Hardwood floors are a stylish way to add a touch of warmth and character to a home. Similar to other parts of the house, your floor will need proper care to last longer. Maintenance comes in handy to offset the damage done to the floor due to constant use over time.
Sanding and refinishing from time to time is part of the maintenance plan. However, sometimes refinishing cannot fix your floors and you need to replace them. Here are signs of letting you know when it is time to contact professional dealers in wood floor installation in Kansas City. Read on.
1. Excessive refinishing
Refinishing is an easy and fast way of restoring your hardwood floor whenever it gets scratches, faded colors, and other small marks. Unfortunately, there comes a time when you can no longer refinish your floors. Refurbishing involves sanding the wood, which eats away part of the wood. As a result, excessive refinishing will make the wood too thin that it forms large holes or splinters.
In some cases, the maximum number of refinishes is five. Be sure to find out how many times you can do refinishing and when you hit the maximum it is time for a replacement.
2. Water damage
Water is the worst enemy to hardwood floors. While refurbishing can fix light water damage like staining, it cannot fix extensive water damage. You will know if your floor is heavily damaged if you notice peeling and buckling of the wood when you walk on it. You may also see gaps between the wood boards. At this point, your floor is beyond refinishing and to prevent accidents consider replacing your flooring immediately.
3. Change in design tastes
With time, your personal preferences in different wood designs are likely to change. If you like a different model more than the one you currently have, then you have to change the entire floor. Better yet, you will have the new ones installed in your preferred style. For example, you can choose more full pranks and a diagonal design to achieve the effect of a larger looking room. If your current design disinterests you, then it is time to replace your floors.
4. You want to change the type of wood
Oak planks are the dominant type of wood flooring in the United States. However, each wood species offers a different appearance. For instance, woods like bamboo, cherry and maple produce a modern look, unlike traditional timber. If you are dissatisfied with your current floor wood then it is time to replace the wood. For instance, you can go for maple in place of oak.
5. Your floor is old
Organic materials are bound to decay and rot eventually. Wood is no exception. When the flooring is old, it becomes non-functional while exhibiting signs of looseness and sagginess. However, with proper care, your hardwood floors will last for a long time. Therefore, when the old age comes, it is time to let your old floor go.
Damaged wood that needs replacement can be a health hazard to you and your family members. Hence, replacing your hardwood floors will not only keep your family safe but will give your home a classic look.