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has anyone uncovered an existing wood floor under a wood floor?

13 years ago

I know we've all heard of uncovering a gem of a floor under a layer of carpet, but am I ridiculous or could there be a decent wood floor under this nasty wood floor I have now?

This floor is skinny tongue and groove, very thin. It's splintering everywhere. I had a refinisher in and he said it was to thin to sand. The color is one I really dislike, sort of a gold/orange/honey. I prefer something much lighter---more blond and light. All my neighbors seem to have these nice 4" plank original oak (I think, maybe maple?) floors that they've had refinished beautifully. The floors are solid and tight,with no sign of the massive splintering mine has.

This house was built in 1888 or 89 I believe. The PO's said Sears kit but I couldn't find a replica. It has a pyramid roof and a turret, otherwise, There are no charming details left.

It's been hacked up and mutilated. Cheap drywall over plaster, very soft, unlovely woodwork. Institutional light fixtures. It seems like someone with no skill and no money but lots of enthusiasm spent the last 75 or 80 years practicing medicine without a license.

Please tell me there's a solid beautiful floor under this poor excuse for a wood floor!

Here is a link that might be useful: Cross Section of Floors

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Comments (2)

glennsfc
13 years ago
Could be almost anything. If you're going replace the thin slat florring anyway, then have at it and remove the stuff; you will then reveal what you have beneath it and be able to decide if it is worth restoring.

I have done many restorations and there was only one floor that was DOA.

Sounds as if your house has had lots of "remuddling" over the years; it's amazing what a DIYer with poor vision can do to nice architecture.
Jim Peschke
13 years ago
I suppose it's possible. I just covered up a wood floor that could have been refinished with a layer of plywood and another wood floor. In our case we did it in part to create an even level throughout the house and between the tiled areas. Since ours was nailed down, wouldn't that mean that it is now full of nail holes? Who knows. I like our new floor a lot better.

- Jim
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