Picked out new wood floor and find..

Made_Without

So having ummed and ahhed - researched real wood,engineered, laminate; found some great real wood at a fantastic price. I lifted the carpet to see what type of floor was below to check out the type of underlay I need to get, and find



Now I feel like I am back to square one - do these look like they are worth restoring. Any idea of cost and time involved with restoring these?

There are some holes in the wood (look clean-drilled rather than beetle nibbled) havent lifted all the carpet so I don't know if it is the same across all three rooms in terms of the condition. Also, havent been able to lift the hall where there is laminate - so not sure if there is wood under there.

Or should I stick to putting the new real wood on top?!


C*F

DirectDebacle

What period of house do you have? I have sanded similar looking Victorian boards and they came up stunning. However a lot of work, particularly in preparation. Damage has to be repaired, loose boards secured and any nails, carpet tacks etc removed from the surface. Gaps will have to be sealed. Original nails punched down to about 5mm below the surface of the boards, more if they are cupped or bowed. You will need a floor sander (drum) and edging sander (orbital). Hire or buy 2nd hand then re-sell. Incredibly dusty work and you will need a good dust mask.

Plan the work. If you have anything that requires lifting of boards, e.g. plumbing/wiring work have this done before doing the floor. Also better to decorate the room before sanding and finishing. Much easier to clean dust off fresh paint than to clean up spilled paint off a newly sanded and finished floor.

Cost won't be much if you discount the hire/purchase of the sanders. Maybe £200.00-£250.00 for sanding sheets/discs and floor finish. Depends largely on the size of the floors.

The new wood you have found will be a lot less effort but in my opinion will be inferior to good original boards.