DIY

How to repair old oak wood floors DIY? Without sanding?

Just got a house with oak wood floor boards under old carpet. Have been under the carpet for about 40 years. The previous owner told me I could just wax/buff the floors to look good. Someone else told me I should screen them. I do not want to sand them and accidentally ruin them. ANy suggestions?

Any of the answers might be right depending on what you have to work with.
Really hard to say sight unseen.
if it is old flooring , it would cost a fortune to replace w/ same quality material if you can find it at all.
If it were my place & it is vintage flooring , I would first try cleaning ,buffing & polishing.
Hardwood floors were often waxed regularly & the residue even if it looks ratty can protect the flooring & make cleanup possible.
If cleaning does not work , you will have caused no damage & can still sand & refinish if you want to.
In any event have seen old hardwood floors brought back to life ( ( by professionals) using old fashioned buffing machines to clean & polish.
Advice? find a bonded insured pro to estimate the job for a cleaning / buffing faceliuft or a whole hog refinishing..
Best regards

DIY 107 – Refinishing wood floors – prep – part 1 of 3