Hello, new user here looking for some advice. I am restoring an old cottage build in 1800s. Have removed ancient carpet in living room and hallway, discovered very old boards which so far I have just been cleaning as they were covered in dried plaster. Now looking for advice on what to do next once the clean is complete. There are different stains in different parts of the room, a couple of big gouges and splintering, but in general it seems to be in good condition and I'd like to keep it exposed with some rugs on top.
I don't mind the different colours and I really love all the old scratches and marks as it shows the history of the building. But I think it does need some level of sanding and refinish to ensure there aren't any splinters. Looking for advice about how to proceed, pls bear in mind I have NEVER done this before, and also that I am not looking to achieve an "as new" finish, I want to preserve rather than strip it back completely. The boards are pretty uneven and from what I have read a drum sander will potentially be too aggressive (and also tricky for a beginner, especially in narrow hallway).
