The Truth About Carpet and Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are one of the most timeless, sought-after features in any home. They’re elegant, long-lasting, and can completely transform the look and feel of a room.
But what happens when hardwood is hidden under wall-to-wall carpet? Can the flooring beneath survive years, or even decades, of being covered? And if damage has already been done, can those beautiful wood planks be restored to their original beauty?
Whether you’re considering installing carpet over hardwood or you’ve just bought a house with carpeting and suspect there’s wood underneath, here’s everything you need to know.
The Most Common Ways Carpet Damages Wood Floors
It’s easy to assume that carpet would protect the floors underneath, like a big blanket shielding them from wear and tear. In reality, the opposite is often true. When hardwood floors are covered with carpet, especially for long periods of time, several types of damage can occur, and many of them are hidden until the carpet is removed.
Let’s look at the main culprits.
1. Moisture build-up over time
Wood is a natural material, which means it’s porous and sensitive to moisture. Carpeting, especially when combined with thick padding, can trap humidity against the floorboards. This is especially problematic in basements or homes that lack adequate airflow. Over time, moisture buildup can cause:
- Warping and cupping of the planks
- Staining and dark spots
- Mildew or mold between the floor and the pad
- Finish deterioration or bubbling
Once moisture gets beneath the surface of a hardwood floor, reversing the damage can be difficult without professional help.
2. Staining from foam or rubber padding
Many carpets are installed over padding to create a softer, more insulated floor, but not all padding is floor-friendly.
Older or low-quality pads, usually made of foam, rubber, or waffle-style padding, can degrade over time and leave behind chemical residues. These materials may react with the polyurethane finish on hardwood floors, causing:
- Yellowing or dark stains
- Sticky residue that’s hard to remove
- Pitted or rough textures
- Permanent colour changes, even after cleaning
This kind of staining is most common in homes where the carpet has been left untouched for over 10 years.
3. Damage from tack strips and nails
To secure carpet, installers often use tack strips: narrow pieces of wood with tiny nails or tacks sticking out, nailed along the perimeter of the room. These strips do their job well, but they also damage the hardwood.
- Once removed, tack strips leave behind:
- Dozens of nail holes
- Splintered or chipped wood along the edges
- Raised areas or indentations around the holes
- Gaps or unevenness where the strip once sat
While small nail holes can be patched, larger splinters or gouges may require sanding or board replacement.
4. Adhesive residue
Some carpet jobs use glue, either to hold down the padding or the carpet itself. If this adhesive is applied directly to the hardwood, it can bond with the finish or even sink into the wood grain. This creates a stubborn, uneven residue that:
- Won’t come off with normal cleaning
- May require chemical stripping or sanding
- Can pull up, finish, or stain during removal
- Often leaves a “shadow” that remains visible
Removing glue from hardwood is one of the most labor-intensive aspects of restoration, and in some cases, full refinishing is the only solution.
Can You Restore Hardwood Floors After Removing Carpet?
Yes. In most cases, hardwood floors can be restored after carpet removal, even if they’ve been covered for decades. The amount of work (and cost) involved depends on how the carpet was installed and how the wood has aged underneath.
Here’s how to tackle the restoration process:
Step 1: Remove the Carpet and Padding
Start by slicing the carpet into strips with a utility knife. Roll it up and remove it section by section. Be gentle; jerking or dragging the carpet across the floor can cause scratches or splinters.
Next, pull up the padding. If it’s stapled down, use pliers or a floor scraper. If it’s glued, prepare for some elbow grease and adhesive remover.
As you remove everything, check for:
- Mold or mildew smells
- Dark patches or staining
- Excess moisture under the pad
- Sticky or uneven patches
Step 2: Remove Tack Strips and Staples
Use a pry bar to carefully lift the tack strips from the floor edges. Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp nails.
Fill any nail holes with matching wood filler. For deeper holes or splintered edges, you may need to sand before patching.
Don’t forget the staples. A single leftover staple can damage your sanding equipment or leave visible marks after refinishing.
Step 3: Clean the Surface Thoroughly
Vacuum up all debris, then use a hardwood-safe cleaner to mop the floor. Avoid using too much water since excess moisture can cause more harm.
For stubborn stains or grime, a diluted vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 10 parts water) followed by a dry microfiber mop can help clean without damaging the finish.
Step 4: Address Any Adhesive or Residue
If glue was used, apply a small amount of hardwood-safe adhesive remover and let it sit for a few minutes. Gently scrape it away with a plastic putty knife. Be patient, rushing this step can gouge the floor.
In some cases, you may still be left with dull patches or discoloration. If so, sanding may be the only way to fully even out the surface.
Step 5: Sand and refinish (if needed)
Sanding can eliminate discoloration, scratches, and any remaining glue. It also gives you a clean surface to re-seal. This is a labor-intensive process, and if you’re dealing with older, thinner boards or unusual stains, it might be worth hiring a professional.
Once the floor is sanded, apply your chosen finish—oil-based polyurethane is durable and gives a rich look, but water-based finishes dry faster and have less odor. Let each coat dry fully before walking on it or moving furniture back in.
Should You Ever Carpet Over Hardwood?
If you’re a fan of soft floors underfoot or need better insulation in colder months, you might still be considering carpeting over your wood. The good news? It’s not always a death sentence for your floors.
- If you want to go this route, here are some tips to minimize damage:
- Use a natural felt pad without adhesives or synthetic materials
- Avoid tack strips if possible. Opt for rugs or temporary carpeting that doesn’t require nailing
- Skip the glue entirely and use carpet tape sparingly
- Vacuum and clean under rugs regularly to prevent moisture buildup
For many homeowners, a better alternative to wall-to-wall carpeting is a large area rug. You get the comfort and design flexibility of carpet without the risk of permanent damage. Area rugs are easy to lift and clean, and you’ll still be able to show off your beautiful hardwood.
So, Is It Worth Uncovering Hardwood Floors?
Carpeting can damage hardwood floors underneath, especially if it’s installed with tack strips, glued down, or left for years without attention.
However, with the right restoration process, many floors can be brought back to their original beauty. The key is to act quickly. If you’ve just removed carpet and noticed stains or damage, don’t let it sit. Clean, repair, and if needed, refinish the floor while the room is clear. The sooner you address the issues, the more likely you are to save your hardwood.
Just Pulled Up Carpet? Let Us Bring Your Hardwood Floors Back to Life
If you’ve recently removed old carpet and discovered hardwood underneath, you’re already halfway to transforming your space. At Dave’s Floor Sanding & Installing, Inc., our team specializes in reviving hidden hardwood with expert sanding and finishing services tailored to your home.
For over 40 years, homeowners across the Twin Cities have trusted our family-owned company to restore and enhance their floors with precision, care, and zero subcontractors. From simple refreshes to full refinishing, we’ve got the tools and experience to get it done right.
Call 763-784-3000 or contact us online, and we’ll get your floors looking better than ever.