Hi,

I'm refinishing a 40-year-old white oak floor that needs a lot of care. Any suggestions for what type of staining?

thanks,
daniel

40 year old white oak floor...natural with 3 coats of an oil base poly will give a good result ,IMO.

White oak takes stain nicely. If you are sanding them yourself, consider keeping the color pretty light as that will show sanding marks less than a darker color. Light colors look more country and contemporary, dark colors look more formal, IMO. An oil-based polyurethane for floors, like Minwax, is easier and less expensive for the novice.

Thanks for the suggestion!

I started sanding using a square buffer, 36 grit paper, and there're still many marks and stains on the floor. I'm thinking about renting the belt sander to try to smooth it deeper and quicker. Would that work?

Thanks!

Yes, a drum style sander will go much quicker than a square buff. It will also destroy a floor real fast as well. I have had to salvage to DIYer's attempt to refinish their own floors on more than one occassion, so be sure about this and if you can find a place to practice first, that would be good as well. Try to rent this machine here. This is probably the best rental type out there. Most are junk, IMO, and only good for sanding subfloors and decks. Here's the one you want.
http://www.clarkeus.com/Products/Sanders/E-Z8.aspx

I really appreciate your help! I'll rent the belt sender and be extremelly careful!!!!

Thanks!