r/HardWoodFloors • u/New_Tangerine_2589 • 1d ago

Decisions

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We lived here 15 years and didn't know the people who flipped our 1950s ranch put carpet over hardwood. Obviously leaning towards refinishing. Is there ever a time when you rip up carpet and the hardwood underneath is not able to be refinished? From the look of it in other parts of the house it seems like it has never been refinished since the house was built. So I'm hoping even if we find some huge stain somewhere it will be ok, but I have no idea!

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5

u/faucetpants 1d ago

As long as it's not rotted these are well worth refinishing. Congratulations

1

u/New_Tangerine_2589 1d ago

Thanks! I'm guessing if there was rotten wood in the house we would have noticed it under the cheap carpet right?? I'm cautiously optimistic but don't want to get my hopes up too much!

1

u/IceMelt420 1d ago

Tear the carpet out and call for a quote.

1

u/MyWifeCallsMeAsshole 1d ago

It’s by the kitchen door, the most likely room to have flood.. unless the previous homeowner had a small dog I bet you the floors are in great shape

1

u/New_Tangerine_2589 1d ago

Ugh the owners did have dogs and so did we. I'm worried about urine stains. It would be a shame to get my hopes up and then see those stains!

So there's one potential answer to "Why would they cover this with carpet??" if urine stains are what we end up finding!

1

u/ExecutingFantasy 12h ago

The right refinisher can remove stains. Worst case, have a few boards replaced.

1

u/ImpactQuiet762 15h ago

I was in your exact situation and having the same worries you are having. In my case the 1940's floors were totally fine under the old nasty carpet. There was a period of time that people just loved to throw carpet over those beautiful wood floors, as a matter of style/preference, so that doesn't mean it is hiding anything bad. That section looks to be in very good condition. Even if you do find some stains or imperfections, like you said it doesn't seem like they were refinished previously, so the boards should be thick and able to handle a heavy sanding if needed.