Should You Refinish or Replace Hardwood Flooring?

Brisbane hardwood flooring remains a popular choice among many Australian homes because of its durability, quality, and craftsmanship. It doesn't last forever, however. Depending on various factors, there will come a time when you need to refinish or replace your wood flooring. It's important to recognise when to do what to keep your home flooring in good condition. How do you know when to refinish? 

How do you know when to refinish?

• Check the floor for any damage. If it's mostly superficial, refinishing is the best course of action.

• Consider the flooring’s age and how many times it has been refinished in the past. If it has been sanded down too many times, another refinishing session could destabilise the flooring. 

• Think back on the last time your flooring has been refinished. Ideally, it should be refinished every 7 to 10 years, depending on the amount of use and abuse it's been subjected to. Timing could dictate that a refinishing is in order. 

• Take a look at its current condition and whether its former beauty has faded. Dark hardwood flooring is known for its timeless elegance. If it's lost lustre and shine, a good refinishing may be all it needs to be completely restored. 

  
  

How do you know when to replace it?

• Look for evidence of water damage, such as discolouration, dark spots, stains and warping. All of these signs point to a compromised flooring integrity, and failure to replace them immediately can lead to other problems. 

  
  

• See if there is any extensive discolouration somewhere on your floors. This doesn't always indicate damage underneath but may be due to heavy traffic, over-exposure to sunlight, or general wear and tear. In this case, you may only need to replace the damaged area. 

  
  

• Let your nose help decide for you. If unpleasant odours persistently emanate from the floors despite your cleaning them thoroughly, a replacement is necessary to improve indoor air quality. The smell may be due to water damage, spills, or pet accidents that seeped in. 

  
  

• Hardwood is visually and aesthetically appealing until excessive scratches, scuffs, and gouges appear on the surface. They're not only unsightly but may also cause accidents when not fixed or replaced. 

  
  

• The wooden floors have reached their sanding limit that you can almost see the bottom, or where nails or staples are now highly visible. Sanding it some more will leave you with a thin layer of flooring that may cause more damage than good. 

  
  

• If you notice that your floors have become noisier than usual, a replacement may be required. More audible squeaking and creaking with every step you take indicates that there might be a problem with the flooring itself or the subfloor. Nothing lasts forever, after all, and over time any material deteriorates. 

  
  

• Take note of how comfortable or uncomfortable you feel while walking on your floor. Wear and tear could cause uneven flooring, affecting the quality of its cushioning and support. Even with a carpet laid on top, you can still feel the effect of damaged flooring underfoot.

  
  

Properly maintained and taken care of, hardwood floors can last up to 30 years without requiring replacement or extensive work. But there are many scenarios where refinishing is no longer enough. Identify the signs of replacement, then contact Wilson Timbers, Australia’s trusted provider of high-quality products, from hardwood to decking.