Hardwood flooring is a beautiful and durable investment for your home. However, over time, the floor can show signs of wear and tear, such as dents, scratches, or fading. This is when you might be faced with the tough decision of whether to replace or refinish your floors. Let's break down the factors to consider.
When refinishing is the right choice
Refinishing is a great option when the damage is superficial. This includes minor scratches, dullness, or slight discoloration. The process involves sanding down the existing finish and applying a new one. This can restore the beauty of your wood floors and give them a fresh new look.
Here are some other situations where refinishing may be a good option:
- Limited budget: Refinishing is significantly cheaper than replacing your hardwood flooring.
- Solid hardwood: Solid wood floors can be refinished multiple times, extending their lifespan.
- Want to change the color: Refinishing allows you to choose a new stain color to update your floors' appearance.
When replacing is the best option
Replacement becomes necessary when the damage is beyond what refinishing can fix. This includes deep scratches, gouges, warping, or extensive water damage. If the boards are damaged beyond repair, refinishing won't be effective.
Here are some other situations where replacement is a better option:
- Extensive damage: If more than 30% of your floor is damaged, replacement may be more cost-effective.
- Structural issues: If the subfloor or joists are damaged, you'll need to replace the hardwood flooring.
- Want a different type of wood: If you're tired of your current wood species, replacement is the only way to get a new look.
- Engineered hardwood with thin veneer: Engineered wood floors can only be refinished a limited number of times, depending on the thickness of the top layer. If the veneer is too thin, you'll need to replace the floors.
How to decide
Ultimately, the decision of whether to refinish or replace depends on the extent of the damage and your budget. A hardwood flooring store professional can assess your floors' condition and recommend the best course of action.
Refinishing can be a great option if you're looking to refresh the look of your floors without breaking the bank. However, if the damage is extensive or you want a completely new look, replacement is the way to go.
Your experts on wood floors in Woodstock, GA
At Cherokee Floor Covering, we offer a wide range of wood flooring options and expert advice to help you make the best decision for your home. Our hardwood flooring store in Woodstock, GA, serves Woodstock, Marietta, Canton, Acworth, and Kennesaw, GA.
