Patching Radiator Holes In Floors: Antique Floors
Dear: Concord Carpenter,
I recently removed several radiators from my 300 year old home. The floors are antique and I do not want to replace the floor boards if I don’t have to as I may be unlikely to replicate the patina. Do you have any creative ideas on how I can fill the floor holes left by the absent radiators?
Thanks for your earlier help!
Dominique R
Dominique,
Do you have any similar extra flooring in the basement, attic or barn? If you do you can use it or similar new wood of similar species to patch your floor. I have done this dozens of times with huge success.
Patching Holes In Hardwoord Floors:
Here’s what you do:
1. Use similar to match your flooring
2. Trace your existing hole. I use paper over the hole and then use a pencil to lightly trace over the hole.
3. Transfer your pattern to the wood patch
4. Cut your wood with a band saw or jigsaw. Cut your patch or plug with a slight taper.
5. Use a random orbital sander with 80 grit paper to fine tune the wood patch until you have a perfect fit.
6. Use glue and and hammer to tap the patch into the hole.
7. Sand flush – use a sharp chisel and micro sanding on the patch if you don’t want to scratch the surrounding flooring.
8. Mix stain to blend the patch to the existing floor.