5 Benefits of Refinishing Hardwood Floors
So, your hardwood floors have seen better days. Maybe they’re not as shiny as they once were. Or, perhaps you noticed more than a few scratches. Whatever the reason may be, you know that something needs to be done. As you consider your options, you’re faced with two choices: refinishing your hardwood floors or replacing them entirely. However, when properly installed and maintained, hardwood floors can last for centuries. So, before you replace your valuable hardwoods with laminate flooring, tile or even carpet, consider the following reasons to refinish the floor instead.
1. It’s cost-effective.![refinishing hardwood floors 1](https://elitehardwoodflooring.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/refinishing-hardwood-.gif)
Installing new hardwood flooring can cost anywhere from $3 to $14 per square foot. And, that doesn’t account for installation costs, which tack on another $3 to $8 per square foot. Refinishing hardwood floors, on the other hand, costs just about $3 to $4 per square foot. So, instead of paying upwards of $8,800 to install hardwood floors in a 400-square-foot living space, you’d pay just $1,600 to refinish the floor in that same space. Refinishing hardwood floors is really a no-brainer when it comes to cost.
2. It maintains your home’s character.
Natural hardwood floors have much more character than other flooring materials. In fact, if you live in a century-old house, you might still be walking on the original hardwoods. If preservation of character is important to you, refinishing your wood flooring is really the only option. When you refinish your floors, you can eliminate scratches and bring life back into the hardwoods.
3. It allows you to change colors.
Over time, even hardwood flooring has evolved. Today, many homeowners want hardwoods that have a white or gray, weathered wood finish. Others prefer the timeless appeal of natural wood hues. Whatever the case may be, refinishing hardwood floors lets you start fresh with a color that complements your style. A full refinishing involves sanding down the surface, which removes the stain and reveals the bare wood. With a blank slate, you can choose any stain you want.
4. It turns back time.
Even if you have no intentions of replacing your hardwood floors, there comes a day when you need to refinish them. Sooner or later, your hardwoods will start to dull, you may spot scratches and dents and the stain might fade. In high-traffic areas, you can expect to refinish your hardwoods once every 10 years. When properly maintained, however, you may be able to go 20 years before refinishing your hardwood floors. Either way, refinishing hardwoods helps return your floors to their former glory. And, when your floors look better, your space looks better.
5. It’s eco-friendly.
Hardwoods are the most environmentally friendly flooring option on the market. For one, hardwoods can last decades longer than laminate, tile and other types of flooring. Plus, since it’s made from trees, wood flooring is considered a renewable flooring material. Therefore, refinishing your hardwoods is an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new flooring, helping reduce your carbon footprint.
To achieve professional-quality results, you need professional refinishing services. At Elite Hardwood Flooring, our Bona Certified Craftsmen specialize in the installation and refinishing of hardwood floors. We utilize a dustless sanding system to help minimize messes and will work with you to choose a stain that restores your wood’s natural patina. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about our services.