Milwaukee Hardwood Floor Refinishing: Historic Charm Revived in Riverwest

At Heartwood Custom Flooring, we take pride in restoring the timeless beauty of hardwood floors. Recently, we had the privilege of completing a transformative project in Milwaukee's vibrant Riverwest neighborhood. This undertaking was not only a testament to our craftsmanship but also a celebration of the unique architectural charm that defines our community

Unearthing History Beneath Layers of Flooring

The painstaking process of peeling back vinyl and plywood begins to reveal what might lie beneath.

The project began with a discovery: hidden beneath three layers of old flooring lay the original historic maple hardwood floor, waiting to be unveiled. The topmost layer was peel-and-stick vinyl tile, delaminating from the layer beneath—a thin sheet of lauan plywood that was screwed into the underlying floor. The final layer was sheet vinyl glued directly to the hardwood.

Removing these layers required meticulous care, particularly as new cabinets had been recently installed in the kitchen. To ensure their protection, we hung plastic sheeting around all the cabinets and adjoining rooms, effectively minimizing dust and debris. Every step of this process demonstrated our commitment to safeguarding our client's space while uncovering the floor's hidden potential.

Precision Tools for Dust-Free Restoration

Historic Maple floors are uncovered after decades, beginning to reveal the hidden beauty.

The second stage of the project showcased the original wood floor beginning to see the light of day, as the last of the sheet vinyl was removed. Using specialty grinding pads on our state of the art Bona Power Drive sander, we eliminated the remaining vinyl sheeting that couldn't be manually scraped off while maintaining a virtually dust-free environment. This was achieved thanks to the sander's efficient dust shroud and the HEPA-filtered vacuum system that we hook up to all of our machines, ensuring that the process was not only thorough but also clean.

Restoring Gleaming Maple Floors

The kitchen showcases sleek, modern cabinetry and a stylish hexagonal backsplash, perfectly complemented by the gleaming maple floors with a durable satin finish.

The final result was nothing short of breathtaking. After multiple sanding steps with the Power Drive, the original maple floors were restored to their former glory, gleaming with natural beauty. We applied one coat of Bona Intense Seal to lightly accentuate the natural colors and tones of the wood and followed with two coats of commercial-strength Bona Traffic HD finish. These GREENGUARD-certified finishes are renowned for their low VOC's and unmatched durability. Clients also appreciate the convenience of Bona Traffic HD, which fully cures in just 72 hours—allowing them to move furniture and rugs back into place quickly.

Our client was so delighted with the outcome that they entrusted us to refinish the hardwood floors on the second story of the building as well. Upstairs, we worked on both maple and red oak flooring, applying the same level of care and expertise to ensure a seamless finish.

A Fun Fact About Milwaukee's Historic Homes

Did you know that in many old Milwaukee homes, the front of the house often featured oak flooring while the back was outfitted with maple? Oak was seen as a more luxurious option, perfect for entertaining guests in living rooms and parlors. Meanwhile, maple was reserved for less visible areas like kitchens and bedrooms. Today, those century-old maple floors are highly sought after for their unique character—a charm that’s difficult to replicate with modern materials, as new maple lacks the depth and beauty of old-growth lumber.

Gleaming Red Oak hardwood floors.

Gleaming Red Oak hardwood floors.

Old growth maple flooring has much more depth of color and nuance to it than new maple flooring.

Maple floors shine brightly in Milwaukee's Riverwest neighborhood after being completely refinished.

Bringing Timeless Floors Back to Life

This Riverwest project is just one example of how Heartwood Custom Flooring combines expertise, passion, and care to restore Milwaukee’s hardwood treasures. Whether you're uncovering hidden gems beneath layers of flooring or seeking to enhance your home's unique style, we’re here to help you bring your vision to life.

If you're in the Greater Milwaukee area and ready to transform your space, let us show you the difference Heartwood Custom Flooring can make. If you are looking for a company to trust for Milwaukee hardwood floor refinishing then look no further. Contact us today for a free consultation—and let’s create something extraordinary together.