Random thoughts on art, technology, stuff, and occasionally Real Estate: Attention: Codgers, This Question Is For You

Attention: Codgers, This Question Is For You

Jay and Medford, this question is for you ... but I am writing it as a blog post, since maybe other people have come across this, and have some tips.

Subject property is a 1903 "Builder's Craftsman" (In this part of L.A. that means "Poor Man's Craftsman", since the architecture mimics the general Craftsman appearance but lacks the fine  (and costly) detail work).

Anyway, the carpeting has been removed, and we discovered that a rather thick layer of putty (I think it's putty) had been applied to the entire surface of the floor.

This was probably done in the 1970s, maybe, to prevent the floor from squeaking under a brand new shag carpet.

So how would you guys approach this?

     1.  Just leave it be until the professionals arrive with a floor sander?

     2.  Chip, chisel and scrape it by hand?  It does chip off easily in some areas - in other areas not.

     3.  Run a hand-held belt sander lightly over it?

     4.  Dampen it a tad first? Then scrape?

I realize no matter what approach, the final result will not be a "perfect" floor.  And it this particular house, the "distressed floor" look will be just fine.

And gentle readers, please take this advice.  Do not give in to the temptation to putty your floors.

7 comments • Cheryl Johnson • December 13 2006 07:55AM

Comments

Unless you have the passion to redo original floors in the house you're living in, and will painstakingly be sure the scrapes etc won't damage the original, leave it for the professionals.
Posted by Sharon Simms St Pete FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS (ALVA International, Inc.) about 5 years ago
My thought is, the professionals will come in and say "Are You Nuts, Lady? Just cover it with laminate!"  But in this particular house laminate would look and feel ... well.. "fake" ....  So I was hoping to remove at least a bit of the top layer first.
Posted by Cheryl Johnson, Bob Taylor Properties, Inc., Los Angeles, CA about 5 years ago

Let the professionals come in and do their thing.  They should be able to get all of that up, I would think.  I went through a similar thing (not putty though) in my house that I live in now, and the floors are beautiful now.  Everyone who comes in makes a comment on how nice my floors are.  Good luck with yours!

Ann

Posted by Portsmouth NH Homes Condos - Ann Cummings New Hampshire REALTOR® (RE/MAX Coast to Coast - Portsmouth New Hampshire) about 5 years ago

Cheryl:

Without being able to personally inspect the floor, I can't tell you for sure. Ann & Sharon's advice is what I would suggest as well, you will be happy with the results.

Jay 

Posted by Boomer Jack Boardman & Carl McIntyre, the Codgers (Noted Curmudgeons) about 5 years ago
I fixed a floor like is.  I started with soap and water, being very carefull with the water.  It was amazing, the stuff came off and the floor is gorgeous.  try some in a corner but be careful.
Posted by Teresa Boardman (Saint Paul Home Realty) about 5 years ago
Cheryl, that's a first for me. Let us all know how it comes out and what the best solution was. Love to see the finished photo.
Posted by Gena Riede, Real Estate Broker Sacramento CA Real Estate (916) 417-2699 (Riede Real Estate, Lic. 01310792) about 5 years ago

Back the cement truck up and pour a new slab on top of it.

I'M JUST KIDDING PEOPLE!

 

A world record for blog commenting!

http://www.ThompsonsRealty.com
http://www.PhoenixRealEstateGuy.com

 

Posted by Jay Thompson (Thompson's Realty) about 5 years ago

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