How To Paint a Checkerboard Pattern on Your Wood Floor

Painting a wood floor is an affordable and creative way to transform a room without the expense of refinishing or replacing worn planks. This simple DIY project can give your space a fresh look with just a few tools and some paint. Whether you’re aiming for a cottage-style checkerboard pattern or a bold, solid color, painting your wood floor can dramatically change the ambiance of any room. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to prepare and paint your wood floor and how to maintain the newly painted surface. This Old House senior technical editor Mark Powers demonstrates the process of creating a striking diagonal checkerboard pattern in the video above.

Preparing Your Wood Floor for Painting

Sand the existing finish with a 150-grit sanding sponge so your paint can successfully adhere to the surface. Level any high spots on the floor using the same sanding sponge. Wipe the floor clean with a damp cloth and allow it to dry completely. Cover the spaces beneath doors with plastic to prevent dust from entering the space while you work.

Choosing the Right Paint

Selecting the appropriate paint will help you achieve a durable and attractive finish. Consider the following factors when choosing your paint:

• Color: Select colors that complement your room’s decor and create your ideal atmosphere. If you’re aiming for a classic checkerboard pattern, choose at least two colors that work well together.
• Durability: Look for paints specifically designed for floors that can withstand foot traffic and wear.
• Finish: Choose between gloss, semigloss, or matte finishes based on your desired look and maintenance preferences.

Gathering Tools and Materials

Before you start painting your wood floor, gather the following tools and materials:

• Damp cloths or sponges
• Drop cloths
• Framing square and straightedge
• Mini roller frame
• Paintbrushes
• Painter’s tape with delicate adhesion
• Paint tray
• Putty knife
• Rollers and extension poles
• Ruler or yardstick
• Sanding sponges (150-grit)
• Vacuum cleaner with a soft-bristle attachment to remove dust
• Water-based polyurethane

Applying the Base Coat

The base coat creates a uniform background for your design and helps you achieve better coverage. Follow these steps to apply your base coat:

1. Begin on the side opposite the door to avoid painting yourself into a corner.
2. Use the lighter of your two chosen colors for the base coat.
3. Cut in the edges of the floor with a paintbrush.
4. Roll the entire field with a paint roller attached to an extension pole.
5. Allow the paint to dry completely, typically overnight.
6. If necessary, lightly sand and apply a second coat for full coverage.

Creating a Checkerboard Pattern

A diagonal checkerboard pattern can make a room appear larger and more dynamic. Here’s how to lay out this design before you begin painting:

1. Start against the most visible wall in the room, placing perfect half-square triangles along this wall.
2. Estimate the number of squares you want across the wall and divide the wall length by this number.
3. Mark the wall from corner to corner using these measurements.
4. Use a framing square and straightedge to extend your marks into perfect squares.
5. Mark an X on the squares you won’t paint.
6. Use painter’s tape to section off the squares you want to paint, ensuring the tape outlines these squares.
7. Create perfect corners by tearing the tape against the putty knife.
8. Seal the tape to the floor by dragging the knife over the tape’s edge to prevent paint bleeding.
9. Clean up any stray pencil lines with a damp sponge.
10. Lightly sand the squares you’ll paint and wipe them clean.

Painting the Checkerboard Squares

Once you have laid out your pattern, it’s time to paint the squares. Follow these steps to paint your checkerboard pattern:

1. Cut in the edges of each square with a paintbrush, starting each stroke on the tape and pulling inward.
2. Fill in each square with a mini roller, rolling in the direction of the floorboards.
3. Remove the tape before the paint dries, peeling up and away from the paint at an angle for clean edges.
4. Clean up any drips or mistakes by wiping them with a damp rag while they’re still wet.

Finishing Touches for Painting a Wood Floor

Once you’ve painted your squares, you can complete your project with the following finishing touches:

• Add a border around the room’s edges for a more polished look.
• Apply a coat of water-based polyurethane to high-traffic areas for added durability.
• Establish a no-shoes rule in the painted area to maintain the finish longer.
• Look for any areas that need touch-ups and address them.
• Place felt pads under furniture legs to avoid scratching your new paint job.
• Wait a couple of days before walking on the floor or bringing furniture back into the room.

Maintaining Your Painted Wood Floor

To keep your newly painted floor looking its best, clean spills immediately with a damp cloth to prevent staining. Place mats at entryways to reduce dirt tracked onto the painted floor and sweep or vacuum regularly. Routinely clean your painted wood floor with a damp mop and a mild cleaner formulated for painted floors.

Handling Touch-Ups

Over time, you may notice minor chips or scratches on your floor. Here’s how to handle touch-ups:

1. Clean the affected areas with a mild cleaner and allow them to dry completely.
2. Lightly sand any damaged spots to create a smooth surface.
3. Apply a small amount of the original paint with a fine brush, blending it carefully.
4. Once dry, add a layer of polyurethane to seal the touch-up.

Our Conclusion

Painting a wood floor is an excellent way to refresh your space without breaking the bank. You can paint a checkerboard pattern for a more dynamic look or choose bold colors to enhance your room’s vibrancy. With proper preparation, careful application, and regular maintenance, your painted wood floor can completely transform your home’s aesthetic.