Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - Hardwood Floor Refinishing

I purchased my house 15 years ago. I have carpets down, in the Living Room, Dinning Room, Hallway and Bedrooms. Underneath all the carpet are hardwood floors. As the carpets are becoming unsightly, I plan on ripping up the carpet myself, in all areas, except the bedrooms. Once the carpets are removed I may just have the hardwood floors refinished. A few questions.

- What is the best way, to remove the carpet tack strips along the wall and carpet padding without damaging the hardwood floor.

- What do you do with all the holes from the nails/tacks?

- Might I not need to refinish the floors and only - Clean/buff/fill holes?



Thanks

- What is the best way, to remove the carpet tack strips along the wall and carpet padding without damaging the hardwood floor.

VERY CAREFULLY :D

It is very doubtfull you could refinish the floors without sanding them first - atleast if you want them to look decent. A flat bar or cat's paw and hammer should bring the tac strips up. There will be a lot of dirt/sand under the carpet that you'll need to get up before sanding. The nail holes [and any cracks] can be filled with colored putty or various wood fillers.

Sanding floors can be a tricky job, I'd consider subbing out the sanding portion.

Drum sanders are not recommended for someone that has never used one. You can ruin a floor in a heartbeat. But the are novice friendly disc sanders that are much easier to use. Check rental places, or even big box.

Were getting estimates on having the hardwood floors refinished. One guy, just came and had some interesting things to say.

First his suggestion as to where the pet stains are bad. Prior to them coming, sand the suface in those bad areas and puddle the area with bleach and allow to evoparate.
2nd
They apply two coat of Aluminum Oxide instead of two poly. He says it saves them time (dries fast, can finish in 1 day) and is much stronger than poly + no yellowing.

Are the above true? Also, will Aluminum Oxide give the oak that wet look when dry, similar to poly? Otherwise I might need to stain.

Thanks