How Do I Know If My Hardwood Floors Need Refinishing?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  1. Major scratches and dents. ...
  2. Cupping. ...
  3. Splinters. ...
  4. Gray floorboards. ...
  5. Water stains. ...
  6. Fading and discoloration.

How much should I pay to have my wood floors refinished?

According to HomeAdvisor, the typical price range to refinish hardwood floors is between $1,074 and $2,485 , with the national average at $1,757. This comes out to $3 to $8 per square foot, including materials and labor. Roughly 80 percent of the cost to refinish hardwood floors comes from labor.

Is it cheaper to sand and refinish hardwood floors or replace?

In general, it will almost ALWAYS be less expensive to refinish your hardwood floors . If you replace them, you need to pay for additional wood as well as ripping up and hauling away existing hardwood. ... Even if you have this, it will still be less expensive then replacing the whole floor.

What is the best time of year to refinish hardwood floors?

If I had to pick an ideal time, I would say spring or fall when the indoor temperature is most consistent with outdoor temperature and it’s often easy to open the windows (after the work is complete) to help air out the smell faster. But, really, sanding and refinishing hardwood can take place any time of year.

How often do wood floors need refinishing?

It’s commonly accepted that you refinish every seven to ten years . Important note: some hardwood is only 1/4 inches thick. In this case, a refinish could strip away all traces of the floor. Unsure about how thick your hardwood is?

How much does it cost to refinish $1000 square feet of hardwood floors?

Flooring square footage Average cost 751 – 1000 sq. ft. $2,100 1001 – 1500 sq. ft. $2,350 1501 – 2000 sq. ft. $3,500 2001 – 3000 sq. ft. $5,000

Can I refinish hardwood floors myself?

If you only have some minor scratches and dings or a dull finish, you might be able to simply buff and add a new coat of varnish. But, even if your floors need a complete makeover, refinishing hardwood is a very manageable and rewarding do-it-yourself job that can save a lot of money.

Does refinishing hardwood floors increase home value?

5. Flooring – Replacing outdated carpet or flooring, or simply refinishing wood floors that have seen better days, will definitely increase the value of your home , with a 102% return on investment.

How messy is refinishing hardwood floors?

If your hardwood floors are scratched and dull, you can bring them back to their former beauty by refinishing them. One major drawback of refinishing wood floors is the dust that is produced. Cleanup after your floors have been sanded can also be a nightmare. ...

What is the difference between refinishing and resurfacing wood floors?

What’s the Difference? Refinishing involves sanding down the uppermost layer of the floor and applying fresh stain and lacquer over the existing wood. ... Resurfacing your floor involves more than just putting a layer of polish on top .

Is light or dark wood floors better?

There will be a higher chance of scratches and scrapes, which light hardwood can hide better than dark hardwood . ... While you’re free to mix and match styles, many homeowners find that darker hardwood flooring lends itself to a more rustic design, while lighter wood is used to create a more contemporary style.

What is the most popular floor color?

Gray flooring , particularly gray wood, has grown exponentially over the last decade and has quickly become the most popular trend, not just for flooring, but for homes in general. In addition to looking chic and trendy, gray floors set the tone of a cool, contemporary home.

Can you refinish hardwood floors one room at a time?

If your wood floors continue into other rooms of the home, you cannot sand, stain and refinish the one area. ... The only way to refinish one room is to install a transition piece (or if there’s one in place already).

What is the cheapest way to refinish hardwood floors?

Applying a Revitalizer. Applying a revitalizer gloss is the simplest and cheapest way to refinish hardwood floors. This approach works best on floors that only have surface-level scratches and other minor wear and tear issues. You can get the job done without the need for equipment rentals or hard-to-find materials.

How long does it take to refinish 1000 square feet of hardwood floors?

In general, it will usually take 3-5 days to refinish hardwood floors with an oil based polyurethane (+ drying time), pending on whether there is a stain/how dark the stain is/how humid it is and how many coats of polyurethane you apply.

How hard is it to sand and refinish hardwood floors?

If the scratches don’t go all the way through to the wood, you can scuff-sand your floors with a buffer and apply a fresh coat or two of finish. The hardwood floor refinishing process is easier and less expensive than sanding down to bare wood and takes less time. In a few hours, your floors will look as good as new.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.