Hardwood floor refinishing

[gonefishie]

I'm pondering whether I should just replace the carpet cuz it is shot or I should refinish the floor underneath. It has been cover with carpet for who knows how long. Will take pic this afternoon after I pull the carpet off.

 

[xxxflhrci]

Re: Hardwood floor refinishing

Refinish the wood. IMO, it should be a crime to put carpet over hardwood.

 

[gonefishie]

Re: Hardwood floor refinishing

I forgot to take picture but it's in bad shape. The low traffic areas look good but high traffic areas are terrible with lot of stains. The area by the front wall in the living room has what looks like glue or part of the pad stuck to it. It's about 1.5ft wide and runs the entire length of the LR. The genius that built the house put brick pattern linoleum on the unfinished hardwood floor in the hallway. This would be an "extreme" refinish job, sanding it down to bare wood, stain and clear coat, all of which I have no experience doing. The thing that totally blew me away was the huge amount of fine sand like junks below the padding. It was absolutely disgusting to think that I used to roll around on the carpet.

 

[xxxflhrci]

Re: Hardwood floor refinishing

A pro can refinish those floors with minimal mess and intrusion into your life.

 

[blairjbyrd]

Re: Hardwood floor refinishing

I have been refinishing hardwood for over 10yrs. Take some pics and I can guide you on what direction you should go.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Hardwood floor refinishing

You have not lived until you have had the joy of floor snding and edge sanding....... I would refinish it

 

[blairjbyrd]

Re: Hardwood floor refinishing

Bob you are exactly right. It is fun stuff

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Hardwood floor refinishing

There is actually an incredible amount of satisfaction that comes with re-finishing.

Here are two additional posts regarding re-finishing floors

Here is one http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=286558&highlight=floor

and the last floor I did was pine in my 150 year old plus house in my guestroom http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=185820&highlight=floor

The first hardwood floors I did in my home were actually black and that black turned out to be old finishes!

If you re-finish the flooring you can then use area rugs if you need them

 

[rbh]

Re: Hardwood floor refinishing

Refinish the wood. IMO, it should be a crime to put carpet over hardwood.

Love hard wood floors, just through rugs under the couch and chairs to keep your feet warmer in the winter.

 

[HopeSheFloats]

Re: Hardwood floor refinishing

I'm with the refinish the hardwood...did ours two years ago after 24 yrs of carpeting...never going back....rented all the equip from home cheapo...easy peasy...Plus it's great entertainment, watching the dogs and cat slip & slide as they try to tear thru the house

 

[Plainsman]

Re: Hardwood floor refinishing

..Plus it's great entertainment, watching the dogs and cat slip & slide as they try to tear thru the house

So true!!!! I have a puppy and he slams into the wall all day long.

I put down a ash floor around Christmas. Getting a sander in a few weeks when it's warm enough to open the windows for the stain. This is my first floor too.

I say go for it!!

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Hardwood floor refinishing

It's one of those tasks that are relatively easy - you just have to follow directions. A three pad vibrating sander makes it much safer for first timers and renting an edge sander will save you quite a bit of frustration.

To cut down on the dust, I place the vacuum cleaner outside and run a long piece of hose to it. Sounds a bit like an elk call when running but really keeps the inside of the house cleaner. That way you can do most of the painting first and not worry about ruining your new floor.

Like the others have said, it's a beautiful and rewarding transformation.

 

[Skiuseme]

Re: Hardwood floor refinishing

The amount of Time and effort was not worth it to me to refinnish my floors. So I hired someone else to do it!!! 4 days for 957 sq ft.

Yes it was a mess and yes it was a pain since it was my enitre living level of my house(minus bath and kitchen).

$1800 was well worth his time and effort.

 

[marlboro180]

Re: Hardwood floor refinishing

The amount of Time and effort was not worth it to me to refinnish my floors. So I hired someone else to do it!!! 4 days for 957 sq ft.

Yes it was a mess and yes it was a pain since it was my enitre living level of my house(minus bath and kitchen).

$1800 was well worth his time and effort.

Wow, around 1.80 a square foot? Thats a deal. My guy, who has been doing my floors ( as well as my friends, customers, etc.) for nearly 15 years , now get 3.25 a foot . Still worth it though. He can make darn near anything look great.
Well worth writing the check IMO.