Question about using a power stretcher on really old floors

Last week in a 1920s house in Tacoma, I had to put carpet over original fir planks. The floor had a big dip in the middle, maybe 3/4 of an inch deep. I used my power stretcher to pull the carpet tight, but I could hear the old wood creaking like crazy. My helper said we should have just used a knee kicker to avoid stressing the floor, but I think a proper stretch is worth the risk. Has anyone else had to decide between a perfect stretch and not damaging a historic subfloor?

3 comments

3 Comments

karen_sanchez491d ago

Olivia's right about the gentle touch, but I mean, that dip could cause the carpet to wear out way faster if it's not stretched right.

olivia_moore1d ago

Ever notice how old things always need a gentler touch? That creaking was the wood telling you its limits, same as an old engine groaning when pushed too hard. Sometimes the right method is the one that doesn't break what you're working on.

keith9001d ago

Man, that creaking sound is the worst. I've been there on a 1915 craftsman, feeling the whole floor groan under the stretch. You're right to want it tight, but man, that noise makes your heart stop. It's a real tough call every single time.