Should You Consider Refinishing a Wood Floor or Getting a New One?

A good hardwood floor can last you 25 to 30 years or more.  Part of the reason for this kind of longevity is that hardwood floors are designed to be refinished.  Refinishing a hardwood floor can quickly bring it back to its original condition.  And this can be done several times before the floor requires replacing.  This often brings up the question, “Should you consider refinishing a wood floor or getting a new one?”  In this post, we’ll go over some of the factors which should help you decide which option is better for you.

Are Your Floorboards Badly Damaged?

One of the appeals of hardwood floors is the ability to bring them back to new if they’ve been worn down, scratched or scuffed.  However, if the floorboards are badly damaged – whether they’ve become warped or cupped, are beginning to rot or have been deeply gouged, it may be time to install a new floor.  Properly assessing the damage should provide you with an idea of the best course of action.

Do You Want A New Look?

If simply tired of the colour or texture of your hardwood floor or your redecoration plans require that your floor looks different, it doesn’t mean you need to replace the entire thing.  As long as the wood is still in good condition, you can refinish the floor, stain it a new colour, give it a different texture or alter its look without having to replace it entirely.  That said, if you’re looking for different plank widths or configurations, replacement might be necessary.

What’s Your Budget?

If you have an unlimited budget, there’s nothing like a brand new hardwood floor to give an area a completely updated look.  But if you can’t afford a full replacement, a refinishing can be a very close second.  Refinishing will also cause much less disruption in your day-to-day life.

How Long Have You Had Your Current Floor?

As mentioned in the introduction, brand new hardwood floors can last more than 30 years.  But because it’s recommended that you refinish hardwood floors every 10 years, if your current floor is more than 25 years old, it might be in your best interest to install a new one.  This ensures you get the maximum use out of any refinishing project.