Is It Time to Refinish Your Hardwood Floors?
Hardwood floors are known for their timeless beauty and long-lasting durability, but even the toughest surfaces show signs of wear over time. On average, hardwood floors should be refinished every 7 to 10 years, depending on their condition and how much traffic they experience. In busy households or homes with pets, you may need to refinish them sooner.
If your floors have lost their shine, look scratched or dull, or feel uneven underfoot, refinishing your hardwood floors may be a good idea. That way your floors will look like new, have an extra layer of protection, and continue to last for many more years to come.
5 Signs It’s Time to Refinish Your Hardwood Floors
Here are some common signs it’s time to refinish your hardwood floors:
- Dull or uneven color
- Scratches or dents
- Worn-out finish with no shine
- Water stains or discoloration
- Bare wood showing through
Refinishing removes the top layer of damaged wood, sands down imperfections, and applies a fresh finish that restores your floor's original beauty. When it comes to hardwood refinishing services in Southeast Kansas City, MO and the surrounding areas, you’ll want to partner with an experienced team that can get the job done right for top-notch results that stand the test of time.
Can I Refinish My Old Wood Floors?
Refinishing wood floors requires professional techniques and special equipment, which is why it is generally recommended that you hire a professional team to refinish your floors. Improper refinishing can leave wood floors more susceptible to surface and water damage and lead to subpar results that make your floors look less than their best.
How to Determine If Your Floors Can Be Refinished
The type of hardwood flooring you have, how many times they’ve previously been refinished, and their current condition can all impact whether or not your floors can be refinished. If the flooring has already been sanded down multiple times and the planks are too thin to withstand another round, then refinishing may not be possible. Solid hardwood floors can typically handle several refinishes over their lifespan while engineered hardwood may only allow for one or two, depending on the veneer’s thickness. Extreme damage, like water damage, warping, and deep gouges, can also make refinishing completely impossible.
An in-home evaluation from a flooring expert can help determine whether your floors are a good candidate for refinishing or if replacement is the better option.
Alternatives to Refinishing: Is New Flooring the Answer?
Sometimes refinishing isn’t possible or practical. If your hardwood is warped, buckled, or extensively damaged, replacing it may be the better investment. That said, many homeowners ask, “Can you put new flooring over old hardwood?” The answer is typically yes, depending on the condition of the existing floor and the type of new material being installed.
For example, luxury vinyl plank or laminate can often be floated over old hardwood if the subfloor is stable and level. However, professional installers will always inspect the original flooring before making recommendations.
Trust Floor Coverings International® of Metro Southeast Kansas City for Expert Hardwood Refinishing
At Floor Coverings International® of Metro Southeast Kansas City, MO, we specialize in hardwood floor refinishing that enhances the look, feel, and longevity of your floors. Whether you’re restoring old wood, repairing scratches, or preparing your home for resale, our team delivers a professional result with care and precision.
We start every project with a free down-to-the-penny quote, so you’ll know the final cost of the refinishing project before it starts. From sanding and finishing to sealing and clean-up, we manage every step of the process and stand behind our work with our follow-up guarantee.
Book your free in-home consultation online or call us at (816) 441-4133 to get started on transforming your hardwood floors today.
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