Here at Central Mass Hardwood, we have helped countless homeowners and businesses install new hardwood flooring or refinish existing flooring. One common question we hear from our customers is which of these two options they should choose. This is especially true when people buy new homes and are concerned about some amount of damage they have noticed around the preexisting flooring.
Truth be told, it often depends on the specific condition of your flooring, the wood material used, and your end goal. If you are looking to touch up the appearance of your floors and protect them, refinishing is a great choice. But if your floors are significantly damaged or you specifically want the benefits of other materials, replacement is the best option. In this guide, we will provide you with more information about what factors to consider when refinishing or replacing your flooring. To get started on a project here in Massachusetts, please contact our team.
When to Refinish Your Hardwood Flooring?
You should consider refinishing your floors if they are starting to look dull or are showing slight signs of superficial surface damage. Fading from sunlight, minor water staining, or scuffs and scratches from furniture are all good reasons to consider having your floors refinished. The refinishing process involves sanding down the topmost layer of the floor materials and then applying a new stain before sealing it off. This can be great for aesthetically updating your home and is especially a good option for new homeowners who have quality hardwood floors but want to update their appearance.
When Should You Replace Hardwood Flooring?
In situations where the floor is extremely damaged or refinishing is impossible, it is better to replace the floors. For example, some homes use engineered board materials instead of hardwood. This can make it impossible to safely sand down the existing boards. Likewise, a floor that has been refinished multiple times in the past can eventually hit a point where it can no longer be refinished. Another reason to replace hardwood flooring is if you want to change elements of your flooring, including plank placement, plank width, or wood type.
Refinishing vs Replacing Hardwood Flooring
Refinishing tends to be quick and more cost-effective than replacing hardwood flooring. However, there are many cases where it makes more sense to replace your floors. If there is structural damage, severe water damage, or you simply want to make significant improvements to your flooring, replacing is going to be a better option. That said, it is important to work with the right contractor who can provide you with strong options for either refinishing or replacing your floors.
Hardwood Flooring Installation & Refinishing in Massachusetts
Here at Central Mass Hardwood, we have worked with hundreds of homeowners and businesses throughout our service area to provide flooring solutions. Whether you are looking to refinish, replace, or need help choosing the right option, we are here to help. Give us a call or contact us through our website to get in touch.
