Dear James: I have seen inlaid wood floors in older buildings and would like one in my own home. Can I add decorative inlays to my existing hardwood floors?—Trish K.
Dear Trish: Decorative inlays in a hardwood floor can enhance the decor of any room. Each one is custom designed and made so the floor will be unique. They are not as common as they used to be, but new manufacturing techniques are reducing the labor needed and bringing the cost down.
It is best to leave this job to a professional unless you are a very experienced do-it-yourselfer and have the proper power tools, but here are some tips. Inlaid wood materials themselves are expensive. You do not want to take a chance of routing a floor improperly and then having the inlays not fit….