2003 Lake Forest showhouse: lady's dressing room stenciled floor. Photo c.2003 G. Morton, About.com

Difficulty: Average
Time Required: The project will span several days

Here's How:

1. Move all furniture, accessories, curtains, and light fixtures out of room.
2. Have floor professionally sanded, or rent a floor sander to do it yourself. However, be sure to get proper instruction and never set a running sander down on the floor unless it's moving.
3. After floors are sanded, acuum and clean thoroughly to remove all dust and debris.
4. Obtain a can of white pickeling liquid at a hardware store or home center.
5. Carefully read instructions for use. It is usually applied generously, then left for a time, per product directions.
6. If floor is not pickled enough after the allotted time, an additional coat may be applied.
7. Mop up excess liquid with clean dry painter's rags. Allow floor to dry 24-48 hours, or until very dry.
8. Obey product instructions for drying and walking on the floor. High humidity levels may require additional drying time.
9. Only if necessary, a fine light sanding may be required to smooth any raised grain. However, sand lightly and evenly so it doesn't become blotchy. Then vacuum and clean floor very well to remove any remaining dust.
10. Apply three or more coats of clear polyurethane, allowing adequate drying time between coats. (Again, see product can for recommendations, or inquire about instructions at your local paint dealer.)
11. Only if necessary between coats, a fine, very light sanding may again be needed after floor is thoroughly dry. Vacuum and clean floor well with a tack cloth before the next coat of poly.
12. You may wish to apply up to five additional coats of polyurethane to protect high traffic areas such as foyers, halls, or kitchens.
13. Allow floor to dry several days, or even a week, before moving furniture back into it. Tape or block the doorways to the room to avoid any disasters.

Tips:

1. If possible, test the pickling method on an inconspicuous area (in a closet, under a radiator, or on extra floorboards) to preview the look, and test drying times.
2. Professional floor sanding may be preferable to ruining a hardwood floors with ridges and dents from improper do-it-yourself sanding.
3. Polyurethane is available in various glosses. Choose the lowest gloss (matte or satin finish) for rustic interiors, or semi-gloss if you want a shiny surface.
4. Water-based polyurethane is reported to be non-yellowing, so it may be a better choice if you don't want the floor to age and yellow over time.

More How To's from your Guide To Interior Decorating