This is an old tavern that I am going to make into a soda fountain. I was suprised that you said ceiling first, but you are the profesional. The floor looks like old under the underlayment that was put over it. I have only taken a 4ftX8ft secton out so far because I was working on the ceiling. I agree that the best thing to do is retain a "rustic" look and not try to make it look like a dance floor. I anticipate some some spaces to fill. You seem to know what you are talking about. Do you have a recomendation for filling spaces, holes, etc. And what do you recomend for a final finish?