There's hardwood under the carpet in our bungalow — is it usually worth pulling it up in older homes?

In most Ottawa bungalows, the hardwood under carpet is absolutely worth uncovering - these homes typically have solid 3/4" oak or maple flooring that's often in better condition than you'd expect.

Why it's usually worth it: Carpet actually protects hardwood from foot traffic, UV damage, and moisture. The biggest concerns are usually tack strip nail holes around the perimeter (easily filled during refinishing) and potential pet stains if the carpet pad failed. Most 1950s-1970s Ottawa bungalows have quality solid hardwood that was simply covered when carpet became fashionable, not because the wood was damaged.

What to expect condition-wise: Pull up a corner of carpet in an inconspicuous area to assess the wood. Look for the species (likely red or white oak), plank width, and overall condition. Minor scratches, small gaps, and surface stains are all easily addressed during refinishing. However, if you see extensive water damage, large gaps, or severely cupped boards, the restoration costs might exceed replacement.

Ottawa-specific considerations: Many local bungalows have the original 2-1/4" strip oak flooring, which is highly desirable and adds significant home value. The refinishing process typically costs $3-6 per square foot, while new hardwood installation runs $10-18 per square foot. Factor in disposal costs for the old carpet and potential subfloor repairs.

Next steps: Carefully remove a section of carpet and pad to evaluate the hardwood's condition. If the wood looks promising, get quotes for both refinishing and replacement to compare your options. For a professional assessment of your specific floors, Ottawa Floor Install offers free consultations to help determine if restoration or replacement makes more sense for your project.