[NewHome54]

I just got a new house, the upstairs carpet is old and I would love to tear it out. I thought there was wood under that and when I pulled a corner up I found old pine wood and then a plastic old floor covering with a floral design, and under that was a layer of newspaper. This house was built in the 1930's and I don't know how long this floor cover has been there.
Is this job going to be too big for me? Is the old wood even worth trying to fix? I think it is pine wood. I thought I could refinish/paint it, but don't know how to do any of this. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know! Thanks!

 

[user1007]

Those layers are going to get heavy as you roll them up so make sure you are thinking through how you are going to get the bundle out of the room. Have some duct tape handy and cut it off in smaller bundles to make it easier to maneuver. And have some friends handy.

Working around old tack strips like that? Be careful and I would make sure your shots are up to date. Nice think work gloves are a must for any demo work of course. You have a good flat bar or two?

As for the floor. There is no way to tell what you have until everything is out of the way and you get a good look. I have never found pine one yet worth putting much energy or material into restoring it. Don't get your hopes up. If it works out you will be pleasantly surprised.

 

[rusty baker]

Pine is usually too soft for a finished floor.

 

[oh'mike]

I'm more curious about the news papers!!! What year?

Linoleum---that's what that sheeting is,I'll bet.

 

[rusty baker]

I'm more curious about the news papers!!! What year?

Linoleum---that's what that sheeting is,I'll bet.

Yes, thats the way my dad installed lino in the 50's.

 

[HarryJ]

'Linoleum---that's what that sheeting is,I'll bet.'

i believe thats old felt backed vinyl ( not saying there's asbestos in there but i wouldn't rub my nose in it)

i remember doing floor looked like that and thought the old want ads were hilarious