Are these floorboards restorable (Edwardian house)?

[Stevers]

I like the feel and different textures but health wise carpet is a constantly recycling allergen and pathogen reservoir.

We're going way off topic here, but the modern home can be way too clean. If you don't have a dog, get a carpet - one that's walked on with shoes. Three cornerstones to load the dice for a healthy life: Nutrician, Exercise and oddly Dirt. Immune systems need constant reminders, and the hordes of bacteria that are inside us need to be diverse (and well fed) to make sure we have the good guys we need. Visibly clean(ish) is fine and no more!

I have however always been allergic to cats, no doubt because I will have nothing to do with them other than chase them out of my garden...

 

[Toby Newell]

We're going way off topic here, but the modern home can be way too clean. If you don't have a dog, get a carpet - one that's walked on with shoes. Three cornerstones to load the dice for a healthy life: Nutrician, Exercise and oddly Dirt. Immune systems need constant reminders, and the hordes of bacteria that are inside us need to be diverse (and well fed) to make sure we have the good guys we need. Visibly clean(ish) is fine and no more!

I have however always been allergic to cats, no doubt because I will have nothing to do with them other than chase them out of my garden...

Mmmm. Er, no. Yes, I am also allergic to some cats but no, carpets are not beneficial in any way. They are full of heavy metals, pollutants and many immune system triggers.

I think what you are alluding to is the overuse of anti bacterial agents and children growing up too clean. That appears to increase inflammation. So eating dirt = good, carpets = major health hazard.

 

[Lacan07]

Ask @Lacan07 I have been pretending to be his Mr Miyagi. Staining is much harder than clear finishing, especially on old pine, another thing to possibly react and your sanding needs to be perfect or every mistake or sanding mark will show up. Staining a floor doubles the finishing time and also extends the sanding time. If you want to stain you will need to experiment. I sand to P60 or P80 with hand machine (after machine sanding) water wash, then cut back with P100 or P120. Your sanding needs to be perfect. Lacan did a really good job looking at his photos he sent me, so it just takes dilligence and patience. Maybe Lacan is better to ask how he found it, as a novice.

I can confirm that staining soft pine is hard work and will give you sleepless nights but when it all comes together its worth it I think. Your sanding mistakes will show for sure, drum sanders should probably be avoided if your planning to stain.