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Hardwood floors are a desirable addition to any home, increasing their value, style, and timelessness. However, they don’t stay in pristine condition without some effort and maintenance. If you’ve never heard of refinishing, it consists of sanding down the uppermost layer of the floor and applying fresh stain and lacquer.
Experts say the timeline for refinishing your hardwood floors is once every 7 to 10 years. But, there can be several other indications that you should refinish them even sooner. Here are a few tell-tale signs that it might be time.
Excessive dents and scratches- If your flooring is dented and scratched up to the point where it is visibly noticeable, it’s probably time to consider a refinish. Dents and scratches are not only an eyesore but can lead to further damage. It’s best to take care of them before they become too deep to address with a refinish.
Fading and Discoloration from Sunlight Exposure- One of the few downsides to hardwood flooring is that it can become faded or discolored from sunlight, especially in rooms with multiple windows that receive a lot of sun exposure. If you notice your flooring is faded or discolored, a refinish is a great solution to ensure your floors look as rich and beautiful as the day they were installed.
Water Damage- Water damage can originate from several different things – leaks, spills, children and pets tracking in water and snow, and more. Once the protective finish on your hardwoods wears off, your floors are ready for a refinish. Without a protective coating, spilled water doesn’t sit on top of the wood, instead, it immediately sinks into your floors, causing water damage, and worse.
Boards Turning Black/ Gray- If your boards begin turning gray, you’ll know it’s time to do some work. It’s a sign that wood has been left unprotected and is beginning to deteriorate. If your hardwoods are gray and not black yet, you can probably get away with doing a refinish. If your hardwoods have started turning black, you’ll likely need to go ahead and replace the floors altogether.
Areas of Dullness- Let’s be honest, a large majority of the desire to have hardwoods is the aesthetic. Whether you chose your finish to be glossy, matte, brushed, or satin, they can all become dull. If you notice your finish is becoming dull and has lost its original glow, it’s time to refinish your hardwoods.
Still not sure if your floors are ready for a refinish? Contact the 12th and Oak team.