K&B 360: Hidden Treasure—or Tribulation?

The floor of the kitchen was sheet vinyl. Not too old but old enough, it would be replaced, that much was certain. But with what?

There is a special delight in exploratory demolition; I'd describe it as innocent curiosity tinged with barely contained terror. Picking at a seam in the floor, we pulled it up to reveal 3-inch wood planks. Thus encouraged, over the next few days the vinyl was ripped away, leaving behind a patchy but tenacious black dried adhesive. Over the next few weeks, we scraped and scoured the erstwhile goo away. It was not a pretty sight. Finally, we pulled out several hundred carpet staples from the wood and surveyed the scene. With the exception of some water damage where the radiator stood, the kitchen had a pretty decent close-grain southern yellow pine floor, circa 1930. The next step would be to consult with some experts and weigh the repair-or-replace options.
−Leslie Clagett

Leslie Clagett
Editor, Kitchens & Baths