Hardwood is one of the most beautiful flooring types, and people tend to place a high value on this natural material for its grain patterns that add a unique look to any home. With proper care, hardwood floors can last for many years. They also come with the option of being able to refinish them rather than pull up all the planks and start all over again. Refinishing tends to be less expensive than replacing the floor entirely, but this isn’t always the case. There are also other factors that come into play when you need to make this decision.
Replace Flooring that Has Structural Damage
You might be able to see obvious gouges and other types of surface damage. If these problem areas are minor enough, your contractor might be able to sand them out as part of the refinishing process. However, it’s also common for floors to have deeper damage that isn’t so easy to just gloss over. Floors with water damage often have problems that exist in the subfloor, or there may be issues such as deep cracks that are better handled by replacement. Any serious damage to the surface of flooring could potentially allow moisture and other contaminants to reach deeper into the structural elements of your house. For example, if they currently have hardwood kitchen flooring, San Diego homeowners might want to consider replacing it with more moisture-resistant materials.
Determine if the Floor Has Been Refinished Before
Most floors can be refinished multiple times, but there comes a time when the materials have had enough. Refinishing hardwood involves sanding the surface of the wood, which removes a small part of the top layer. After multiple refinishes, the wood may be so thin you can see the nails or tongues where the planks fit together. You might also notice the floor feels loose or weaker beneath your feet. At this point, refinishing could push the floor to its limit, which means you’ll be looking at a replacement anyway.
Think about the Time and Mess Factors
Refinishing floors seems like it might be faster than doing a complete replacement, but this is usually untrue. The refinishing process is time-consuming, and waiting for the floor to be sanded, stripped, and stained can take several days. There may also be significant dust and fumes throughout the process, but an experienced contractor can limit this issue. Replacing floors in smaller rooms can often be finished in a single day, which helps you move on with other parts of fixing up your home.
Consider Your Desire to Change the Overall Look
You’ve got the option of choosing a different color of stain during the refinishing process. However, you might want to make other changes that require replacing the materials. For example, switching to wider planks can give your home a modern look. Some people also prefer to swap their existing floors out for newer materials that mimic the look of hardwood but require less upkeep.
If you’ve determined it’s time to replace your hardwood floors, get in touch with Forever Builders, one of the top flooring companies San Diego homeowners trust for high-quality craftsmanship and impeccable service. We will help you choose exactly the right flooring for your needs, and we’ll install it quickly, correctly, and efficiently. From design choices to installation, we’ll help you create the home of your dreams while keeping your costs within budget. To find out more about our exceptional flooring and remodeling services, give one of our friendly team members a call today at (833) 243-5624.