We’re doing a kitchen remodel on our 100 year old American foursquare. After removing a vinyl & a linoleum floor, we came to a maple floor, with a layer of paper (from the linoleum?) glued to it. There were also nails between every board, along the joists; evidently added to reduce the squeeks before the linoleum was laid. The kitchen is about 240 sf.
The floor expert said the paper wasn’t a problem; it should sand off. But he said he’d have to sand off each nail head before refinishing the floor, which would probably loosen up the floor & leave lots of nail holes. He recommended replacing.
Our cabinet maker suggested countersinking all the nails, refinishing, and enjoying the patina.
When our contractor countersank a few nails, it pushed the boards apart (tightening them, but also creating an ever-so-slight gap). It was also hard work; he recommended replacing.
What to do? Refinish the current maple floor (~$2k), or remove & replace (oak is ~$1k, maple ~$2k, extra)?
