Amanda DeCort's Profile

Please, please skip the vinyl, no matter what it looks like. You'd still be filling a Craftsman-era house with, essentially, plastic. Do right by your architecture!

I bet there's hardwood in the main living areas and you may find pine (a softwood) in the kitchen and any converted back porch mudroom areas. You might also find areas that have been patched or the wood has been damaged.

Thoroughly investigate what's underneath before you make any decisions. I pulled up the carpet in my new house after closing (having peeked under just one corner of the carpet earlier) only to discover that half the hardwoods in one room had been replaced with plywood! I don't regret for a second my decision to replace plywood with new hardwoods, but I do regret hiring the first floor contractor I talked to instead of finding one who'd do a better job of matching the antique oak!

There are more options for refinishing your wood floors beyond grinding off the finish and applying poly - google "passive wood floor restoration" or look up Bob Yapp online.