Hardwood flooring is timeless and beautiful. If properly maintained, it can last over 30 years. But in previous generations, the most common type of residential flooring was carpet. Now that hardwood flooring is back, it looks like it’s here to stay. So, what can you do if you want to pull up the old carpet and restore the hardwood flooring hidden beneath? Whether you are restoring residential flooring or removing office carpet, here are some tips to streamline the process and have the floors you desire.
How to Properly Repurpose Hardwood Floors
Make a Plan
First, you’ll want to consider whether or not your flooring will be in decent shape, to begin with. If you pull off the carpet and you are able to repair the floors below, you’ll want to follow these steps:
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Remove carpet, padding, and any leftover debris from the fibers, etc.
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Pull out tack strips or staples that held the carpeting in place.
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Sand and refinish the flooring if needed. You can tell by placing a few drops of water on the flooring. If it doesn’t immediately soak into the floors, a deep clean and polish will suffice.
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Clean the floors regardless of refinishing status.
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Use a hardwood flooring polish.
What if It Can’t Be Restored?
If you pull up the carpet and discover the flooring is too far gone, you can typically completely refinish it with a lot of work. However, if that isn’t within your timeframe and budget, consider removing the floors and installing vinyl hardwood flooring for a fraction of the cost of new hardwood flooring. Plus, vinyl hardwood flooring is much easier to maintain, especially in high-traffic households.
What’s Next?
After your hardwood flooring has been polished, maintenance is key to keeping the look you want. Make sure to sweep once a week and mop with warm water only. There are some mops and cleaners made specifically for hardwood flooring, but no harsh chemicals should be used.
If you think you’re ready to create a completely new look and take on a large project, repurposing hardwood flooring can be very rewarding for years to come. However, if it’s too much to tackle, call the professionals!
Work With Ozburn-Hessey Company!
If you’re in the Nashville, TN, area, and are hoping to repurpose your hardwood flooring or create a completely new look, contact us today to get started!
