Hardwood floors add class and value to your home and are considered a staple in high-end real estate. The great thing about hardwood is that they’re durable, look great, hold up over time, and won’t fade or stain as carpets.

Wood floors are a beautiful element to any room, adding both a look of luxury and a feel of coziness.

However, after time, typically many years, most people think they don’t look very nice because of all the wear and tear. No matter how diligent you are about regular maintenance and cleaning of your home and wood floors, chances are there is some scuffing or scraping and natural dings from daily living, kids, or pets.

Refinishing your wood floors is a process that although isn’t the most fun, it will yield results to make you remember why you chose hardwood in the first place. It’s a process worth doing, especially if you want to save money and revamp your home.

What Are Some Signs It’s Time to Refinish Your Hardwood Floors?

One of the most significant signs your hardwood flooring needs refinishing is that there are a lot of scratches on them. You may also notice water damage on some of the wood; perhaps some of the colors have started fading due to UV light from the sun.

Below you’ll find a few ways to let you know if your flooring needs refinishing. Examine your floors closely and keep on the lookout for any of these signs only a complete refinishing will get rid of.

A lot of Scratches or Dents

It’s pretty much impossible for your wood floors not to become scratched and dented throughout their lifetime, especially if you have pets or kids. However, when the damage is on most of the flooring and has penetrated the wood itself, it’s more than just a cosmetic issue. If you notice a lot of scratches or dents on your flooring, it’s time to call a professional to have them come out and refinish your floor to prevent further damage.

Water Damage or Cupping

If your wood floor has water damage, your see spots on the wood, separation or cupping of some of the boards, and darkened areas. If your boards are only cupping a little, you can generally sand them down, and they’ll blend in. However, if they are cupping a lot, then you’ll have to replace those boards or have a new wood floor put in.

Graying or Fading Color

If you’ve noticed that the color of your wood floor is fading, then sanding them down and refinishing them will help to renew their color and protect them. If your floorboards are turning grey may, it may be an indication there’s water damage. Once you refinish your floor, your floors should look just like new.

Splinters

If you have pieces of wood poking out of your hardwood floor, then it may mean that the sealant has worn away and the wood beneath it is damaged. You’ll need to sand off the damaged wood to make it smooth again and then apply a new layer of sealant to protect the wood and your feet.

You Start Noticing Nails in The Floor

If you notice a few nails on the floor, it may not be a huge deal; you can just sand them down and refinish the floor; however, if nails are poking through in multiple areas, it may be time to look into getting a new wood floor.

Boards Have Turned Black

If you notice that you have boards that have turned completely black, they will either have to be removed, or you’ll have to refinish your floor and stain your entire floor a dark stain to match the blackened boards.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Hardwood Flooring

There are times when refinishing your floors will not give you the look you want; instead, it’s a better choice to replace your entire floor. Here are some signs that your hardwood floor will probably need a full replacement.

Floor Movement

It’s normal for some contracting and expanding during the winter and summer months, and a good refinishing will take care of any gaps that have occurred. However, if sanding doesn’t work anymore, it’s a sign you need to replace your floor.

Structural Damage

If your subfloor has gotten damaged, you will most likely have to replace your entire flooring. This can happen due to many reasons, from water leaks to accumulated rot.

Extreme Wear

While hardwood floors have a long lifespan, they can only be refinished ten times before they need replacement. When they have been refinished too many times, the grooves in the planks start to show, and so do the nails.

In Need of Hardwood Flooring Services?

Contact Cameron the Sandman if you’re ready to have your wood floors refinished. Our family-owned wood floor business located in Michigan has been providing hardwood flooring services for more than 80 years! We can help you with all of your hardwood flooring needs. From wood floor installation to sanding, refinishing, and repairs, we are here to help. Call today!