Removing Carpeting from Hardwood Floors

First you need to determine the type of adhesive that was used. Usually a dark or tan color adhesive is tar based and mineral spirits can be used. A light or clear adhesive (usually carpet tape) can be removed with an all-purpose adhesive remover. A yellow looking substance is generally carpet adhesive and can be lightly scraped or chipped off easily, and an all purpose adhesive remover will work.

Once the adhesive is removed, the floor can be sanded with a coarse paper and then re-sanded with finer paper. In some cases, carpeting over a hardwood floor is installed with wooden tack strips. After the carpet has been removed and the tack strips are pulled up, wood putty then can be used to fill the holes. Extra sanding may be needed before finishing.

 

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