Most hardwood can last you a very long time, but there will come a day when it will be time for fresh new hardwood. It can be a large expense depending on what needs to be done, but sometimes the longer you wait, the more expensive it can be. So, the question is, how do you know when it's time for new flooring?
Water Damage
Water and moisture damage can be the biggest hardwood-killer. To much exposure to either one can cause extreme buckling, peeling, bending and large gaps. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may be able to take care of the issue in other ways. A lot of times, however, replacing or refinishing is your only option. Which brings us to our next topic...
Over Sanding
Many times we choose to refinish flooring. This involves a sanding process to remove an old finish, repair the floor, and refinish the flooring. This can be a wonderful thing and it can keep your floors looking new (as well as being cost effective), but it can only be done so many times.
Every time your hardwood floors are sanded they get thinner. If you sand them too many times you could even expose nails which is certainly a bad thing. How many times you are physically able to sand and refinish floors is variable depending on the type or wood, the thickness, and your floors flatness, but on average it is usually 3-5 times.
Age
The other most important factor is age. Hardwood may not have a definite expiration date, but they definitely have a lifespan that if over lived can mean a costly repair or replacement. As hardwood begins to decay, it can become soft and bouncy — which aren’t things you’re really looking for in flooring. This increases damage to the underlying sublayer of flooring which can make redoing your flooring very expensive.
So, when the time comes, it may be hard to say goodbye to your old floors. Especially if they have been in countless generations of your family. But, don’t look at it as an emotional loss, look at it as an incredible opportunity to try a new look! There are endless possibilities — new plank widths to try, new colors and new kinds of wood.
Its not an ending, its a new beginning! If that time is now you can save 5% instantly when you book your flooring project with us by liking our page and showing us the following post from our facebook page!