Patching Radiator Holes In Antique Floors

Dear Concord Carpenter,

I recently removed several radiators from my 300-year-old home. The floors are antique and I do not want to replace the floor boards if I don’t have to as I may be unlikely to replicate the patina.

Do you have any creative ideas on how I can fill the floor holes left by the absent radiators?

Thanks for your earlier help!   

Dominique R.

Dear Dominique,

Do you have any similar extra flooring in the basement, attic or barn?   If you do you can use it or similar new wood of similar species to patch your floor.  I have done this dozens of times with huge success.

Here’s what you do:

1.  Use similar to match your flooring

2.  Trace your existing hole.  I use paper over the hole and then use a pencil to lightly trace over the hole.

3.  Transfer your pattern to the wood patch

4.  Cut your wood with a band saw or jigsaw.  Cut your patch or plug with a slight taper.

5.  Use a random orbital sander with 80 grit paper to fine tune the wood patch until you have a perfect fit.

6.  Use glue and and hammer to tap the patch into the hole.

7.  Sand flush – use a sharp chisel and micro sanding on the patch if you don’t want to scratch the surrounding flooring.

8.  Mix stain to blend the patch to the existing floor.

Visit my website A Concord Carpenter to learn more tips.