Signs Its Time To Replace Your Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is a timeless design element that not only helps elevate the overall interior of your home, but also remains durable from the wear and tear that comes along with having a busy family lifestyle. With that being said, it’s only a matter of time before your hardwood flooring begins to show signs of aging that can end up diminishing your home’s elegance and character.

One of the customary options of updating hardwood floors is to sand them down and refinish with filler and new wood stain, which can offer homeowners an easy solution for the time being. However, over time a simple refinish may not be enough to salvage your flooring as it did once before.

Now or Never?

If you’re stuck debating whether it’s time to replace your hardwood flooring altogether, take a look through these signs that you may begin to notice throughout your home.

You’ve Already Refinished Your Hardwood

One of the ways that you can begin to tell that it may be time to replace your hardwood is if you have already sanded and refinished your flooring numerous times prior. As a rule of thumb, hardwood flooring is durable enough to withstand up to six refinishing processes before the integrity of the wood itself begins to diminish which can also lead to cracking and further damage.

You Begin to Notice Large Scratches and Scuffs

Another way, and perhaps one of the most apparent signs that your hardwood flooring needs to be replaced is when you begin to notice large scratches, dents, and scuffs on each of the wood panels. Whether it’s moving furniture, cleaning up after kids, or pets,

life happens, and wear and tear over time is bound to occur!

The Wear and Tear Becomes Too Much

Like we said, wear and tear are natural in any home, however when it reaches a certain threshold, you may want to consider replacing your floors. Look for areas where the stain has chipped off or is worn down completely, if there are any signs of splinters, cracks, or even areas where the wood itself is completely distorted.

You Start to Notice Nails Peeking Through the Boards

Both annoying and dangerous, if you begin to notice nails peeking through the boards of your hardwood, then replacing your floors is most likely your best course of action. Not only does the appearance of nails decrease your overall aesthetic of your décor, but it can also become a hazard when your toes or feet begin to clash or snag with the end of a nail head at least a couple times a day.

Your Home Has Suffered from Water Damage

A homeowner’s nightmare, water damage and the exposure of moisture can lead to major damage throughout your home, especially if you have hardwood flooring. Whether due to flooding or damage on unsealed floorboards, contact with water can cause hardwood to warp, and separate, as well as grow mold throughout your home if not taken care of swiftly and properly.

Your Floors Begin to Creak and Move

Another common sign that it may be time to replace your hardwood flooring is if you begin to hear creaking as you walk throughout your home. This indicates that the hardwood itself may be rubbing against your subflooring. This can result from aging and can lead to further structural damage if left unattended for too long.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace Hardwood Flooring?

Now that you’ve determined whether replacing your hardwood flooring is needed in your home, you’re likely wondering what the average cost is to go ahead with this home renovation project.

Homeowners can expect to spend anywhere between $2,493 – $6,755 with a national average of around $4,540 depending on the square footage of the replacement needed, materials you choose, and hardwood installation costs.

Are You Ready for a Home Renovation Facelift?

Deciding on whether you should be replacing the hardwood flooring in your home can be an overwhelming process. However, by looking for all of the signs noted above, you can be well on your way to designing your new home interior with stain colors, wood grains, and more!