Replace vs. Repair: Hardwood Floors

Deciding whether you should replace your repair your hardwood floors is a decision that takes a lot of thought. The answer depends on the severity of the damage, the type of damage, the age of the floor, your flooring budget, and the opinion of your trusted flooring professionals. 

Hardwood that has been in your home since you moved in can represent a time in your life that was full of joy and happiness, moving on to new flooring can feel like the end of an era. However, sometimes hardwood flooring simply cannot be saved, and replacing it is a necessity.  

In this post, we will help you decide whether you should repair or replace your damaged hardwood flooring. Keep reading to learn more! 

Should I Repair or Replace My Hardwood Floors? 

Often minor damage can be repaired to leave your wood floors looking as good as new, but other times the issues run much deeper and a complete overhaul is necessary.  

Compare your hardwood floor damage with the guide below to help you determine the best course of action for your home. As always, be sure to consult with a flooring professional before making any changes.  

Signs You Need to Replace Your Hardwood Floors 

We all love our hardwood floors, but sometimes replacing them becomes a necessity. This is often true if damage is present across the entire floor or a large portion of the floor has become rotted, warped, or otherwise seriously damaged.  

Below we have detailed a few signs that you need a flooring replacement. 

 Extensive Water Damage 

Water is the enemy of hardwood flooring. When extensive water damage has occurred and the floorboards have become warped, swollen, humped, or moldy there is no other solution than to replace your hardwood floors. Always consult a flooring professional if you suspect water damage is severe enough that your floors need to be replaced. 

Structural Damage 

Damage like extensive termite damage or rotting wood is a clear sign that your hardwood floors need to be replaced. Structural damage can be very dangerous for your home's inhabitants and can cause more serious issues if not dealt with immediately. Structural damage is apparent if you notice soft spots, extreme creaking, or visible damage to the subfloor.  

Deep or Widespread Gouges 

When gouges or gashes in your floors go too deep, hardwood floor replacement is necessary. Gouges that cut deep into the wood and expose the interior of the plank are not fixable with wood fill and can leave your floors susceptible to mold, rot, or further damage. Floors need to be replaced if there are numerous or large areas of deep damage.  

Extreme Wear 

If your floorboards have become extremely thin or worn from repair or daily use, then it is time to replace your floors. Floors that have been sanded or refinished multiple times to the point where the wood has been worn thin cannot be repaired. If you see viable nails, very thin boards, or cannot sand further without compromising the boards then it is time to shop for new floors. 

It's Time for a Style Shake Up 

Last but not least, you can be sure it is time to replace your hardwood floors if you are unhappy with the way they look and want a different style. Sometimes the decision to get new flooring is entirely based on aesthetic reasons, and that is okay! You want a different wood type, color, or pattern that cannot be achieved through refinishing. Work with a team of flooring experts to make sure your old floors are reused or recycled responsibly and enjoy your new floors. 

Looking for more information on when you should replace your floors? Check out this guide! 

Let's look at a few signs you can repair your hardwood floors.  

When Can I Repair My Hardwood Floors? 

Repairing your hardwood floors is possible provided damage is only present on a few wood planks, you have minor or superficial issues, or the damage has not harmed the wood present under the veneer.  

Minor Surface Scratches 

Minor surface scratches are those that occur when your wood planks are marred by improperly moved furniture, your pet's nails or claws, or other similar issues. So long as the scratches do not penetrate deeply into the wood, you can repair rather than replace them. To help avoid minor surface scratches, felt pads are the ideal choice to put on the legs of your furniture.   

Dullness or Minor Wear 

If you have noticed your hardwood floor is fading, scuffing easily, or has lost its finish in certain areas, then some minor repairs are necessary. This happens often on older floors and only becomes a problem if the wood floors become abrasive or unsightly. Some people prefer a more rustic look, so don't feel as if you need to repair your flooring unless issues like stray nail heads arise.  

Small Gouges or Dents 

Small gashes or dents in hardwood floors occur as a result of heavy-weight, high-impact damage, or improperly moved furniture. You can repair these issues so long as they are isolated spots of damage that do not affect the overall structure.  

Gaps Between Boards 

When gaps appear between the planks that make up our hardwood floors, it can be cause for concern. Usually, these gaps are caused by temperature and humidity. This issue only needs to be repaired if it persists year-round. Seasonal gaps will close in humid months and need no repair. Only repair this issue if there are visible gaps that are not consistent over the entire floor and are not wide.  

Stains or Minor Water Damage 

 Water and hardwood floors are not friends. However, sometimes wood floors are damaged by moisture issues or excess moisture, but the wood itself is not rotted or ruined. In these situations, stains or minor water damage will appear, or the veneer will become chipped or will vanish. Look for discoloration or swelling in localized areas. 

However, if there is rotting or significant warping, a repair will not be sufficient. 

Maintaining your hardwood floor’s finish will help it stay healthy long-term. Click here to read more! 

Repair and Replace Hardwood Floors with A Step Above Flooring 

When your hardwood floors have incurred serious damage, it is important to have them repaired or replaced by a team of flooring professionals. Flooring professionals can evaluate the damage and advise you on the best course forward so your hardwood is healthy, beautiful, and ready to support you and your family for years to come.  

A Step Above Flooring is here for you! Our team of flooring experts will guide you through the repair or replacement process to make sure you get the hardwood floors of your dreams.  

Click here to reach out to the flooring pros at A Step Above Flooring now! 

If you are looking for more flooring tips that will help you find your next great hardwood floors, follow A Step Above Flooring on Facebook, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.  

Happy with the A Step Above Flooring difference? Leave us a five-star review on Google here!