When it comes to floors, wood is good. It’s long-lasting, natural, beautiful, hypoallergenic, and considered to be a sign of quality. Old hardwood flooring offers additional charm and allure, and it has a long history. But, along with these characteristics come squeaks, stains, scratches, and signs of age. So, how do you decide whether to try and save that 50-year-old floor – or replace it?
About 95% of the time, hardwood refinishing is a great solution. Almost any floor can be saved and refinished by a skilled contractor. Delaminated strips, insect-infested boards, or termite-damaged planks can be replaced if there aren’t too many. A squeaky floor can be quieted and tightened – at least temporarily – with dry lubricant or nails. Damaged floor sections can be patched and holes can be plugged.
Obviously, some old floors are beyond hardwood refinishing. Here are 2 signs that indicate a terminal condition:
- Substantial structural problems that require the flooring to be removed so that the subfloor can be repaired.
- Flooring with extreme movement between the boards is not suitable for refinishing because the movement will affect the finish and sanding.
In addition, flooring that has been sanded several times may have no ‘meat’ left on the wood. The nails may be exposed, and the tongue and groove is probably falling apart.
Replacement is usually considerably more expensive than hardwood refinishing when you factor in buying the new flooring, removing the existing floor, and the labor needed for installation, sanding, finishing and cutting it to fit at doorways and walls. So, when possible, salvaging your old floors with hardwood refinishing is the way to go.
For hardwood refinishing in Lakeland FL, contact us at Floor Restore & More. We offer quality floor cleaning, refinishing, and restoration services at affordable prices. Call us today for an estimate!