Is it cheaper to refinish hardwood floors or buy new carpet?

Question

The house is about 1k square foot. Most of the house has hardwood flooring (the kitchen I'm not messing with). I can get a good deal on carpet at the local independent dealer.. about $4-5/sq ft.

Should I refinish (I've never done it before and I'm not going to hire anyone), or just buy new carpet?

Answer 1

It does cost more than carpet to have hardwood floors refinished but well worth the money, I think. Looks nicer and adds more value to your home.

Answer 2

If you're planning on doing it yourself, definitely go with the carpet. Refinishing is a time consuming process that deals with a lot of chemicals and a lot of time.

Carpet is more versatile, more durable (as long as you don't have small kids or pets) and is a lot easier to replace.

Hardwood floors are beautiful, but only if you have them done right. Without a lot of time and knowledge, you risk making the floor look worse between scuffing, staining, polishing, etc. If you get the carpet now, you can save up the money over time to have the floors professionally done later on if you'd still like to do it, and then, get a runner for the high traffic areas to extend the life of the work.

Answer 3

Hardwood floors can only add value to your home. It is well worth having it done or depending on large the area is, do it yourself. First, try to remove as much paint as possible with a scraper, then if you can rent a square commercial sander, that would be the way to go. As in all sanders, even hand held, the trick is to apply even pressure and not go at it with the edge of the sander, rather the whole face of the sander should be in contact with the floor. That way you don't end up with ridges or gouges. Between coats of finish, it's wise to lightly sand and tack cloth the surface. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

You have answered your own question.
Refinishing a hardwood floor (properly) takes skill and experience. If you have never done it, I wouldn't.

(Shame to cover all that pretty wood though, you may want to reconsider since hardwood floors significantly increase the sale value of a house.)

Answer 5

Ask at a carpet store that also sells hardwood flooring and get a price on both.

Answer 6

This is a matter of preference. I love wood floors but, that's me, my wife would not bother with them, she says carpet is much warmer. If you don't want a big job, have carpet put in.

Answer 7

In term that do it your self , re-finish is way chipper .
here's how .
rent a sand machine and sand all the floor ,till get a smooth and clean surface . Apply wood finish 2 or 3 time and 1 time sealer at end .