Asked on Mar 24, 2015
Affordable floor options
by
Lara Edge
+13
We just bought a house and want to rip up the carpet. Underneath is hardwood, but it is so damaged from nails and staples from the carpet, that refinishing isn’t an option. And we can't afford new. Is there a faux wood flooring that looks real enough, and yet is durable enough for a dog-loving family?
This carpet is at least 30 years old! Yuck! It's got to go.
15 answers
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Can you use a hardwood floor filler for the nail and staple damage? I don't know much about flooring but it would be great to save the hardwood. Message Minwax on Facebook and ask them about it. I have asked them a few questions about wood projects and they always get back to me with all the details. Best of luck!
Karla @ Small Town Rambler
on Mar 24, 2015
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Try looking up floors finished with brown paper sacks. I don't understand it but remember reading about it. Good luck. I may be in the same situation next winter, so please tell us what you choose and how it turns out. Thanks.
Muriel
on Mar 24, 2015
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My favorite option for you is laminate plank flooring. You can learn more here http://goo.gl/s9bUFX It looks great, resists scratches and is a cinch to install.
Deirdre Sullivan
on Mar 24, 2015
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Have you visited Home Depot or Lowe's, those stores carry the laminate plank flooring measuring anywhere from 3"-5" per plank. This floor is durable and affordable and looks great.
Cornelia Schott
on Mar 25, 2015
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I agree with Carla, years ago my niece bought a house with hardwood flooring that was covered by (nasty) carpet. My sister, nephew & several other family members worked a few days pulling nail and staples, filing with metal file metal staples broke off in wood, filling with a good stainable wood putty. Lightly sanding the putty after hardening. Gave entire floor ( several rooms) a good varnish. If any planks are missing or so badly damaged, inquire about a flooring person repairing just that area. My nieces floor turned out stunning. The various nail & staple blemishes added lots of character. It was a effort produced by free family labor. Lol.
Jhunt10
on Mar 25, 2015
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truly-if you sand the floors and give them a neew coat of stain, and then a matte finish, and an area rug or two, the holes will NOT worry you any more.
Me
on Mar 25, 2015
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You can always fill the holes with wood putty that matches your stain. (we get ours from Sherwin Williams) Sand them down, re-stain them, then fill in the holes and clear coat the flooring. You can usually rent a big sander from a United Rental or even Home Depot. The big ones are kind of tricky to get the hang of. It's hard work but no worse than putting in new laminate. Good Luck
Denise Eaton
on Mar 25, 2015
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I bought a home with hard wood floors covered by carpet, too. I don't know what you consider "too damaged" but we were able to redo ours and it is wonderful! Yes, you can see some of the nails holes, etc, but it is not as noticable as you would think!
E. Harris
on Mar 25, 2015
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Wwhy not ask a reputable flooring expert in your area?
Mag1120776
on Mar 25, 2015
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Laminates look like real wood, and they'll stand up to pets. www.houselogic.com/news/home-improvement/9-popular-trends-laminate-flooring/?pred_search_link_clicked=9+Popular+Trends+in+Laminate+Flooring?eo_sm_sa_lkg
Lisa Kaplan Gordon
on Mar 25, 2015
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You can, if you have the time and are not objectionable to a LOT of elbow grease fill the holes with wood filler and sand..then paint/stencil and poly..I did some of my floors after I pulled up carpet on 40 year old plywood subfloor and it turned out amazing and a year later still looks fabulous. In my art "studio" room I have a linoleum floating floor that has a wood pattern on it that actually looks really nice and got it a I think Home Depot but I'm sure many places have it. Both cheap options. Enjoy what ever you do! What I like most about floating floors and paint is later you can always cover/replace with new carpet if you want.
Moxie
on Mar 25, 2015
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We just installed laminate wood plank floors and they're so realistic I almost can't believe it!!! They're much more affordable than installing real wood too.
Nicole @ The Inspired Hive
on Mar 25, 2015
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I ripped up carpet in a home I had once and had the same issue. I was tight on cash, so I pulled out all the nails and staples and had the floor refinishing guy just sand and polyurethane - no filling in holes, no staining. It was a rustic look and I absolutely LOVED it. Depending on your decor, this might be an option for you. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Linda Phillips Glombowski
on Mar 26, 2015
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PS when you rip up the carpet, WEAR FILTER MASKS. The stuff that comes up with the carpet is disgusting.
Linda Phillips Glombowski
on Mar 26, 2015
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I am having the same issue...I am installing laminate wood flooring. I have a dog and 4 cats...and they will stand up to pets. Good luck in whatever you choose!
Rachel Z
on Mar 26, 2015
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