5 Best Ways to Upgrade Old Flooring

Floors set the tone for every room, and when they start to look worn or dated, it can throw off the whole space. 

Upgrading doesn’t always mean tearing everything out – sometimes a refresh is enough, and other times a full replacement is the better investment. 

We’ll cover the best ways to upgrade old flooring, from refinishing to new materials and everything in between.

Assessing Whether to Repair, Refinish, or Replace

Before you start ripping up boards, it’s worth figuring out if your old floors actually need to go. Sometimes, a little TLC is all it takes.

Repair or Refinish If:

• Damage is surface-level (scratches, scuffs, dullness).
• Issues are localized (a few cracked tiles or boards).
• Hardwood has lost its finish but is structurally sound.

Replace If:

• You’ve got widespread warping, buckling, or soft spots.
• There’s mold, moisture, or lingering odors.
• Floors have been refinished multiple times already.
• You’re dealing with large cracks, gouges, or missing sections.

Refinishing and Repair Options

Not every upgrade means starting from scratch. Sometimes the most cost-effective and least disruptive solution is restoring what you already have.

• Sanding & Refinishing Hardwood: Brings back the original beauty of solid wood floors, removes scratches, and extends lifespan.
• Spot Repairs: Replace a handful of boards, tiles, or planks without a full overhaul.
• Deep Cleaning & Sealing Tile/Stone: A proper reseal can make old tile look fresh while adding protection against future damage.

These approaches are great if you want an upgrade on a budget or don’t want the disruption of a full replacement.

Full Replacement: Best Ways to Upgrade Old Flooring

When repairs won’t cut it, replacement is the way forward. You have two main options:

Install New Flooring Over Existing Floors

• Pros: Saves money and time, avoids demolition mess, less disruption.
• Cons: Raises floor height (door clearance issues), hides problems like moisture or rot, may void warranties.
• Best for: Level, stable floors with no major underlying issues.

Full Removal and Replacement

• Pros: Fresh start, ability to inspect and repair the subfloor, compliance with manufacturer warranties, best longevity.
• Cons: More time, cost, and mess upfront.
• Best for: Floors with structural or moisture damage, outdated materials, or homeowners planning to stay long-term.

If budget allows, full removal and replacement is usually the smarter long-term investment.

Choosing the Best Flooring Materials

The right flooring doesn’t just look good – it fits your lifestyle, your home’s character, and your maintenance tolerance.

Hardwood & Engineered Wood

• Why choose it: Timeless, high resale value, refinishing potential.
• Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, and anywhere you want warmth and longevity.
• Engineered wood: More stable in moisture-prone areas than solid hardwood.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) & Laminate

• Why choose it: Durable, waterproof, budget-friendly, easy to install.
• Best for: Kitchens, basements, high-traffic family areas.
• Laminate caveat: Avoid in older homes with uneven subfloors.

Tile & Stone

• Why choose it: Unmatched durability, endless design options, great for wet spaces.
• Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms.
• Considerations: Requires a solid, flat subfloor to avoid cracking.

Carpet

• Why choose it: Comfort, warmth, sound absorption.
• Best for: Bedrooms, family rooms, low-traffic cozy areas.
• Watch out for: Allergens and moisture in older, less ventilated homes.

Special Considerations for Older Homes

• Balance character with performance – think reclaimed wood, engineered hardwood, or vintage-style tile.
• Avoid materials that can’t handle uneven subfloors or moisture (cheap laminate, sheet vinyl, wall-to-wall carpet in damp spaces).

Don’t Skip the Subfloor Check

If your subfloor is in bad shape, your new floors won’t last.

Common Subfloor Problems:

• Moisture damage (rot, mold, mildew)
• Unevenness (dips, slopes, waves)
• Structural damage (sagging, termite damage)
• Noise (squeaks from loose panels)
• Cracks or gaps in concrete bases

Taking the time to inspect and repair the subfloor ensures your upgrade performs well for decades – and it often keeps your warranty valid.

Best Installation Methods for New Floors

How your new floors are installed matters just as much as the material itself. Here’s a breakdown:

• Floating Floors: Click-lock systems that “float” over underlay. Quick, flexible, great for DIY.
• Glue-Down: Provides dense, stable feel. Best for engineered hardwood, cork, or vinyl. Requires careful subfloor prep.
• Nail-Down: Traditional method for solid hardwood on wood subfloors. Secure but not suited to concrete.
• Click-Lock: DIY-friendly version of floating floors, easy to replace individual planks.

Floating Installation

Best For: Engineered, laminate, LVP

Glue-Down Installation

Best For: Hardwood, cork, vinyl

Nail-Down Installation

Best For: Solid hardwood

Click-Lock Installation

Best For: Laminate, LVP, engineered

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best flooring materials can fail if mistakes are made during planning or installation. 

Watch out for these pitfalls:

• Choosing flooring by looks alone (ignoring durability or moisture needs)
• Skipping subfloor prep (leading to squeaks, uneven wear, or failure)
• Underestimating material quantities (and ending up with mismatched batches)
• Ignoring acclimation and moisture testing
• DIYing complex installs without proper skills
• Forgetting finishing touches (transitions, underlayments, baseboards)

Maintaining New Floors After Upgrade

A new floor is an investment – maintenance keeps it looking and performing like new.

Regular Cleaning:

• Sweep/vacuum daily, mop weekly with material-appropriate cleaners.
• Spot-clean spills right away to prevent staining or warping.

Protective Measures:

• Use pads under furniture legs.
• Place mats at entryways.
• Avoid dragging heavy furniture.

Periodic Maintenance:

• Hardwood: Refinish every 3–5 years.
• Carpet: Professional cleaning annually.
• Tile: Grout resealing as needed.

Environmental Care:

• Control humidity to prevent wood expansion/contraction.
• Block harsh sunlight to reduce fading.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a typical flooring upgrade take?

Most projects wrap up in 1–3 days per room depending on the material and prep required. Full tear-outs with subfloor repair can take a week or more.

Can new flooring increase my home’s resale value?

Yes – buyers consistently rank updated flooring as one of the top home features. Hardwood and luxury vinyl plank, in particular, deliver strong ROI.

Is it possible to live in the house while flooring is being replaced?

In most cases, yes. Installers usually work room by room, so you’ll just need to plan around blocked-off areas and some noise/dust.

What’s the most budget-friendly way to upgrade old flooring?

Refinishing existing hardwood or installing vinyl plank over a sound subfloor are cost-effective options. Both give a big visual lift without the price tag of a full replacement.

Conclusion

There are plenty of ways to bring tired floors back to life. For some, sanding and refinishing hardwood is enough. Others might need spot repairs, or a fresh surface laid over the old one. And when damage or age has gone too far, a full replacement with the right material is the smartest long-term choice. 

The best ways to upgrade old flooring aren’t just about looks – they’re about comfort, safety, and adding real value to your home. Book a free in-home appointment to see flooring options in your own space, compare styles side by side, and get practical advice on what will last.