How to Know if You Need to Refinish or Replace Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring is a beautiful asset to any home. It’s considered a must-have for many renters and homeowners not only because of its aesthetics but because it’s often considered much easier to maintain. Unfortunately, hardwood flooring takes quite the beating. This is because there is virtually nothing between it and the everyday movement of those in your household. Without the proper maintenance to keep it looking its best, the regular wear and tear process could be significantly sped up. This might lead to you asking if you should refinish or replace hardwood flooring.
The good news? Hardwood flooring is worth putting the time and effort in to refinish and preserve it. In the cases when you simply need to replace hardwood flooring, it’s well worth the expenses. It all comes down to determining whether you need to refinish or replace your current flooring.
Refinish vs. Replace: What’s the Difference?
Installing all-new hardwood flooring can be quite an investment. While it’s well worth it for most, the pricing can throw some people off. That’s why it’s essential to understand the difference between the terms refinishing vs. replacing hardwood floors.
- Refinishing: The process includes sanding down your current flooring and applying a fresh stain and lacquer over the entire space.
- Replacing: Replacing hardwood flooring requires the complete removal of your flooring and replacing it with all new wood.
While refinishing hardwood flooring is a great option, some people worry about the space not looking uniform. This can happen if you only focus on refinishing a single area instead of the entire floor. And is also why you should consider hiring professionals to do it. However, if you’re looking to give your floors a whole new look, it may be worth the investment to replace the flooring completely.
3 Signs You Need to Refinish or Replace Your Hardwood Flooring
Choosing between refinishing or replacing your hardwood flooring is a very personal one. However, once the signs of wear and tear start to become more pronounced, you’ll need to make that decision promptly. Not quite sure what to look for? Here are three signs that you need to either refinish or replace your hardwood flooring:
1. Significant Scratches/Dents
The most common signs of wear and tear on your hardwood flooring are scuffing, scratches, and dents within the wood. Sure, a few small scratches and dents here and there is no big deal; however, when they start to become more pronounced, you want to consider refinishing them. These marks can be sanded out in many cases. And after restaining them, your floor will look as good as new.
2. Cupping/Warping/Separation
As wood ages, it’s natural to see some cupping or warping. However, if you’re noticing either of these to a large extent or the separation of boards, then you’ll want to consider replacing your hardwood flooring. These are signs of significant damage, and refinishing may only exacerbate the issue.
3. Discoloration
Discoloration of your flooring can result from several different factors, including standard wear and tear, sun exposure, and even water damage. Depending on the cause of the discoloration, you’ll likely be able to refinish your flooring and call it a day. However, if the discoloration is due to water damage, you’ll likely need to replace the boards or the entire floor if the damage is too significant.
Replace or Refinish Hardwood Floors with the Help of Elite Hardwood Flooring
Trying to decide between refinishing vs. replacing doesn’t have to be a complicated process. The staff at Elite Hardwood Flooring have years of experience and can help guide you through the entire process, whichever route you choose. Have questions about replacing or refinishing your hardwood floors? Then contact us today for more information!
