Are pin nail tops supposed to show? 1900 victorian refinished oak floors. Installers refinished some floors in 1900 Victorian 2nd floor and replaced 1st floor hardwood. They were delighted with the outcome including nail holes and nail tops showing. They seemed to think it fit the house from its original time period. I think that it looks unfinished. I thought they would fill the holes. They chose not to and seemed shocked that I asked. They seem like perfectionists and have a great reputation. I really like them. We told them we would rather replace if they could not "bring them back." They said it looks even better than they had hoped and that people would pay extra to have floors look this way. I would like to sell this house someday. What say you?

Well,IMO,some people like the rustic look'which includes nail heads,cracks,stress,etc.Personally,I let the home owner make the decisions.If you don't like the nail heads,they should set the nails,and fill the holes.Some guys just don't understand that the small details make a big difference.

I'm pretty sure the original floor guys set the nail heads, especially in a Victorian. Sounds like lazyness to me. But then some areas of the country think differently.

I found the topic "to fill or not to fill". By dforester. I am keeping the holes. Dforester also kept the nail heads/holes showing.