Hardwood flooring is durable, though it is not indestructible. No matter how well you take care of your hardwood floors, they will need to be replaced at some point.
Sometimes, hardwood floors can be restored by simply sanding down and refinishing the surface when they show signs of wear and tear. So, how do you know when it’s time to get a whole new floor instead of refinishing?
Water Damage
Hardwood that has been exposed to significant amounts of water can start to rot as a result of moisture. If there’s only a small part of the hardwood floor affected by water damage, you shouldn’t worry to the point of replacing your whole flooring. However, if a significant portion of your hardwood floors has been damaged by water, installing new flooring is your only option.
Too Much Sanding
Every time you sand your hardwood floors, you are removing material and making the planks thinner. You will find that there will come the point where your hardwood floors don’t have enough material to be sanded and refinished. Once you have reached this point, you will have no choice but to replace your floor. A way you can tell if you’ve reached your sanding limit is to look for exposed nails. It’s best to only sand your floors three to five times before you replace them.
Off Trend
Styles and trends come and go, so it may be that you will want to replace your floors because you’re no longer satisfied with the style of your home.
If that’s the case, make sure to choose a timeless style of hardwood; that way you don’t run into the same problem in a couple of years. Avoid buying woods that are trendy, such as gray or blonde wood. Instead, look for darker, wide-planked wood that will look good regardless of the trends.
Issues Lie Below
There are certain home issues that can only be addressed by removing the existing floor. For example, if the planks were to be moving under your feet as you walk across the room or make a lot of noise. The issue could be with your subflooring, and you would need a professional to rip out the old floor to correct any problems underneath.
If you should need a contractor to remodel your flooring with a fresh installation, call our expert technicians at Rudd Builders to get the best service in all of Utah.