From the timeless beauty to the sturdy foundation they create, it’s not a surprise that so many homeowners are fond of their hardwood floors. However, as with anything in your home the inevitable wear and tear that happens to hardwood floors will eventually be too much. Keep an eye out for these 6 signs it’s time to replace your hardwood floors.
- You’ve already refinished them – a lot
One of the biggest appeals of hardwood floors is that they can be refinished rather than completely replaced. Refinishing involves sanding the top layer of the hardwood and adding a new layer of stain or sealant. This can be a quick way to get your hardwood floors looking like new again or change the look of your home. Unfortunately, too much sanding can wear floorboards down until they’re too thin. When hardwood floors become too thin they lose their structural integrity and are more likely to crack or falter. So, if your floors have been refinished a few times already it may be time to replace your hardwood floors.
- Water damage
Engineered hardwood is more resistant to water damage than solid hardwood, but both are susceptible to staining, warping, and other problems when exposed to excess moisture. Proper stains and sealants will prevent spills from causing this damage, but if your home suffers from plumbing issues, flooding, or other problems with water, severe damage can occur. Water damage often leads to hardwood floors warping or separating, and refinishing likely can’t fix these problems. This makes water damage one of the most significant signs that it’s time to replace your hardwood floors.
- Large scratches and marks
From pets, rearranging furniture, or just general wear and tear, scratches are a part of having hardwood floors. A few marks aren’t often cause for concern, but excessive scratches or marks that cover a large area may mean it’s time to consider replacing your hardwood floors. You should also be on the lookout for any gouges that penetrate through the stain or sealant. Even minor spills can cause water damage if they reach the hardwood beneath the stain.
- Creaking or shifting floorboards
Creaking floors usually mean that the hardwood is rubbing against itself or the subfloor. Floors shift and loosen with age, but this can also weaken the floor’s integrity. Moving floorboards indicate the same thing, floorboards that bend or shift when walked on could signify more serious structural damage. If your floors are moving or making excessive noise when walked on, their integrity could be compromised meaning it may be time to replace your hardwood floors.
- Excessive wear and tear
One of the biggest appeals to hardwood floors is its durability. Hardwood stands the test of time but will eventually show its age like all-natural materials, especially in high-traffic areas. The first signs of excessive wear on your floors will be seen in the stain. If your stain starts to fade or wear away, it may be enough to refinish rather than replace your hardwood floors. However, worn hardwood floors lack the necessary protective coat and can lead to more severe problems like warping or splintering, which is cause for replacement.
- It’s just time for something new
You don’t have to wait for a significant issue to replace your hardwood floors, of course. If you are just ready to update your space, replacing your hardwood can have a considerable impact. With various styles and options available, there is no time like the present to switch your hardwood flooring to something that better suits your space.
At Commercial Floor Services, we know that there are many options out there for hardwood flooring, but we are here to help you. If you are ready to replace your hardwood floors or think that refinishing is enough for you, save your time and your sanity by leaving it up to the professionals. Visit us today for solid or engineered hardwood flooring that comes in pre-finished, oiled, unfinished, smooth, hand-scraped, distressed, or wire-brushed finishes to fit any style or space.