I'd pull the carpet back and see whats underneath if its an older home there could already be a wood floor But a vynil floor cover isn't very expensive I did one for my Aunt about 1 1/2 yrs ago in a 20x24 kit/dining room it was 3/8 thick where there is daily wheel chair activity and she spent 196.54 it came with a warranty that the wheels would not hurt it and its beautiful and easy to clean and still is- I scrub it twice a wk