4 Signs Your Hardwood Floors Should be Refinished

Of course, you always want your hardwood flooring to remain just as shiny, lustrous and beautiful as the day you got it. This is the wish of every homeowner. But every once in a while, your hardwood floors need extra TLC to restore their previous appeal. This is natural and happens with time, the elements, and wear and tear. But it can be hard to tell if you need to have your hardwood floors refinished. You don’t always need complete replacement. Here are some signs to be on the lookout for.

1. Water Damage

If your floors have been exposed to water damage, whether from a dishwasher leak or storm flooding, you need to take care of this right away. Standing water and leaks are tragic for hardwood floors, and can cause them to warp or develop mold. If the damage is severe enough, you will not only have to fully dry the floors; you will have to refinish them too.

2. Gouges and Chips

Deep scratches can morph into gouges, which can lead to wood chips. For obvious aesthetic reasons, you don’t want to have holes in your floors, which can invite moisture, dirt and debris that can further deteriorate the area. Plus, holes and chips pose tripping hazards as well. Such holes can also splinter over time, which can pose a safety risk for people and pets.

3. Discoloration

This sign isn’t quite as obvious as the others. It tends to happen over time, so you barely notice it. But one day you may be taken aback by just how discolored your floor has gotten. There are two kinds of discoloration to look for. First, your floor could turn a gray color, due to the wearing down of the polyurethane coating and resulting water damage. The second has to do with sun damage. This happens a lot in living and great rooms that feature big bay, bow or picture windows.

4. Changing Style Preferences

Hardwood floors are great because they last a lifetime. However, your personal tastes and styles change much more often than that. You may decide to refinish your existing floors just for a new change. This often happens with a remodel of a kitchen, dining room or living room. You just need a simple sanding and refinishing job; no need to rip them all out and replace.

Look out for these red flags that it’s time to refinish your home’s hardwood floors.

Contact All Flooring Install

If you notice any of the above warning signs, contact us in Richardson TX at 972-679-3172 for a professional consultation. We can recommend the appropriate solution, which may include refinishing.