Solid hardwood floors can be sanded down, stained and resealed many times, and the same floor can last many years. Even engineered hardwood can be sanded and refinished at least once, depending on the thickness of the veneer. A refinish on your hardwood can last 10 years or more if they are treated gently. By doing things like using pads or cups under your furniture, banning shoes from being worn indoors, and cleaning up any liquids very quickly, your gorgeous like-new floors will last a very long time. The question at hand is: How do I know when it’s time to refinish my hardwood floor? Many factors come into play when deciding to refinish your hardwood, so we have broken down the details to help you decide when the time is right for you.
Things to Consider
The best time to refinish is before you move in. This prevents the hassle of moving all of your worldly possessions out of your home for the duration of the project. No one wants to take on this task unless it is absolutely necessary. However, this is idealistic, and most refinishes happen while people are still living their lives around the project.
Can my floor take another sanding?
Once again, hardwood can be sanded down multiple times. Engineered wood depends on the thickness of the top layer of veneer. To find out if your floor can withstand another sanding, consult some experts like us here at Flooring Masters.
Is there damage?
If your flooring has gaps, dings, dents, deep scratches, or dark stains, it is probably time to refinish. Watch out for mismatched planks from previous, poorly done DIY repairs. Matching your existing stain to cover up any of this damage is impossible because of wear, and light affecting your floor over time. If you want to repair damages, its time for a refinish, and a plan to prevent future damages.
Is there an odd smell?
With stains come smells. If the previous owner of the home did not keep the floorboards sealed, and did not clean up pet stains quickly, a refinish is the best bet to remove the smell from your flooring, and your home. The stains will disappear when the floor is stained, and the smell will be locked away when it is sealed. Plus any swollen, warped, cupped, or buckled floorboards will be replaced.
Are there soft spots?
If a spot sinks when you step on it, your subfloor is too thin, or has sustained water damage. If water damage is the culprit there will most likely be planks of hardwood that are discolored and warped. While repairing these planks, the subfloor will likely need to be replaced as well. Repairing this damage is a great reason to go ahead and refinish the entire floor.
Alternatives to Refinishing
Some homeowners opt to paint their floors instead of refinishing. This lets you get very creative with the look of your floor, and match any decor. It is also a more cost effective solution. In addition, skipping sanding extends the life of your hardwood. You may also choose to simply repair damaged floorboards. It is unlikely that they will match perfectly, but it is more cost effective in the short term.
Still don’t know if its time to refinish your hardwood floor? Call or email Flooring Masters & Professional Remodelers today for a free consultation. We know you only want the best in flooring and remodeling. That’s why it’s important to hire the best in the business, and at Flooring Masters & Professional Remodelers, we can guarantee you that’s us.
Flooring Masters & Professional Remodelers have been flooring and remodeling Kentuckiana for over 30 years. Our certified installers have the ingenuity and know-how to assist you in choosing the perfect floors for your home. Don’t take matters into your own hands—let us guide your next project.
