look absolutely stunning love the colour. Thank goodness for salvage yards and the fact that you were able to match your existing floor.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Yes, thank you!

[@whatlolawants2167]

Sarah, that floor looks amazing! IM afraid it wouldn't be in any hurry to put anything on them either. God bless you and have a beautiful time at Bespoke ❤❤❤

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you!

[@laureneharrison8897]

Well done! The floors look beautiful and you both deserve a medal for patience and perseverance 😉🙌🏻 As another Canadian mentioned in the comments, we usually take off our shoes. I’m guessing the main reason is to prevent dirt from being tracked in with our seasons…keeps your floors cleaner longer. Small stones, road salt etc that are in shoe treads can beat up floors, so I always have slippers handy for guests.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you, Lauren!

[@inglishhomeandgarden8386]

Great job you guys! In Sweden we just never wear shoes indoors. It's just as common in Asia and the Middle East. I was frankly shocked when first coming to an American home, where they walked right in with their outdoor shoes! Doesn't feel that fresh. * Use the cupboard on your verandah for wellies and such, and place some kind of shoe storage next to your door inside. An antique cupboard swallows a lot of shoes. * Perhaps a chair near the door, for taking your shoes on and off.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Yes, such good ideas. Thank you!

[@karolhenderson8888]

Very nice ! Hard work pays off

[@johnnacrist8715]

Beautiful ❣️ Thank you for sharing your experience! I’ve done wood floors, but I would follow your advice on some things if I would doing it again. Wish I knew about the Bona products back then. I’m glad you’re done. That was a huge job!!!

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you!

[@SM-yd8hq]

We eventually need to do this. Our floors are original Kauri Pine, indigenous to Australia and no longer milled, 120 years old, and they have turned orange. I'm dreading it, as everything needs to come out, but you have motivated me. It looks incredible

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you!

[@casseehorn3120]

Your floors are absolutely beautiful!

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you so much!

[@StephanieFiskum-z8g]

Those floors are gorgeous! We too have an old home. I was thinking of making ours darker too. This was good to watch.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Glad I could inspire!

[@StephanieFiskum-z8g]

@@SheHoldsDearly you always inspire me so much!

[@SometimeAgo65]

We need to do this so bad!! We did it over twenty years ago, but we didnt really know what we were doing. I mean, we did a great job but for some reason we thought we were supposed to go back with the same color that was on there. A year later, I hated the orangey color so bad that I covered them with carpet. We are older now and I just dont think I have the energy to go through that again. It is a very hard job if you take it on yourself..but they're so beautiful. Yours look great!! ❤

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you! Good luck with your floors!

[@cathyoneill9011]

Well done! My husband, a contractor, has purchased many homes with good oak floors. He rents 2 sanders for the weekend and our 20ish son helps him. They say it is a job and it is always done with no one living there 😮

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Bless your son and husband!

[@mariafusco7899]

My house was built in 1920 and my floors are a soft wood. No husband here, so I had to call on the professionals. No one would do my floors because they were not hardwood. They kept referring me to restoration people, far too expensive. So, I have my orange-y floors and I enjoy yours and dream!

[@cynthiafisher9907]

I have them too, and I like my orangey floors.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

I'm sorry no one would help with your soft woods! I have never heard of that!

[@marymateika2449]

Sarah your Husband Sincerely did such a a really Awesome job sanding! They look so beautiful! I’m so happy you kept them. Oh My Goodness! Lol! It’s such very hard work! We live in a almost 100 year old Home and we have on are property a little cottage we are renovating now, and the floors are cherry pine like yours. And in are own home years ago we sanded by ourselves are oak floors such massive work! The floor sander we used was a large belt sander. With the floor edger. So I know exactly the mess and hard work involved. Now with the cottage and a some other properties we own and have renovated, we decided to hire a professional hardwood contractor. I’m just gonna say..if you can do it Hire it done lol! They have access to bigger better equipment and polyurethane lol! They also have vacuums. Down at the little cottage I had them down a few years ago, and I love the patina of the cherry to this day. There was no massive dust to deal with no knee or back pain. and it takes a week. Drying will depend on weather. On the cherry floors at the cottage I kept them natural just a polyurethane finish. Thanking God for my hardwood floor contractor and his team! Just want to add this information. To help other’s deciding. However I love diy and if your ambitious to do this yourself, do your homework and advice on everything Sarah said! ❤

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you for all your advice, I'm sure it was help many people here!

[@heatherannekennedy9368]

Oh my - what a herculean effort - but it looks really worth it! So pretty - so long orange! So ... Canadian here living in the U.S.A. and we do not wear shoes in the house. Ever. The secret is having a place for them right by the door and a collection of slippers, especially for winter. Our son is tall with very large feet and though I valiantly tried to find a shoe organizer that would work, his size 15's didn't fit anything I brought home. Eventually I got tired of the shoe pile by the door and came up with a solution. I took a charming old dresser with broken drawers found on FB marketplace for $50 and used plywood and some bit of trim to create sturdy shelves and then painted it. It holds about 15 pairs of adult shoes, and the shallow top drawer is perfect for odds and ends or keys.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

I love your dresser idea, maybe my Lego dresser is going to get a promotion now.

[@helenfincannon7367]

I know from experience that where dogs lay it will leave dark spots from the oil in their skin and hair it will be permanent make them lay on rugs I have to keep the spots covered by furniture my house was built in 1951 it has red oak floors we had them refinished 20 years ago I love real wood floors yours looked great did a great job😊

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Good point! Thank you!

[@ourtimberhome]

You poor thing, at least when we made and installed our pine floors, we were not living here yet... except for my office upstairs, that is the only original flooring we were able to save. ALL THE DUST...MY SYMPATHIES😢 It does look AMAZING! WHAT A RELIEF TO HAVE IT FINALLY DONE!

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you!

[@jenniferkessener1111]

It looks beaufiful! We are no shoes in the house people. It helps to have somewhere to sit, to take shoes on and off, and somewhere to keep shoes. We have a mudroom, so it is perfect for that. We keep all our walking shoes and sandles there. I do carry my good shoes down from our room when wearing something dressy. We used to live in an upstairs flat before this, and made do with a large basket in the entry. We wear socks, bare feet, or slippers around the house.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

I think the hardest part is going to be bringing in loads of wood for the wood stove this winter. Sixteen trips a day! I need to find a better way to do that with the new shoe rule.

[@susanmorgan8168]

Your floors are beautiful! We have a basket at the door for shoes. In the winter, we use a boot tray. We don't make our guests take off their shoes, but many do anyway.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

That's a great idea!

[@StephanyDecor2]

Beautifully done.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you!

[@marilyneva4677]

Absolutely beautiful. Worth the effort for sure.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you!

[@ninawildr4207]

Wow absolutely beautiful!!!!❤

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you!

[@kathykirk1877]

I was raised in a house with a light colored carpet, so everyone that came in the house had to take off their shoes at the door. Family would take off their shoes at the door, and go around in stocking feet, or leave their slippers by the door.There was even a basket near the door with knitted slippers in various sizes for guests.

[@plyoung11]

It’s disgusting not to take your shoes off when you walk into a house

[@mailove04]

Knitted slippers are a great idea. Where can I get some as guest slippers? Thanks for sharing this cute idea.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

There are different seasons for different methods. People need to decide what they can live with.

[@rachelbrough8160]

Looks lovely, the brown shade is much better then the red 😊xx

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you!

[@EvaMarieK]

Love it!

[@k.crosbie261]

Love the floors. We are a no outside shoes inside the house home. We have inside only shoes we wear and outside ones goes in basket in entry closet when we come in 😊

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Great idea!!

[@ivygilbert9208]

Beautiful!

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you!

[@hellomrsjacobsen]

The first scene of this video looks like the garage sale of my dreams

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Haha, me too!!

[@tondakremble6660]

Been there, done that. Ugh!😫😖. Especially when you use the proper tools & premium products & take your time. Patience is key, can't stress that enough. That being said it's always worth it in the end. Ya'll did a magnificent job! They floors are "Gorgeous Perfection"! Beautiful & timeless! & I love the Jacobean color. I'm seeing it used a lot. For furnature as well as flooring. You picked a winner! You always do though. You have excellent taste & are very talented. & hats off to your hubby for all of his determination, hardwork & talent also! Can't wait to see all of you're beautiful things put back & the "Final Reveal"! Bet you can't either!😉 See you next time.😊

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you, Tonda!

[@rachelm9925]

So much nicer nicer than LVP. Here in the uk mist households would not wear shoes indoors, we have shoe storage next to the door and have made the habit of removing shoes before doing anything else. If the floors get cold in winter we have slippers, our last home had victorian floors from 1890 so it was quite drafty.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

What do you recommend for pretty slippers?

[@rachelm9925]

@SheHoldsDearly I'm in the UK so not sure what ships and doesn't. My usual go to shops would be: the white company, john lewis and boden. I noticed that house of bruar has some Harris tweed fur (fake) lined ballet flat style ones which I like. They will probably list uk sizes (but there are loads of conversation charts online). Slippers are worn by most brits so they sell them everywhere, especially from now in the lead up to Christmas.

[@lisasagardia191]

Hi Sarah. Your hubby is an angel because that is a huge job. I see patches of white on your wall. Are you painting the wall again? Can you please tell me the name of that shade of blue. It is gorgeous! The wood flooring looks AMAZING!!!!! No shoes in the house.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you! Yes, the walls are changing for the darker seasons ahead. The blue is Slate Tile by Sherwin Williams.

[@lynnellewesloh8199]

Once I learned that wearing shoes in your house is the number 1 reason for dirt in the home, I stopped wearing outside shoes. But I recommend having a pair of tennis shoes only worn inside (like Mr Rogers!) and the laces are tied so loose so they can be slipped on and off easily. That will save your feet and back from otherwise walking around barefoot. It took my husband a while to get used to it but he finally got on board.

[@inglishhomeandgarden8386]

In Sweden no one wears outdoor shoes in private homes.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Haha, Mr. Rogers! That's the best. I want a pair of "slippers" that supports my feet all day.

[@melindaferreira9879]

Beautiful.. but.. oh. my... What a great team! 💪🏼

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you!

[@green542]

I was always told the oils from your feet are worse than wearing shoes, I know for carpeting not sure about the wood floors, also I have slipped many times on my floors I never go without shoes on wood floors. I do not allow high heels or any other shoe with a spike heel or anything that will scuff. I would love to have my floors redone, I will have to look into it. They are cherry and also soft and having dogs and children over the years have really done a number on them.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Oh, interesting points!

[@mariareyesrosado425]

Beautiful ❤

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you!

[@aloras405]

With no shoes in the house, get house slippers. It’s really worth it. Also having a basket of woven slippers for guests is nice too. I have a cabinet for shoes right next to the front door.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

I love these ideas!

[@tep1962]

Beautiful

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you!

[@trudysenglishvictorianhome3244]

Sarah, the floors turned out GORGEOUS!!! 🤩🤩. You guys did a FANTASTIC job! 🎉🎉. I noticed some Paint Samples in your Moody Living Room, are you wanting to paint it again??

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you! Yes, I already bought the paint, the six months of dark and rain ahead of me are calling for some more light in this room.

[@cinder8290]

Your floors turned out very beautifully. In Canada almost no one wears their shoes in the house. We have a place for ours near the back door, visitors can just leave theirs on the carpet at the door. You might want to have slippers or clean socks for people to put on if they are barefoot. It works for all of us. Good luck telling people who aren’t used to it, to take their shoes off though. 😅

[@SheHoldsDearly]

It's going to be interesting. I will make it optional for guests. 🤍🤍

[@loismanzi2442]

Wow what a great job you all did on these floors . God Bless your husband. That was not an easy process but look at the rewards of the result. I love that color and was hoping you were going with that. I can’t wait to see it all put back now. Your furniture and decor will really shine even more than they already did! In your opinion do you feel like the room is done now? Hahaha probably not knowing you. It’s gorgeous enjoy it you guys did such a great jobHave a beautiful blessed day 🙏🕊💕🌻🍁🍄🍂🌾

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you! Haha, no, I'm never done!

[@kimclarke5018]

I’m Canadian we NEVER wear shoes in our houses. It cuts down on the dirt etc that you track into your home. Plus it’s considered impolite not to take your shoes off.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Different cultures are so interesting!

[@Loveofdecorating]

Your husband did an amazing job 🎉

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you!

[@theresasova223]

We leave our shoes off! The sand and grit they track in is hard on the finish of hardwood floors. House slippers in winter and good old bare feet in summer. A shoe rack in the garage to contain the shoes.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Good ideas!

[@janicegrenning2268]

Shoes? My first thought was the dogs' nails??

[@SheHoldsDearly]

TRUTH! They are the worst offenders, for sure! Little stinkers.

[@bluesky7226]

One more thing, Sarah. I use the Bona floor cleaner on my wood floors.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Oh , good point! Thank you!

[@btd3375]

We have red oak floors and were told by the flooring company to not let anyone wear high heels on them. And my floors still look amazing 20 years later. I’ve only upset one woman in that time with my gentle suggestion that guests must remove high heeled shoes.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Yes, sometimes people are embarrassed about their feet or socks and their outfit doesn't look as good. I understand.

[@nitahiltner3348]

lOOKS REALLY NICE!!!! No shoes here, not bringing in outside germs on our shoes.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you!

[@cathykirkmcrae7727]

No shoes in my house and most Canadian houses. I think it's a good thing because you are not tracking everything in from outside. Slippers or bare feet only.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Do you ever feel like you need the arch support during the day?

[@cathykirkmcrae7727]

@@SheHoldsDearly Not really. I wear Isotoner slippers that have good padding and they kind of conform to your feet. I went bare foot/socks for many years, but now have to wear something because of health issues.

[@Wendy-rh3xo]

I love all natural shades of wood! I loved them before the refinish as well!

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you! Yes, I considered not staining them.

[@lindascott5298]

The floors turned out great! Your husband did a great job of sanding them. Love the stain too. I believe it's pronounced Jake a bee ann (Jacobean). The Jacobean era took place during the reign of King James VI of Scotland. Google has more if interested. I remember it when decorating my colonial home and looking at Jacobean floral prints but turned out to not be my style. The amount of dust from re-sanding hardwood floors is awful. You were smart to buy the air purifier! Seeing all your beautiful furniture outside made me nervous but I'm sure you checked the weather forecast. Looking forward to reveal!

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you! Oh funny, Colby and I both have been pronouncing it wrong then - and arguing about it!!😂😂😂 We finally had a rain storm and frantically moved the furniture back in one night! Never a dull moment around here!

[@lindascott5298]

@@SheHoldsDearly Oh that's terrible about the rain. Same here when we do projects!! I'm sure Jacobean is pronounced many different ways. Kind of like tomato! ;)

[@catherinestrong4470]

That a big and hard job I’m sure it be worth in the end

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you!

[@teresadenham4417]

The cobwebs are now the Halloween decor! 😂😂

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Perfect!

[@alisonsmith7162]

We're in Australia, so most of it doesn't snow. If you are in and out of your house all the time wear shoes. You're not a slave to your house. My hubbie and I have crap knees, so continually in and out having to pull boots etc on and off is painful. We have a double coated dog, so we have dog glitter anyway. My Dad put down pacquetry in our house in my last year of highschool, which neither my mum or I wanted, and if we scratched the floor we got in trouble. FOR A FLOOR! Don't create feelings of unwelcomeness in your own home by a no shoe policy. Yes, it was a lot of effort, but the people in your home are more valuable than a thing, and as you have seen, real wood can be refinished.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

These are good points to ponder. Thank you so much!

[@maryjomathews4749]

We don't wear shoes in the house unless it an emergency like one of my grandchildren has to go potty fast 😂 there are some really cute signs you can make or buy to let people know. Mine reads...Since little fingers touch our floors please leave your shoes at the door. But you can get them that don't relate to littles.

[@marydumois4242]

In my culture you would never ask someone to remove their shoes. It’s rude. That is so low brow and classless. Clean your darn floors and live.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Haha, yes, the potty emergency is a big one!

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Which culture are you in? There are such different opinions in this thread. I do think there is a distinction between your own habits and the requests of guests.

[@hiddenhighland]

We don't ask visitors to take shoes off (except if the shoes are extremely dirty- and definitely no boots). However, my husband, children and I- take off our shoes and have house slippers. This is easier since we have a large 'mud room' that had a long couch and plenty of cupboards etc. This makes things easy. So- basically the core of the time, is no shoes in the house. However, no such requests for guests...it seems rude to request this. Of course we have extra house slippers if guests prefer...

[@heatherstrachan107]

You've done an amazing job! Have your husband's arms stopped vibrating yet from using the sander? 😉 I can't speak for all of Canada, but we do tend to be known for the fact that we take our shoes off when coming into the house. I'm sure after a while it will just become a habit for you.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you! Yes, he doesn't look crazed anymore. 😂😂😂😂