Can Your Hardwood Floor Be Saved?

Home improvement remodeling shows are more popular than ever these days. In the span of one short episode, a remodeling team can completely transform a home, making the process look practically effortless. But in reality, renovations can be time-consuming and often pose unique and unforeseen challenges.

One of the most difficult challenges faced by homeowners when renovating their floors is determining whether their hardwood floors can be saved. In this post, we talk about some of the damage you may encounter when restoring your hardwood floors. Use this guide to help decide if your floors can be saved or need to be replaced and then give us a call to begin your hardwood flooring project.

Refinish or Replace?

Whenever possible, most homeowners would prefer to refinish their floors rather than replace them entirely. Thankfully, hardwood is one of the longest-lasting flooring materials, often looking great for several decades. When it becomes scratched and damaged over the years, it can be refinished as many as ten times before it needs to be completely replaced.

If you’re thinking about changing the look of your carpet, it has to be removed and replaced. However, unlike carpet or tile flooring, hardwood can be stained in a different color or refinished with a different level of gloss.

Here are a few valid reasons to replace instead of refinish your hardwood:

1. Your floors are severely damaged.

Sometimes a few planks need to be replaced during the refinishing process. However, if the damage is extensive, it may be more cost-effective to replace the floors altogether. A good rule of thumb is to replace if more than ¼ of the floor is significantly damaged. Warped floors, fire damage, water damage, and insect or pest damage are also good indicators your floor needs to be replaced.

2. The wear and tear is significant.

If the floor has been sanded and refinished many times over the years, the wood will be worn down too far. An experienced floor refinisher can help you determine if your floors are beyond the point of refinishing.

3. You want to change the type of wood.

If you love hardwood flooring but you’re interested in a more resilient flooring material, you may consider replacing your floors with engineered hardwood. Some homeowners may also replace their hardwood with another type of wood to get a different look and feel.

Call Our Twin Cities Hardwood Flooring Maintenance Experts

If you’re thinking of updating your hardwood floors, our flooring refinishers at U.B. Hardwoods can help. We can evaluate your floors to help you decide if they can be saved or recommend a replacement flooring solution.

Check out our online gallery to get ideas for your replacement floors. When you’re ready to get started, give us a call at 763-807-4500 or contact us online to schedule your buff and recoat today!