Potential problems with removing existing carpet over hardwood without refinishing or replacing carpet?

Submitted by ASheepAtTheWheel t3_yhimiv in DIY

I’ve lived in a rent-controlled one-bedroom apartment for the last twelve years and do not anticipate moving in the near future (or, given what I pay, possibly ever). I live in a city where landlords are required to replace the existing carpet every X number of years. The carpet was not new when I moved in and I’ve cycled through that period at least twice and have been battling with the management company to replace it for over three years now. The carpet is literally disintegrating. I’ve also been present when their maintenance people have done an inspection by pulling up a portion of the carpet in each room to reveal that the pad underneath is basically nonexistent. The building was built in 1953 and the carpet was added later, so there are original hardwood floors underneath the carpet.

At this point I want to take up the carpet myself as its removal (moreso than its actual replacement) is holding up the completion of other work in my unit, and after three years I’m tired of living out of boxes. I’m tempted to tear it out and then eventually either refinish the wood floors or replace the carpet once we arrive at an agreement regarding who is paying for what.

I’m wondering from a practical standpoint what problems I might encounter in doing this that I haven't anticipated. I'm guessing that after all this time, the floor's original finish probably isn't in great shape cosmetically, but is there any reason I couldn't just clean it well, throw a lot of rugs down, and call it a day for now? Is there anything I need to keep in mind?

Thanks in advance for any advice (or dire warnings) you can send my way!

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dupattaluella t1_iudyhrh wrote

Why would you spend your money to upgrade a place you only rent?

Also, you could get kicked out for this. Doesn't matter what the landlord should be doing, you'd be messing with their property without their consent.

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ASheepAtTheWheel OP t1_iue0p8u wrote

I didn’t want to make the post overlong but there is no way I would be kicked out for this according to the terms of the lease. I’ve even checked with my lawyer and the rent stabilization office and my neighbor is in the process of doing the exact same thing. I’ve lived here for twelve years and I will probably be here for another twelve as I live in a high COL area and my rent is cheaper than literally any mortgage I could get in a 100-mile radius. I understand that renting is not everyone’s cup of tea, nor does everyone think that you should devote time and energy to a rental, but many people find themselves in similar situations - particularly in cities like mine where people are known to rent for 20-30 years once they lock in a good rate. I appreciate your concern, but I am cleared to do this legally and I don’t mind investing my own time and energy into my home of more than a decade. My question was more directed toward the practical aspects of removing the carpet on my own, as this is not a DIY I’ve attempted before.

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dupattaluella t1_iue35ro wrote

What help are you looking for then? Practically, carpet is easy to remove. What specific advice are you looking for.

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stealthxstar t1_iue3gk8 wrote

Their post title has their question. Are there any issues that could arise.

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dupattaluella t1_iue4rhy wrote

Yes. Black mold, floors could be shit, carpet could be difficult to remove, carpet pad could have mold, carpet pad could be difficult to remove, floors could be tough to refinish, floors might not be able to be refinished, and the carpet may not be able to be reused and OP would have to purchase new carpet and new carpet pad.

Almost anything could arise. Which is why it's not smart to invest time and money fixing up a place that isn't yours.

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ASheepAtTheWheel OP t1_iujddb2 wrote

It appears that you didn’t see my earlier comment. I am legally cleared to do this. The only question is who is paying for what replacement/refinishing, if any. In addition I work with real estate developers and contractors daily and am well-versed in black mold. In addition I am also trained in the identification of hazardous/historic construction materials as well as their safe removal and disposal. I didn’t ask for judgment on my situation and I’m not entirely sure why you care so much about whether or not I’m “messing” with someone else’s property, but thank you for your input.

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dupattaluella t1_iujfjrf wrote

Then, it sounds like you should have all this figured out and not need any advice.

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Wendybird13 t1_iue4fp1 wrote

The carpet is held down by tack strips near the base boards, which are nailed to the floor. Those will need to be pried up, and there will be scars in the hardwood. The baseboards may have been replaced after the carpet went in, so the will float above a dirt-collecting crevice after you remove the carpet and tack strip.

Our house was built in 1957 with wool wall-to-wall in the living room, vinyl tin the kitchen, and oak plank in the bedrooms. At some point, it was given the same beige plush carpet everywhere but the kitchen and new vinyl in the kitchen.
As soon as we got the keys, we started pulling carpet up and got a quote to make it hardwood throughout. The finish in 2 of the bedrooms was in great shape and wouldn’t have needed refinishing, if the homeowner who got the whole house carpet deal hadn’t repainted without using drop cloths. Our only other surprise was that the front entryway was actually a slab foundation between the crawlspace under the master bedroom and the basement under the living room. The contractor said there was no practical way to level everything and out hardwood over the slab, so we tiled the entryway.

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ASheepAtTheWheel OP t1_iueyy34 wrote

Thanks for the info - it sounds like you have a house of a similar vintage. Your bedrooms give me hope - from what I’ve seen so far, it doesn’t look too bad, but I know I can’t possibly get that lucky in all the rooms.

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Juststellar t1_iue5pty wrote

You really won’t know until you remove it. The tack strip is nailed around the perimeter, which can be removed with a flat bar, and the pad should be adhered with staples that can be pulled out with pliers. There will be holes from the nails and staples, and maybe some knife marks from the installation, but sometimes they’re not too noticeable. Occasionally, depending on the pad, it can leave a residue on the floor, but if it’s disintegrating, it’s probably a cheap foam and this is not the case.

You could always remove a section of it, or all of it and assess the condition, give it a vacuum and a mop, and you could potentially live with it as is. Installers usually charge for removal and disposal, so you wouldn’t be creating a costly issue by doing it yourself.

To refinish them, everything would have to be moved off of them and it’s usually a 2-3 day process with a couple coats of poly. I’ve removed quite a few that were able to be lived on as is. A carpet knife is best to cut up the carpet, but a sharp utility knife will do. Lift and cut to avoid scoring the floor and cut it into 3’ strips to make it easier to handle and dispose of.

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ASheepAtTheWheel OP t1_iuezh2u wrote

Thanks so much for this - I was wondering about the staples for whatever is left of the pad. I don’t think there’s much left there at all; in fact, it’s easier for me to walk around and feel where the pad remains rather than where it doesn’t. There are huge gaping holes in the living room and dining room where it’s worn through and the wood is visible, so I may start there and see how it goes.

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LordPhartsalot t1_iui0n1x wrote

If the carpet is old enough, the staples may be difficult/tedious to remove completely, and may have rusted. I did this once to a 50's house and distinctly recall proceeding around the perimeter on my knees with needle-nose pliers cussing and moaning about it.

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ASheepAtTheWheel OP t1_iujdplu wrote

Oh dear. My condolences to your knees. I’m actually quite curious about what all is happening under there at this point. I think the carpet was a much more recent addition, so I don’t think the staples will be quite that old, but I’m anticipating that it’s not going to be a fun time either way. Although you’ve got me thinking I might need to invest in some knee pads…

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bandaidworld t1_iuh27j9 wrote

Very easy to remove carpet, pad and tack strip (wear a n95 mask). Clean the wood and freshen/seal with a light stain or poly. Most times you'll get a nice rustic look without sanding, big scratches and all! I know you can do it!

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ASheepAtTheWheel OP t1_iujeflz wrote

Thank you so much for this. I was brought up in the DIY tradition by my dad, who taught me well, but he died last winter and this will be the first project I’m undertaking where I won’t be able to call him if I have any questions. I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t forgetting about anything major that would derail the whole thing.

And yes, true to form, one of the last Christmas gifts he ever gave me was an N95 respirator mask, so I’ll be all set. :) Thanks for cheering me on.

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Oneforthebin t1_iuelp77 wrote

After the carpet is removed you will need to sand the floors to remove the old finish. It is very labor intensive to refinish floors. You should watch youtube videos before you undertake. Other people have said you should not be doing this in a rental. Beside the fact that you are improving the owners property without compensation, you will be liable for any damage. If your management company wont bring the property up to livable condition you need to go through your city’s rent board or other tenant advocate group. If you’re dead set on this course of action at the very least you need to get permission in writing from the management.

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ASheepAtTheWheel OP t1_iujenyf wrote

I replied to another comment that I’m legally cleared to do this. The only question is who is paying for what replacement/refinishing. I’ve been a renter my entire adult life and am very familiar with my obligations as well as my landlord’s responsibilities. Thanks for your input.

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