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Preservation Specialists

Historic Hardwood Floor Restoration

Preserving Milwaukee's Architectural Heritage — One Floor at a Time

Milwaukee's Historic Floor Experts

Milwaukee and its surrounding communities are home to one of the Midwest's richest collections of historic architecture. From the Victorian mansions of Brewer's Hill to the Craftsman bungalows of Bay View, from Wauwatosa's National Register historic districts to the grand homes of Washington Heights — these treasured properties deserve flooring professionals who understand their unique character and requirements.

At BBJ Hardwood Flooring, we specialize in the restoration and preservation of historic hardwood floors. We understand that the floors in your Victorian, Craftsman, or early 20th-century home aren't just flooring — they're irreplaceable artifacts crafted from old-growth timber that no longer exists. Our approach honors this heritage while ensuring your floors remain functional and beautiful for generations to come.

With 218 properties on the National Register of Historic Places in Milwaukee alone, plus dozens more historic districts throughout Waukesha County, our region demands restoration expertise that goes beyond standard refinishing. We bring that expertise to every historic project.

Serving Milwaukee's Historic Neighborhoods

We've restored floors in historic homes throughout Southeast Wisconsin, including these treasured neighborhoods:

Wauwatosa

Home to the Wauwatosa Village Historic District on the National Register. Victorian homes from the 1890s, Colonial Revival estates, and beloved Craftsman bungalows line these tree-shaded streets.

Bay View

Milwaukee's lakefront gem features beautifully preserved Victorian homes and Craftsman bungalows. Many contain original quarter-sawn oak and maple floors from the turn of the century.

Brewer's Hill

Stunning Victorian-era mansions built by Milwaukee's brewing elite. These grand homes feature intricate parquet floors, ornate borders, and premium hardwoods befitting their historic status.

Concordia

A treasure trove of Victorian architecture with meticulously restored homes. The neighborhood's annual house tours showcase the craftsmanship we help preserve.

Washington Heights

Elegant homes in Colonial Revival, Tudor, and Craftsman styles. Many feature original hardwood floors that have witnessed over a century of Milwaukee history.

Sherman Park

This historic district features Colonial Revival, Tudor, and Craftsman homes from the early 20th century, many with original maple and oak floors in remarkable condition.

We also serve historic properties in Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, Enderis Park, Story Hill, Cold Spring Park, Layton Boulevard West, Riverwest, and communities throughout Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington counties.

Understanding Historic Wood Species

The hardwood floors in Milwaukee's historic homes were crafted from old-growth timber with characteristics impossible to replicate today. These trees grew slowly over 200-500 years, producing incredibly dense, stable wood with tight grain patterns that modern lumber simply cannot match.

Quarter-Sawn White Oak

The hallmark of Victorian and Craftsman homes, quarter-sawn oak displays distinctive "ray flecks" — shimmering patterns caused by cutting perpendicular to the growth rings. This cutting method also makes the wood exceptionally stable and resistant to cupping. Finding authentic quarter-sawn oak for repairs requires specialized sourcing.

Antique Heart Pine

Old-growth longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) — known as "heart pine" — was a flooring standard from Colonial times through the early 1900s. With a Janka hardness rating matching red oak, heart pine is actually a hardwood in performance despite its softwood classification. The old-growth forests were exhausted by the 1920s, making existing heart pine floors irreplaceable treasures.

Maple & Other Period Species

The 1920s Art Deco era brought maple flooring into fashion for its light color and fine grain. Historic homes may also feature chestnut (now extinct due to blight), hickory, or mixed species installations common in working-class homes of the era.

Our Historic Restoration Services

Historic floor restoration requires different techniques and considerations than standard refinishing. Our specialized services address the unique needs of period flooring:

Gentle Restoration Sanding

Historic floors have often been sanded multiple times over their 100+ year lifespan, leaving limited wood thickness remaining. We assess wear layer depth before recommending any sanding and use the minimum aggression necessary to achieve results. In some cases, we recommend recoating or screening rather than full sanding to preserve precious material.

Our dustless sanding technology is particularly valuable in historic homes where plaster walls, original millwork, and antique furnishings must be protected from contamination.

Period-Appropriate Finishing

Modern polyurethane finishes, while durable, create a plastic-like surface sheen that looks out of place in Victorian and Craftsman interiors. For historic authenticity, we offer:

  • Penetrating oil finishes — The traditional choice that soaks into wood rather than sitting on top, allowing the wood to breathe and age naturally
  • Hard wax oils — European-style finishes combining oil and wax for a matte, hand-rubbed appearance
  • Tung oil — A period-correct finish used since the 1800s that enhances wood grain without artificial sheen
  • Shellac — The original floor finish, appropriate for museum-quality restorations

We also offer modern waterborne finishes in matte sheens for homeowners who want easier maintenance while preserving visual authenticity.

Antique Board Matching & Replacement

When damaged boards require replacement, finding authentic matches is critical. Modern lumber — even the same species — looks noticeably different from old-growth wood due to faster growth rates, wider grain spacing, and different coloration.

We source replacement boards from:

  • Reclaimed lumber suppliers specializing in antique heart pine, quarter-sawn oak, and period hardwoods
  • Architectural salvage from period-appropriate buildings
  • Hidden areas of your own home (closets, under built-ins) where boards can be harvested and relocated

Our expert stain matching accounts for oxidation and patina, ensuring repairs blend invisibly with surrounding century-old wood.

Parquet & Decorative Border Restoration

Milwaukee's grand Victorian and Edwardian homes often feature intricate parquet floors and decorative borders — geometric patterns created from contrasting wood species. These ornate installations require specialized restoration expertise:

  • Individual piece repair and replacement
  • Regluing loose parquet tiles
  • Border recreation using period-appropriate patterns
  • Medallion and inlay restoration
  • Custom reproduction of missing elements

Through our partnership with Oshkosh Designs, we can reproduce historic patterns or create custom inlays that honor your home's architectural period.

Unique Challenges of Historic Floor Restoration

Historic homes present challenges that standard flooring contractors often overlook or handle incorrectly. Our experience with Milwaukee's vintage housing stock has taught us how to navigate these issues:

Limited Wear Layer Remaining

After 100+ years and multiple sandings, some floors have less than 1/8" of wood remaining above the tongue. We measure thickness before recommending any sanding and may suggest alternatives like screening and recoating, or even leaving characterful wear patterns intact.

Subfloor & Structural Issues

Historic balloon-frame construction, pier foundations, and century-old joists create different conditions than modern homes. We assess structural soundness and coordinate with contractors when reinforcement is needed before restoration proceeds.

Lead Paint Considerations

Floors in pre-1978 homes may have been painted or have paint contamination from trim work. We follow EPA RRP (Renovation, Repair, and Painting) guidelines and can coordinate lead testing when appropriate.

Discontinued Species Matching

American chestnut, old-growth heart pine, and certain cuts of oak are no longer commercially available. We maintain relationships with reclaimed lumber suppliers and salvage specialists to source period-appropriate replacement materials.

Historic District Requirements

Properties in Milwaukee's locally designated historic districts or on the National Register may have restoration requirements. We understand preservation guidelines and can work within Historic Preservation Commission parameters.

Uneven Floors & Settlement

Century-old homes settle. Rather than fighting this character, we work with natural undulations while addressing trip hazards. Complete flattening often removes more material than historic floors can spare.

Why Trust BBJ With Your Historic Floors?

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Preservation Mindset

We approach historic floors as irreplaceable artifacts, not just surfaces to refinish. Our goal is preservation first, with minimum intervention for maximum results.

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Species Expertise

We identify historic wood species, understand their unique behaviors, and know how different woods respond to staining, finishing, and aging.

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Reclaimed Sourcing

Our relationships with reclaimed lumber suppliers give us access to antique heart pine, quarter-sawn oak, and other period materials for authentic repairs.

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Period Finishes

Beyond standard polyurethane, we offer historically appropriate penetrating oils, hard wax oils, tung oil, and shellac for authentic restoration.

Our Historic Restoration Process

1

Historic Assessment

We begin with a thorough evaluation: identifying wood species and cut, measuring remaining thickness, assessing structural conditions, documenting existing finish types, and noting any areas of concern. For designated historic properties, we review any applicable preservation requirements.

2

Preservation Planning

Based on our assessment, we develop a restoration plan that balances your goals with preservation principles. We'll discuss finish options, address necessary repairs, and provide transparent pricing. Our recommendation always prioritizes the floor's long-term preservation.

3

Material Sourcing

If repairs require replacement boards, we source materials before work begins. Finding the right match for antique flooring can take time — we won't compromise on authenticity to speed the timeline.

4

Careful Restoration

Using appropriate techniques for your floor's condition, we complete repairs, sanding (when appropriate), and finishing. Our dustless equipment protects your home's original features. Hand scraping and detail work receives the attention historic floors deserve.

5

Care Guidance

Historic floors require different maintenance than modern installations. We provide detailed care instructions specific to your floor's species, finish, and age — helping ensure your restored floors endure for another century.

Historic Floor Restoration FAQ

How do I know if my floors are original to my historic home?
Several clues indicate original flooring: face-nailed boards (common before 1900), square-cut rather than tongue-and-groove edges in very old homes, irregular board widths, and species typical of your home's era. Original floors often show wear patterns at doorways and traffic paths. We can assess your floors during a consultation and help determine their history.
Can floors that have been painted be restored?
Often, yes. Painted floors were common historically, and many beautiful hardwood floors hide beneath layers of paint. The restoration process involves careful paint removal and assessment of the wood underneath. Some floors emerge beautifully; others may show paint penetration or previous damage. We recommend an assessment before committing to full restoration. Note that in pre-1978 homes, paint may contain lead, requiring appropriate safety protocols.
Should I embrace the worn look or try to make floors look new?
This is a personal and philosophical choice. Many preservation-minded homeowners appreciate the patina and character wear imparts — those worn areas tell the story of 100+ years of family life. Others prefer a more refreshed appearance. We can achieve various results: from minimal intervention that preserves character wear, to full restoration that renews the surface while maintaining historic authenticity. We'll discuss your preferences and show you options.
My floors have been sanded many times. Can they be sanded again?
Possibly, but assessment is critical. We measure the remaining wood thickness above the tongue (the limiting factor). If adequate material remains, careful sanding with appropriate grit progression can work. If floors are too thin, we recommend alternatives: screening and recoating (which removes minimal material), or living with current character while addressing only serious damage. We never sand floors beyond their safe limits.
What if I need to match boards that aren't available anymore?
We source reclaimed lumber from suppliers who salvage wood from old buildings, barns, and industrial structures. Antique heart pine, chestnut, and old-growth oak are available through these channels, though sourcing takes time and costs more than new lumber. Another option: harvesting boards from hidden areas of your own home (closets, under radiators, beneath built-ins) to use for visible repairs. We'll discuss the best approach for your situation.
Does my home's historic designation affect what I can do with the floors?
National Register listing alone doesn't restrict interior work — it's primarily honorary. However, if your home is in a locally designated historic district (like parts of Wauwatosa or Milwaukee's Concordia neighborhood), exterior changes may require Historic Preservation Commission review. Interior work including flooring typically isn't regulated, but some homeowners with historic tax credit projects have additional considerations. We can help you navigate these requirements.

Ready to Restore Your Historic Floors?

Contact us for a free historic floor assessment. We'll evaluate your floors, discuss your goals, and provide honest recommendations for preservation.

Schedule Free Assessment