You pull back your home’s carpet and what do you find? Beautiful hardwood floors that haven’t seen the light of day in over half a century. Covering hardwood was common practice in older homes during the ‘60s and ‘70s, when wall-to-wall carpeting gained popularity.
But how can you tell if the floors are worth saving? Here’s what you need to know about identifying and restoring hardwood.
What are the signs that your Hardwood Floors Are Salvagable?
Just because your hardwood has been covered for years does not necessarily indicate whether or not your floors need to be replaced. In many cases, it is possible to bring your floors back to life with refinishing services. It all depends on the condition of your floors, so examine them carefully to see if you have these signs.
Wood Thickness: Your floors need to have enough wood to be able to be sanded. Generally, the wood needs to be >⅝” to be refinished.
Little to no water damage: Extensive moisture damage can make restoration difficult.
Solid Boards: Floors should be stable and secure as you’re walking on them. If you notice significant movement, softness, or deterioration, it may be cause for concern.
Consistent Gaps: Small gaps between boards are normal, but your floors should be free of large or uneven gaps.
Minor Nail Holes and Patches: Holes from carpet staples and tack can be sanded during refinishing if the damage is insignificant.
Uniform Layout Throughout: If the boards match and are continuous from room to room, it’s a good sign that the floors may be able to be saved.
If your floors meet this criteria, you’re in a good place. Regardless, a hardwood flooring professional can help you determine your options regarding refinishing and repairs.
Does Hardwood Species Matter When Refinishing Hardwood?
When refinishing hidden hardwood floors, it’s helpful to learn what species of wood you’re working with. White oak and red cedar have different levels of hardness, grain patterns, and responses to stain than maple hardwood, for example.
By identifying your floor’s species, it’s easier to determine the best techniques for sanding, staining, and finishing to make the final product look consistent and aesthetic.
Preparing Your Floors for Refinishing
Once you’ve confirmed that your hardwood is worth saving, it’s time to get them ready for refinishing.
- Remove Staples and Tack Carefully
- Vacuum the floors to clear away fibers, dust, and debris
- Identify areas that need patching such as holes and damaged boards
- Schedule a professional inspection with a flooring contracted to recommend the appropriate refinishing process.
What Problems Can you Encounter When Restoring Hardwood Floors?
Not every hardwood floor will look beautiful right when the carpet comes up. Especially in older homes, years of trapped moisture, spills, and previous repairs can leave unsightly damage that was covered by the carpet.
Common issues include dark stains from pet accidents, water spills, deep scratches
Luckily, many of these issues can be addressed through sanding, patching, or minor replacements.
Can a Professional Restore Your Hardwood Floors?
Pulling up the carpet is only the first step. At Central Mass Hardwood, we help homeowners evaluate and restore existing hardwood floors. Whether it’s minor repairs, your complete sanding and refinishing, our team can help you determine the best way to make your floors beautiful again.
With over 30 years of successfully servicing New England homeowners, Central Mass Hardwood is the preferred choice for hardwood floor installations, repairs, and refinishes. Contact us today at (508) 460-0199 or fill out a contact form to request a free estimate.
