Rugs, Carpets and Carpeting - carpet rip up

We just bought a house, and the living room is 1/2 hardwood, 1/2 carpet. In PINK. And it smells a bit like cat and dog.

I've pulled up a corner and can see that the hardwood extends all the way underneath, also right at the tack strip, the padding has been stapled (not glued).

We'd like to get rid of the stinky stuff, but as we're new to this whole DIY thing, thought I'd ask a few questions!

What are the odds of the padding being stapled throughout instead of glued? And if we pull up the staples, will we be left with significant holes?

And how about the tacking strip - will that leave holes when we rip it up?

I'm trying to gauge the amount of work involved...we do not want to replace the carpet...and thought now would be the best time to work on the room before we have furniture in!

any advice would be appreciated!

Chances are, if you saw staples, it will all be stapled. Staple holes are small and can be filled if they are big enough for the eye to see. Same with the tackstrip nails. They too, can be filled.

You won't know for sure until you pull it up. What are you waiting for. It will never happen unless you get after it.:D

One thing you have to ask is why did the previous owners lay the carpet. Maybe they simply wanted it but it's also possible that it's hiding some damage. Not to discourage you, by all means pull the old carpet up but be prepared to find some problems.

All good advise above.Be ready to not only fill many holes but refinish intire room. Do not dispare, its been done may many times.

Thanks so much for your advice! Never thought about why the prev. owners carpeted - good thing it turned out.

Saturday was my carpet day - I just started at one corner to see how bad it was, next thing I knew it was 8pm and I was staring at this great hardwood floor. My husband was shocked - 1. that I did it myself ;) and 2. that the great floor was covered up!

The padding was stapled only around the edges, and up the middle. And the holes from the tacking strips aren't too big, if we choose someday, I think we'll need to just replace a few strips of the floor.

As is, though, the floor still has it's original shine.

And the carpet? Gross.

Now I need another project, I'm sure I'll be back!

Thanks again.

yoop