You’ve had your hardwood flooring for several years now (or perhaps many years)…and you’ve noticed the floors don’t have the same sheen or sense of warmth that they once did. They’re showing the signs of age and wear–dulling, scuffs, scratches, etc. The question is, can your wood floors be revived by refinishing them, or is it time to replace them altogether? Let’s discuss five factors you should consider.
The General Condition of the Flooring
If your hardwood floors only show surface wear (such as dullness, light scratches, scuffs, or color irregularities), then refinishing them may be all that’s needed to bring back their luster and beauty. However, if they’re deeply scratched, gouged, warped, or damaged, it may be time to replace them.
Previous Refinishing
You can only refinish hardwood floors so often. As a rule of thumb, standard wood planks 3/4 inches thick can be sanded down no more than 3-6 times during their life span before they can no longer support refinishing. If you’ve had your floors for a while and you’ve already refinished them three or more times, you might need to replace them this time.
The Type of Flooring
Some types of wood flooring are more durable than others and can withstand more wear and tear. If you have a high-quality, durable type of hardwood like oak or hickory, it’s likely that refinishing will be all that’s needed to restore its beauty. However, if you have a less durable type of wood like pine, replacement may be the better option.
The Age and History of the Floors
It’s not a hard-and-fast rule, but the older your hardwood floors are, the more likely it is that they’ll need to be replaced rather than refinished. That’s because over time, the wood may begin to deteriorate at the cellular level. This is especially true if the floors haven’t been properly maintained over the years and have become dry, cracked, or warped. Some wood floors that have been consistently cared for can be refinished after 20, 30, or even as long as 100 years. But truthfully, this isn’t always the case, especially in older homes. If you buy an old home with its original flooring, for example, you should have a professional check the floors to decide whether they can support refinishing or whether they need to be replaced.
Your Personal Preferences
Ultimately, the decision of whether to refinish or replace your hardwood floors is a personal one. If you’re attached to the look and feel of your floors and they’re in fairly good condition, refinishing may be the best option. However, if you’re ready for a whole new look or if you’re doing a full remodel of your home, your current floors might not serve your purposes anymore, and you may want to replace them for a completely fresh start.
Not sure whether to refinish or replace your wood floors? The experts at Renaissance can help. We’ve been installing and refinishing high-quality floors throughout Green Country for more than 30 years. Contact us here to schedule a free evaluation and a quote.