Hardwood floors are a classic look in any home. If you have old hardwood floors that are worn, scratched or stained, replacing them with new flooring is a great way to freshen up your home’s appearance and add value. However, it’s important to consider your options before deciding on whether to refinish or replace your old wood flooring.
If your existing hardwood is free from any poly based finish and you’re willing to give it a decent pass with a belt or orbital sander, it could be saved. If the floor is scuffed or damaged, it may need to be filled with a wood filler. However, this process should be done in a climate controlled area and with an air compressor to minimize dust and damage to the wood.
The cost of refinishing is significantly less than replacing your floors. You’ll save money and have the benefit of preserving the history of your home’s hardwood floors.
In addition to the cost of installing new hardwood floors, you’ll also need to pay for the removal and disposal of the old flooring. If you’re able to get a good estimate for the costs of refinishing and installation, you can compare this to the price of replacing your current hardwood floors to determine which option is more affordable for you.
When you’re replacing old floors with hardwood, you need to know how thick your old boards are. This will help you choose the best type of hardwood to match the thickness of your old boards. If the boards are too thin, you will have to add a layer of plywood or luaun underlayment to resolve any flatness issues and meet the recommendations of the flooring you’re choosing.
It’s a good idea to choose a hardwood that’s similar to your existing flooring in terms of species and grade. Some species of hardwood have subspecies, like white oak and red oak, which differ in color and staining abilities. Similarly, some woods, such as pine, have different grades that include standard, select and clear.
Another important consideration is moisture balance. Moisture imbalance can be the leading cause of rotting, warping and cupping in hardwood. If your existing hardwood has severe rotting or warping, it may be beyond saving and replacement is the only option. If you need the help of a local floor replacement company in Tampa visit https://www.tampabayflooringcompany.net/.