With the timeless beauty of hardwood floors, any home would increase in value. The fact that hardwood floors are made to survive for a long time is one of the features that homeowners appreciate most. Hardwood floors typically last well over a century before needing to be replaced.
If you currently have hardwood flooring installed in your home, you most likely won’t need to worry about replacing it any time soon. However, to maintain its best possible beauty, you might need to refinish your hardwood floors from time to time.
So, how do you know if your floor needs refinishing? As a homeowner, it is important that you recognize the signs indicating the need for hardwood floor refinishing and know how you can restore their previous beauty.
Signs to Refinish Your Floors
Here are 7 signs to let you know if your hardwood needs refinishing,
- Water Damage
Hardwood is highly vulnerable to water damage, which can cause irreparable warping of the floors. If you notice early signs of water damage, there may still be a chance to salvage your hardwood floors. To address water damage effectively, it is crucial to act promptly at the time of the spill or leak and dry the affected area as quickly as possible. Neglecting to attend to the damage can result in more severe issues such as buckling, which will necessitate replacing the floors entirely. However, in cases where the damage is minor, such as the presence of dark stains, refinishing the floors can often be a suitable solution.
- Scratches and Dents
Wooden floors are highly susceptible to scratches. Friction caused by something as simple as walking can create scratches across the hardwood. In cases where the scratches are significant and penetrate the wood beneath the stain, it’s essential to refinish the floors to prevent water damage.
While minor scratches on the stain may not necessitate a full refinish, it’s not advisable to apply stain over them as it can result in an uneven appearance. Consulting a professional for floor sanding and refinishing is recommended to achieve an even look. It’s essential to keep in mind that the stain works as a sealant, protecting the wood from moisture. Once the seal is broken, the floor becomes vulnerable to water damage, which can cause significant harm to the floor’s integrity. Therefore, it’s best to address scratches promptly to avoid further damage to the wooden floors.
- Discolouration
Wood floors may change colours as they age. However, if you notice grey discolouration on your hardwood floors, it could be caused by minor water damage that wears off the sealant, leaving the wood underneath exposed. The combination of wood and water leads to oxidation, resulting in a greyish colour. The grey colour will eventually turn black if not refinished promptly, causing damage to the wood’s structure and requiring complete replacement. You need to set up a consultation for hardwood refinishing as soon as you notice any abnormal discolouration on your floors.
- Stains
Although stains are an inevitable part of life, hardwood does not develop a beautiful patina over time, unlike some other materials. Stains on wood floors can make them look unsightly and unclean. If you’re on a tight budget, you can attempt to remove some of these stains with cleaning solutions. If the stains persist even after your best efforts, it’s recommended to seek professional refinishing services to restore the appearance of your floors.
- Renovating
When renovating your home, consider refinishing your hardwood floors instead of replacing them if they are in good condition. You can also change the colour of your hardwoods with a new stain that matches your new home style, but get a consultation first to ensure that it’s a suitable option. It’s essential to protect your floors from damage during the renovation process by using a protectant until all painting, sanding, and furniture moving are complete.
- For Selling
If you plan to sell your home, refinishing your hardwood floors can increase its appeal and attract potential buyers. It’s common to overlook scratched floors that are hidden under furniture until it’s time to declutter and stage your home for sale. The scratches can be more noticeable in an empty house, especially if you move out before your house sells, which can discourage buyers. To avoid this, it’s advisable to refinish your hardwoods before the agent starts showing your home. This can make the floors look new and beautiful, enhancing the overall appearance of your home. By doing this, you can increase the chances of your house selling quickly and for a higher price.
- Fading
Large windows are a popular house feature for their natural light, but they can negatively affect your hardwood floors. Sun damage is caused by the ultraviolet rays from the sun and can cause fading or discoloration near windows. To determine whether there’s sun damage, move an area rug to see if the colour of the floor changes significantly. Sanding and refinishing the floors can correct this issue by removing the faded stain and restoring the colour of the wood.
Benefits of Refinishing Your Floors
Here are also some of the benefits of floor refinishing:
- Restore Beauty
Hiring professionals to refinish your floors can fix all imperfections, including dents, water stains, scratches, and more, which gives them a new lease on life. This can leave a lasting impression of your luxurious status on any visitor.
- Increase Market Value
Refinishing hardwood floors is a valuable investment that can enhance your home’s market value. Multiple studies indicate that buyers are more likely to pay a premium for homes with impeccable hardwood floors than carpets, making them more attractive to prospective buyers. To achieve this flawless look, you need to know how to refinish hardwood floors properly. By following the right techniques and utilizing professional assistance, you can transform your scratched and damaged hardwood floors into elegant, new-looking surfaces that increase your home’s appeal and value.
- Improve Safety
Choosing to refinish your hardwood floors can reduce the risk of potential hazards caused by damaged, worn, or splintering floors that can cause serious injuries to your family members. Refinishing your floors will not only improve their appearance but also ensure your family’s safety.
- Save Money and Effort on Maintenance
Maintaining worn-out and lacklustre wooden floors can be a daunting task, which is why refinishing them can be a great solution. Refinishing your floors will give them a fresh, new look, saving you from the hassle of tedious cleaning and maintenance. Additionally, refinishing can extend the lifespan of your floors, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run.If you’re wondering how long it takes to refinish hardwood floors, it can depend on several factors, such as the size of the room, the condition of the floors, and the method of refinishing used. On average, it can take anywhere from three to five days to complete the refinishing process.
Over time, your wood flooring can accumulate dust and scratches that can make it look old and damaged. But worry not, as Capital Hardwood Flooring offers hardwood floor sanding in Toronto as well as finishing services to restore your floors to their former glory. Call now at (416) 536-2200.