Looking for ways to beautify your home? A little investigation might be in order because there might be a secret treasure hidden beneath your wall-to-wall carpeting. Gleaming hardwood floors used to be in vogue. Then the trend was to carpeting, but today hardwood is back in style and many are amazed to find they already have sturdy hardwood floors under their carpeting, although with many years of wear. It's no problem getting these former beauties back in shape. After removing carpet, pads, tack strips and staples, rent a drum sander for open areas and an edge sander for tight spots. Start with coarse-grit sandpaper, then use a medium grade and finally a fine paper for a smooth finish. Then thoroughly vacuum the floor. Apply a penetrating oil-based stain with a soft clean cloth. Let it dry overnight and top it off with three coats of polyurethane oil-based finish. Use a natural bristle brush or lamb's-wool applicator and screen-sand between each coat. When done, you'll have found the secret treasure hidden beneath your wall-to-wall carpeting. And that's the On The House tip for today.