famous_shaymus t1_iy7vxi4 wrote on November 29, 2022 at 12:14 PM

As someone who has refurbished old hardwood floor (that were hidden under carpet), I can tell you that getting that gunk off the floor will probably be one of the lesser time-intensive parts of the project. Refinishing floors is a huge project. I am a DIY-er to a fault, but we were quoted ~3k for someone to do it for us; that is, sanding and finishing. I would totally do it over though — the hardwood was totally worth it! It may be worth it for you to buy, rent, or borrow a floor orbital buffer. Luckily I had a friend who had an Oreck orbital buffer that he uses to clean the tile in his restaurant. He let me borrow it and after a trip to the Oreck store, I was able to find everything I needed for the entire job. Maybe you have a connection like that?

Best of luck!

SummitWanderer OP t1_iy881ce wrote on November 29, 2022 at 2:10 PM

I can sympathize with that lol, grew up in a very DIY family and that's just how I was raised. Plus we live in a rural area so contractors are expensive and have very little competition.

I've rented a floor sander from Home Depot before, but I'm not sure if it was a true orbital sander or not - wasn't a belt sander though - and it worked very well. I have a few connections, plumbing and electrical. And now that you mention it, maybe even a floor sander. I had forgotten I have a coworker who I think has one he might lend. Thanks!