Replace Or Refinish Hardwood Flooring? : When Is The Best Time

February 28, 2023

The timeless beauty and durability to resist wear and tear are among the primary reasons homeowners pick hardwood flooring. Wood flooring is a classic design that can last a lifetime, and you can refurbish or replenish its original beauty. However, refinishing is not always an option.

If you want new hardwood but aren’t sure whether to replace or refinish it, we can help. Should you replace or refinish your hardwood floors? Let’s discover your possible alternatives.

Factors To Consider When Replacing or Refinishing Your Wooden Floors

Should you restore or replace your hardwood floors? That is dependent on a few things and personal considerations. It could be due to the shape and age of your wood (such as bending or cracking). Or it may depend on your budget and style preferences. Let’s take a closer look at these elements and considerations.

Budget

The decision to replace or refinish hardwood floors may eventually come down to cost. Hardwood floor replacement can be costly. It necessitates removing and disposing of the old hardwood, including the cost of purchasing new planks and installations. So, given the budget constraints, refinishing hardwood is the most cost-effective alternative. Furthermore, if you have spent top price for high-quality hardwood flooring, you want it to endure for many decades.

Project Time

Another essential component is time. How long do you have to finish the flooring project? Replacing hardwood floors is a faster and easier option than having new floors. Refinishing wood floors is a time-consuming procedure that can take a few weeks or more, and during that time, you are unlikely to utilize the room and will be exposed to unpleasant dust. When choosing to replace hardwood flooring, you save time and money, and experts can complete the project much more quickly.

Style Preferences

Consider your style preferences when deciding whether to replace or refinish hardwood floors. A more practical flooring is engineered hardwood or waterproof hardwood since it lasts longer, particularly in high-humidity locations or moisture-prone areas.

Aside from durability, another reason homeowners opt to replace hardwood is to give their homes a modern look. Refinishing will only get you so far if you wish to restore regular oak planks with more aesthetic value, such as distressed or wide planks. Replacing your hardwood may be your only option when you want a specific look for your home.

When is the Best Option To Refinish Hardwood Floors?

Refinishing hardwood flooring offers several advantages. So, how can you determine whether it’s worth keeping your hardwood floors? Here are a few concerns that can be conveniently remedied with new polishing and refinishing.

  • Surface issues such as scratches, dents, and scuffs
  • If you like the look of your floors but want to change the stain color or texture.
  • Blending and refinishing a piece of damaged planks to complement the remainder of the flooring

When is the Best Option To Replace Hardwood Floors?

When given a choice, most homeowners prefer refurbishing. In general, it works and returns floors to their original splendor. However, there are situations when refinishing is out of the question and your floors are irreparable.

  • Split or buckling planks with significant water damage necessitate a detailed examination of the underlying frames and subfloors.
  • Wiggly floorboards can produce gaps between them.
  • Deep cracks in the wear layer of engineered floors
  • Termite infestations necessitate immediate pest treatment and flooring replacement.

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