There are a lot of wood floors in Portlandia. Approximately one-third of the number of homes in Portland were built prior to 1940. Over the years, owners have updated and added to these original homes.
Many people enjoy the look and feel of the old wood, while others find it to be a bit more challenging to maintain.
Let’s say you purchased a home, and it has wood floors, but they were not well maintained, or they had water damage. Is it worth it to have a professional refinish the wood flooring, or should you replace it with other solid hardwood flooring or look into engineered hardwood floors or even luxury vinyl planks (LVP)?
Put on your thinking cap and grab a partner and evaluate your home.
How bad is bad?
First, spend a good amount of time looking carefully at your wood floors. You don’t want to rush this step.
There are a few ways to tell if your wood flooring is damaged. One way is to look for dents, scratches, or other signs of wear and tear. If you see any damage, then you will need to repair it before refinishing the floor. Another way to tell if the floor is damaged is to test it for moisture. You can do this by sprinkling water on the floor and watching to see if it absorbs into the wood. If it does, then the floor may be damaged, and you will need to replace it.
Refinishing your existing wood flooring can save you money. By refinishing your current flooring instead of replacing it, you’re reducing waste and helping to conserve valuable wood materials.
But how do you know if your floor is a good candidate for refinishing? Generally speaking, if the boards themselves are in good shape and the finish is worn or scratched, refinishing will likely be a successful option.
And you may be able to refinish most of the floor and replace floor planks that are very damaged. You will need to look at the existing hardwood and see how much it has faded compared to new hardwood planks.
However, if there is extensive damage, such as deep scratches or warping, replacement may be necessary. Consult with a professional to determine the best course of action for your specific situation. Either way, choosing to refinish can have a positive impact on both your wallet and the planet.
If the flooring is too damaged to refinish, you can replace it with a new or pre-finished wood floor:
Over time, even the most well-maintained wood floors can begin to show signs of wear and tear. Scratches, dents, and fading can all make your floors look dull and dated.
If the damage is severe enough, you may be tempted to rip out your old floors and start from scratch.
If the wood floors were sanded down and refinished more than once, you may not be able to refinish them. Wood flooring needs a certain thickness to ensure structural integrity. The floor planks have to be able to support whatever is walking on them or whatever furniture is placed on the planks.
There are two main options for replacing damaged wood flooring: new or pre-finished wood. New wood flooring is unfinished and must be sanded, stained, and sealed before it can be used. Pre-finished wood flooring comes with a factory-applied finish, so it’s ready to install as soon as it arrives. The type of replacement flooring you choose will depend on your budget and the amount of damage to your existing floors. If the damage is extensive, new wood flooring may be the best option. however, if the damage is minor, pre-finished wood may be a better choice. Either way, replacing damaged wood flooring is a great way to give your home a fresh new look.
Choose the right type of wood flooring for your home and lifestyle:
Natural Hickory Wood
Even if your solid hardwood flooring is in decent shape, you may still wish to replace it with something that may be more aligned with your lifestyle. If you have lots of fur friends and kids, you may want flooring that’s more durable and less easy to scratch or dent.
Your home may have undergone lots of remodeling and additions, and you may not want wood flooring in the whole house. Carpeting can be useful for reducing noise as well as providing a comfortable foot feel in bedrooms.
And while wood flooring is a classic choice for any home, there are so many different types on the market that it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
Hardwood floors are made from solid planks of wood, and come in a variety of species, each with its own unique grain pattern and color.
Engineered wood floors are constructed from multiple layers of wood, with a hardwood veneer on top. This makes them more resistant to changes in temperature and humidity than solid hardwood floors, making them a good choice for rooms that get a lot of sun or moisture.
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are two popular choices for homeowners who want the look of wood without the high price tag. LVP and LVT planks are made from PVC, with a photographic image of wood on the surface. They are 100% waterproof and extremely durable, making them ideal for busy families with young children or pets.
No matter what your budget or lifestyle is, there is a wood flooring option that is perfect for you.
Maintain your wood flooring by cleaning and protecting it from damage:
Once you replace or refinish, you will want to take good care of your wood flooring. First, review the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Here are some easy tips for cleaning and protecting your wood floors:
- Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris.
- Use a damp mop for a more thorough cleaning, but be sure to wring out the mop head well so that the floor isn’t left too wet.
- Avoid harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads, which can damage the finish on the floor. Instead, opt for a gentle cleaner specifically designed for wood floors.
- Protect your floor from scratches and scuffs by placing mats at entryways and high-traffic areas. You should also avoid walking on the floor with shoes that have hard heels or spikes.
So, whether you’re looking to refinish your wood flooring or replace it with a new type of flooring, we hope this guide has been helpful. We also recommend that you take some time to consider the different types of wood flooring available and find the one that best suits your home and lifestyle. By following our tips for cleaning and protecting your wood flooring, you can enjoy its beauty and functionality for many years. Thanks for reading! And if you have any questions, please let us know.
