How Select Between Refinishing and Replacing the Wood Floor?
Well, one of the hottest debating topics among hardwood floor owners is that should they go for refinishing or replacing hardwood floors. Frankly, the decision depends on several factors, including the current condition of the wood floor, age of the hardwood, budget, and personal liking of the owner.
Hardwood floors are prone to wear and tear, so over time, it gets stained and wrapped or chipped. However, the appearance of these signs doesn’t imply that your hardwood needs a replacement. A simple refinishing job can restore the beauty of your hardwood floor.
Hardwood floors are expensive investment, but considering the longevity of the floors will worth every single dollar you spend. Hence, refinishing can restore the beauty of the hardwood floors multiple times. However, several reasons are there to go for both the replacement or refinishing old hardwood floors.
Reasons to Go for Refinishing or Replacement
1. Refinishing is Less Expensive
If you go for a hardwood replacement, you need to pay the additional price for the wood. Besides, you need to pay for ripping up and removing hardwood floors that are existing currently. On the other hand, refinishing will not cost you any charge for wood floors.
You need to pay the charge only for the refinishing job. Further, if a specific section of the wood floor gets damaged, you can replace only that area to get an overall new look after refinishing.
Hence, if budget is a constraint for you, then it will be better to go for the refinishing.
2. Age and Condition
A hardwood floor is an expensive investment. Hence, before replacing the wood, consider the condition of it. If you find that the wood has not been replaced in decades, you may go for a replacement. However, if the wood has been replaced in the recent past, you can opt for the refinishing only. Further, the condition of the wood floor plays a significant role in deciding to go for the replacement or refinishing.
If your hardwood floor has gone under refinishing several times or the cracks in between are too large, then replacement is the only feasible option available.
3. Consider the Beauty of the Hardwood Floor
Does your hardwood floor look dull due to the scratches? If your sole aim is to restore the beauty of the wood floor, then consider refinishing. Refinishing is an ideal option to restore the beauty of the hardwood flooring and can give a completely new look to the existing flooring without investing too much money.
4. Changing the Wood Species
Most of the people in the US love the oakwood floor because of its look and graining. You will find the Oak wood floor in most of the US houses. However, few people are there who prefers the Brazilian cherry or a clear maple or a modern looking bamboo.
If you want to change the species, then replacing makes sense for you. However, for changing the look, you can consider staining hardwood floors also. So, before you go for the replacement, think twice.
5. Time Consuming Process
Replacing the hardwood floor is a time-consuming and meticulous process. It takes at least 4-5days to complete the refinishing job. The refinishing job requires equipment such as sanders, sandpaper, buffers, stain, brushes, rollers, polyurethane, and many more. So, if you stay in the same home, then it will be a challenging time for you.
Alternatively, replacing the hardwood floors take a maximum of two days to get completed. It is a much faster process compared to refinishing. Several people go for the replacement simply to avoid the mess of refinishing.
Final Words
If you are moving to a new home, then refinishing will be a better option. However, while staying at home, a replacement will be a hassle-free option. No doubt, refinishing the wood floor is a less expensive option compared to replacement.
Hence, if budget is a constraint for you, then it is better to go for the refinishing job. Be it the replacement or the refinish, choice depends on your circumstances.
If you are still confused about what to select and whatnot, then you can contact us to get expert advice from our experienced wood floor contractors.
Related Article: How Can You Refinish Hardwood Flooring?