Nothing lasts forever. Even durable, high-quality hardwood floors will eventually see enough wear and tear that they’re no longer fit for your home. Knowing when to replace hardwood floors can be difficult, especially when you don’t know how old they are. Read on to learn more about repairs, replacements, and when it’s time to let go and move on to newer, better hardwood flooring.
Wait! Can You Repair Instead?
Before you start ripping up floorboards, find out whether you can simply repair your wood floors instead. Sanding down, staining, and resealing your floors are great ways to get rid of the scratches, dents, and other wear and tear a room has collected. If the veneer of your engineered hardwood flooring is thick enough, refinishing the floor will take less time and money than completely replacing it. You might also be able to replace worn-down areas such as a high-traffic hallway or entryway instead of replacing an entire home’s worth of hardwood. If you’re unsure, consult a contractor or other professional to see what you can and cannot salvage.
When To Replace Hardwood Floors
After decades of life and activity, your floors will reach a point where no amount of repairs is going to fix them. This is a sad moment, but it also gives you an opportunity to mix up your style with brand-new flooring that will last for more decades to come. How do you know when to replace hardwood floors? Look for these major signs:
The Floors Are Moving
Shifting, swaying, or buckling floorboards is never a good sign. A little movement with the change of seasons is normal, but shifting floorboards are often symptoms of water damage, foundational flaws, or other severe issues.
There’s Water Damage
Moisture is the bane of wood floors. Engineered hardwood offers more moisture-resistance than traditional hardwood, but standing water, leaks, and excess humidity can nonetheless damage your wood floors. Water damage can show up as discoloration, cracked floorboards, or warped wood. If you have to replace your wood floors due to water damage, make sure you find and solve the source of the damage first.
You Want To Mix Things Up
Sometimes your home just needs something new. If you can’t or simply don’t want to restain your floors, consider replacing them with something new. This is a great time to switch up the wood species, character grade, or other details. Remember that hardwood flooring lasts a long time, so choose something you’ll enjoy for years to come. Take your time browsing the different collections—such as the dense, durable, and diverse maple engineered flooring at From the Forest—to find an option that fits your home perfectly.