I discovered hardwood floors under the old carpet in the master bedroom of my house. I haven't ripped up the carpet completely but have taken some good glimpses around the edges. It appears the floor is in great shape but it is unfinished. It looks like there was never any stain or varnish put on it. I would like to use the hardwood floors but I don't know how to treat the wood. I don't know the best way to approach this with limited time and money and I am a novice at this stuff. What are the best options?

Best option is to save up a little money and have a professional floor finisher sand and finish. Prices will vary slightly by what you have and where you live but you can expect somewhere in the area of $3 per SF to sand, stain and finish a hardwood floor.

If it's unfinished and in decent shape, it may run a little cheaper.

Going from carpet to hardwood is certainly an upgrade that is worth doing.

If you can find an orbital sander, you might want to try doing the job, but using a drum sander (which is what most places rent) is extremely difficult and you won't be pleased with the results. But be aware that even using an orbital sander, it is very hard to get a smooth finish. The pros have high end sanders and vacuums that allow them to reduce the amount of fugitive dust, which is what causes most of the problems once you apply the poly. If the floor was never finished, the cost should be significantly lower since removing the old finish is very time consuming.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: joecercone,

i agree with jaybee, you can save a little money by removing the old carpet and tack strips yourself
couple hundred. but a pro would be best

I also agree with jaybee. Best to get it done right the first time.

if you remove the old stuff yourself, you ! MUST ! remove every tiny piece of metal in that floor. they will tear up the belts and the sander could leave gouges as a result.

leave nothing behind except dust and footprints.

if you can't stand that drill of several hours, let the pro do it all.