Signs it’s Time to Replace Your Hardwood Floor

Signs it’s Time to Replace Your Hardwood Floor

June 6, 2022  |  Design Trends, floor maintainence
A man installing hardwood flooring

Your hardwood floors are one of the most unique and beautiful features in your home. But they can only last so long. Sooner or later, you will have to replace them. 

 

But how do you know when it’s time to replace or renovate your hardwood floors? There are a few telltale signs that your hardwood is on its last leg.  

 

This post will help you decide when it is time to replace your hardwood floors. 

 

How to Tell When it is Time to Replace Your Hardwood Floors 

 

Is your home's value is dropping because of your hardwood? 

When you're selling your home, hardwood flooring is a huge selling point. The right floors can add value to your home, but the wrong ones can lower the resell value. 

 

Hardwood floors are durable and long-lasting, but they aren't indestructible—especially if they haven't been maintained properly over time. If you have scratches or dents in your flooring and it looks like you've tried to fix them yourself with sandpaper or some heavy-duty waxes (both of which will only make things worse) then it's time for new floors. 

 

The subfloor is damaged or not level. 

 

  • If your hardwood floors are 45 years old or older, the subfloor is likely to be damaged. The subfloor should be level and smooth. If it's not, it will be difficult to install new hardwood floors.  

  • If the damage is significant enough that you can't repair it yourself, you'll need to replace the entire subfloor before installing new hardwood. 

  • If your wood floors are newer than 30 years old and there's only minor damage to the subfloor (such as a few dents), then it may be possible to fix these issues rather than replacing all your flooring.  

 

The character and style of your home have changed. 

 

If you've changed the decor of your home, or even the style of your home, it may be time to replace your hardwood floors. 

 

For example, if the room with hardwood floors has changed from a formal dining room to an informal family room, or from a living room to an office, it's worth considering replacing the wood—especially if these rooms are used every day and will have heavy traffic.  

 

There are signs of moisture damage. 

 

You may have noticed that your hardwood floors look a little different than they used to. They may be warped, cupping, buckling, or cracking.  

 

  • Warping – Floorboards that have been left untreated will warp over time. Warping is caused by moisture damage from the ground below or leaks in your roof. If you notice that one side of your floor is bowed up while the other is flat-bottomed or sunken down, then you have to warp on your hands!  

  • Cupping - If there was heavy traffic on one area of the board for an extended period, then it could cause the board itself to cup outward toward where pressure was applied. 

  • Buckling - The buckling of wood floors is when your floorboards rise, causing humps and uneven surfaces. 

  • Cracking – When one single floorboard has been split into two pieces. Any significant force applied directly against a surface can result in cracking. 

 

You're thinking about selling your home. 

 

If you've been thinking about selling your home, replacing the hardwood floors can be a great investment. It's estimated that hardwood flooring increases property value by as much as 10%! 

 

Even if you plan to stay in your home for many years to come, new hardwood floors can be a great investment as they add an incredible layer of style to your rooms. They also hold their value, so your home’s value will be higher when it is time to sell.   

 

Many things can mean that it's time to replace your hardwood floors, but only you can make the final call. 

 

When it comes to making decisions about your home, you are the expert. You know your home best. You know what will make you happy and what your home needs.  

 

So, if the time has come for new hardwood floors in your house, don't hesitate to make that change! 

 

Remember, hardwood floors can dramatically increase your home's value, and they hold their value over time. So if you want to enjoy your home, not only are hardwood floors beautiful, but they also can help you cash in when it comes time to sell. 

 

Ready to upgrade your hardwood floors? Look no further than a Step Above Flooring. We have the widest flooring selection at the best prices.  

 

Stop by a Step Above Flooring when you are ready to upgrade!