My house is 229 years old. However, it has been DIYed into infinity over that time and very little is original and nothing is to period. I have an upstairs bedroom which serves as my office. The house was "saved" by the people who bought it from the former owner and sold it to me with even more DIY methods to bring it back to saleable condition. One of those saves was to slap down inexpensive indoor/outdoor carpeting in several rooms of the house, and after 9 years, I have to get rid it of it (I have two small dogs who regardless of my efforts continue to pee on it and I'm not a fan of carpeting anyway. So, long story longer, I began pulling it up. It is clear that at some point there was linoleum and possibly tar paper and/or adhesive. I've taken a few photos of this small part I've exposed. I'm not sure what I'm looking at except that it is definitely wood and there is definitely something on it. If it is tar, they really laid it on thick. There is no question the carpet is going.
I read that using a wall paper steamer and scraper might be useful. Chemicals are out of the question. Also, I'm wondering if the concensus is that it's worth the time investment and/or should I just cover it up with vinyl. The room is approximately 11 x 12. I do think the floor is quite old-- looking at the varying board sizes and it is very sturdy --compared to another floor where I ripped up the carpet and it is like the rolling hills of the country side with a weird new piece of wood stuffed in).
I would love any thoughts/advice!!!
I read that using a wall paper steamer and scraper might be useful. Chemicals are out of the question. Also, I'm wondering if the concensus is that it's worth the time investment and/or should I just cover it up with vinyl. The room is approximately 11 x 12. I do think the floor is quite old-- looking at the varying board sizes and it is very sturdy --compared to another floor where I ripped up the carpet and it is like the rolling hills of the country side with a weird new piece of wood stuffed in).
I would love any thoughts/advice!!!