Wooden flooring - where to start?

[Bapple]

We've recently moved into an 18th century house. Lovely character, quirky and wonky floors. Over time I'd like to replace the carpet with wooden flooring on the stairs, and in a couple of the rooms.

Dh says the floors are too uneven to do this. Having previously owned a new build we have no experience of stripping back/renovating/replacing floorboards. Where do we even start? Do we get someone in to tell us if it's possible? Do they replace existing floorboards or use them as a base for putting new on top?

Any advice or tips greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I would call in a specialist floor layer. They will be able to advise on what flooring your can use.

Thank you. So new to this - didn't even know such a specialist existed!

If the floors are very even, it may be very expensive to level it before laying wood floors. The cost will depend the area and how badly it is uneven. In our last house, it was very expensive so do get quotes from reputable floor installers. Also, stairs can be tricky too, as you need to remove spindles before laying them. Again costs can be very expensive if they are ornate.