DIY Network

Ceiling Patch and Hardwood Floor Repair From "Home Transformations" episode DHTR-102

The transformed walk-in closet.

In part one of the nursery to walk-in closet transformation, homeowners Mike and Brenda -- along with host Michael Ray Wisely -- demolished the old walls and refinished the drywall. Here, in part two of the transformation, the couple will patch the ceiling and repair the hardwood floor.

advertisement

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Ceiling Hole Patch

The couple patches the ceiling hole where the electrical box used to be.

Materials:

Joint compound
Trowel
Screws
Scrap wood and drywall

1. First, locate the existing framing that supported the old electrical box. This will be the mounting point for the filler piece of wood to which the drywall patch will be secured.

2. Measure the depth and diameter of the existing hole to determine size of filler piece.

3. Cut a piece of scrap wood that is 1/2" thinner than the opening to allow for the thickness of drywall. You'll also want to cut the piece a little smaller than the opening. Use screws (or adhesive) to attach the scrap piece of wood to the framing piece (figure A).

4. Next, cut a piece of drywall a little smaller than the existing circle (figure B). Screw the drywall patch to the scrap wood filler piece.

5. Fill the gaps with a coat of drywall compound (figure C). Allow the compound to dry, then sand lightly. Finish off with a second coat of compound, followed by primer and paint.

Hardwood Floor Repair

The couple renews the closet's hardwood floor with new hardwood, sanding and a coat of stain and sealer.

Materials:

Tack cloth
Lint free cloth
Wood Stain
Kneepads
Polyurethane sealer (water based)
Paint brush
Rosen paper
Baseboard stock
Stud finder
Spackling compound
Painters caulking
Painters multi tool
TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) cleaner
Medium grit sand paper
Paint roller
Paint roller extension pole
Semi-gloss paint
Paintbrush cleaner
Empty quart cans
Latex gloves
Safety glasses
Ear protection
80 grit sand paper/disc
Floor sander (commercial)
Edge sander (commercial)

	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G
	Figure H

1. Pry one of the old boards with a pry bar and take the piece to the lumberyard to find new hardwood flooring planks that match in size and wood type.

2. Carefully remove damaged floor boards down to the solid material underneath (figure D). Remove the floor in a staggered pattern (and be sure to install in a staggered pattern to hide the seams).

3. Prepare subfloor by removing any nails (figure E) or debris left behind that could interfere with the new flooring.

4. Use staples to secure a layer of rosen paper to the floor (figure F) to provide a "friction layer" that will minimize squeaks.

5. Cut the new floor boards at random lengths to re-create the staggered pattern of the original floor. Try to match the original lengths to better conceal the repair.

6. Use a cordless nail gun to shoot nails into the new pieces of flooring (figure G). Note: One of the advantages of a nail gun is its ability to drive nails deeper into the wood, recessing the heads and making them more easily covered by wood putty or filler.

7. Fill holes with a quality wood filler and fill any larger cracks. Sand, stain (figure H) and seal the floor to complete the job. Be sure to contact a local flooring specialist for additional help as needed.

RESOURCES :
Cherry Walk-In Closet System
Easyclosets.com
To order: 1-800-910-0129, or go to www.easyclosets.com