Baltimore is home to some of the most beautiful and historic houses in Maryland—row homes in Federal Hill, century-old Victorians in Mount Vernon, and charming colonials in Roland Park. Many of these homes still have their original hardwood floors, a timeless feature that adds character, warmth, and real estate value.
But old floors come with their own set of challenges: cupping, gaps, stains, squeaks, and years of wear. At Danzco Hardwood Flooring, based in Catonsville, MD, we specialize in restoring original wood floors in homes across Baltimore, Ellicott City, Columbia, Towson, and nearby areas. We’ve worked on floors over 100 years old—and we’ve helped them look like new again.
If you’re lucky enough to own a home with original wood flooring, here’s what you need to know before starting the restoration process.
🧰 Is Your Floor Worth Restoring?
In most cases, yes. Solid hardwood floors—especially old-growth oak, heart pine, or maple—can often be sanded and refinished multiple times.
But there are a few signs we check first:
- How much wear layer is left (Can it handle sanding?)
- Stability of boards (Are they loose or damaged beyond repair?)
- Water or termite damage
- Past repairs that might affect blending
We’ve restored floors that looked beyond hope—often buried under layers of carpet, glue, or vinyl tile. Once the surface is sanded down, the original grain is revealed—and the transformation is stunning.
🪚 Our Restoration Process
Restoring floors in historic homes requires a careful, customized approach. Here’s how we handle it:
1. Initial Assessment
We walk the floors, check for damage, and determine how much sanding the wood can take. We also inspect transitions, trim, and subfloor support.
2. Nail Set & Prep
All exposed nails are hand-set to avoid damaging our sanding equipment. Loose boards are secured, and any protruding materials (like staples or carpet tacks) are removed.
3. Sanding
We use professional-grade sanding machines with dust containment systems that reduce airborne mess by up to 80%. We often use multiple sanding passes to level and smooth the floor.
4. Stain Selection
This is where historic homes shine. From Natural to Dark Walnut, we sample a few stain options right on your floor to see how it reacts with your original wood grain and lighting.
5. Finishing
We apply 2–3 coats of high-durability finish (matte, satin, or gloss) based on your preference. The result: a floor that’s protected and easy to maintain for years to come.
🧱 Common Challenges in Older Homes
Baltimore-area homes built before the 1950s often come with unique quirks:
- Uneven Subfloors: We level where needed to ensure a smooth finish.
- Lead Paint Around Baseboards: We’re EPA-certified and follow safety protocols.
- Mixed Wood Types: We match as closely as possible to preserve the original look.
- Creaks and Squeaks: Many of these can be reduced during the restoration process with strategic repairs.
Restoration isn’t just about beauty—it’s about preserving the original craftsmanship that modern construction rarely replicates.
📍 Local Focus: Cities We Serve
We’ve restored historic wood floors across neighborhoods like:
- Catonsville – where we’re proudly based
- Baltimore City – Mount Vernon, Federal Hill, Canton, and Hampden
- Ellicott City – including older Main Street homes and farmhouses
- Columbia, MD – especially in the original villages with mid-century design
- Pikesville, Towson, and Randallstown – where 1940s and 1950s hardwoods are still going strong
🧽 Care Tips After Restoration
Once your floors are beautifully restored, keep them that way:
- Use felt pads under furniture
- Keep humidity balanced between 40–55%
- Sweep or vacuum often to prevent grit scratches
- Avoid steam mops and wet cleaning products
We also offer guidance on cleaning products safe for your specific finish.
📞 Ready to Breathe Life Back into Your Floors?
Old doesn’t mean outdated. With the right care, your original hardwood floors can last another 50 years or more—and look better than ever.
Let Danzco Hardwood Floors help bring them back to life.
📞 Call (410) 788-5919
🌐 Visit www.danzcohardwoodfloors.com to request a free estimate or restoration consultation.
Don’t cover up your home’s history—restore it.
