Your hardwood floors are screaming for attention. Scratches, dents, fading – they tell the story of your home’s adventures.
Should you refinish or replace hardwood floors?
The answer isn’t always straightforward. It depends on the damage, your budget and long-term goals.
Tired floors don’t always need a complete overhaul. Other times, starting fresh is your only option. Here’s how to decide.
Key Notes
- Refinishing costs $3-$8/sq.ft and adds 7-10 years of life; replacement runs $6-$18/sq.ft but lasts decades.
- Structural issues like warping or sagging demand replacement; surface scratches only need refinishing.
- Solid hardwood can be refinished multiple times; engineered wood usually only once or twice.
- Quick alternatives include buffing and recoating for minor wear without full refinishing.
When to Refinish or Replace Hardwood Floors?
Hardwood floors take a beating. Years of foot traffic, furniture scrapes, pet claws, and everyday wear leave them looking tired.
When the damage gets too much to ignore, you’ve got two options: refinish or replace.
The right choice depends on the condition of your floors, your budget, and what you want long-term.
Assessing the Condition of Your Hardwood Floors
Not all damage means replacement. Some floors just need a refresh, while others are beyond saving.
Here’s how to tell where yours stand:
- Superficial Wear: Minor scratches, fading, or a dull finish? These are prime candidates for refinishing.
- Deep Gouges & Stains: If water damage has left black marks or deep scratches have cut through the stain, refinishing is still possible – unless they go beyond the top layer.
- Structural Issues: Warped, sagging, or shifting boards? That’s a sign it’s time to replace.
- Refinishing History: Solid hardwood can handle multiple refinishes, but engineered wood has limits – usually once or twice, depending on the veneer thickness.
When to Refinish Hardwood Floors?
Refinishing is the go-to when your floors look worn but are still structurally sound. If scratches, dullness, or minor discoloration are the main issues, refinishing will bring them back to life.
What Does Refinishing Hardwood Floors Mean?
Refinishing strips away the top layer of wood, removes old stains and imperfections, and applies a fresh stain and protective finish. It’s like a facelift for your floors.
This process helps restore the original beauty of the wood, bringing back its natural grain and character. Plus, it adds a protective barrier against future wear and tear, extending the life of your floors.
Duration to Refinish Floors
Expect to be out of the space for about 3-5 days. Sanding, staining, and sealing all take time to dry properly.
Humidity and temperature affect drying times, so plan accordingly.
Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors
Refinishing costs around $3–$8 per square foot. It’s a solid investment, often boosting home value while keeping your floors intact.
The total cost depends on factors like floor condition, labor rates, and whether additional repairs are needed.
Compared to full replacement, refinishing is more budget-friendly and eco-conscious.
Is Refinishing Hardwood Floors Worth It?
If your floors have life left in them, absolutely. It’s cheaper than replacing and keeps the original wood in place.
A well-done refinish can make decades-old floors look brand new. Plus, maintaining existing hardwood avoids the waste and hassle of tearing everything out.
Replacing Hardwood Floors
Replacing hardwood floors is a bigger commitment, but sometimes it’s the only option. If your floors are beyond saving, installing new hardwood gives you a fresh start with modern materials and finishes.
When to Replace Hardwood Floors
Some floors are too far gone. If boards are loose, warped, or damaged beyond repair, replacement is the only way forward.
Signs like deep structural damage, extensive water exposure, or large gaps between planks mean refinishing won’t cut it.
Duration to Replace Hardwood Floors
The process can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks, depending on the size of the space and the complexity of the installation.
Removing old flooring, preparing the subfloor, and installing new planks all take time, and additional factors like glue drying or acclimating new wood can extend the timeline.
DIY or Hire a Pro?
Replacing hardwood floors isn’t a simple weekend project. A professional installer ensures precise cuts, a level subfloor, and a seamless finish.
While DIY is possible, mistakes like uneven boards or improper sealing can be costly. If you’re not experienced, hiring a pro is the safest bet.
Cost to Replace Hardwood Floors
Replacing hardwood costs between $6–$18 per square foot, depending on the type of wood and installation method.
Higher-end materials and custom finishes push the price higher, while engineered hardwood or prefinished planks can save money.
Don’t forget to factor in the removal cost of tearing out your old floor.
Alternatives to Refinishing Hardwood Floors
If refinishing is too expensive or impractical, other options exist:
Buffing & Recoating
A quicker, cheaper refresh for floors that still have their protective layer intact.
This process lightly sands the existing finish and applies a new topcoat, enhancing shine and extending the floor’s lifespan without stripping down to bare wood.
It’s ideal for minor scratches and dull spots.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
A cost-effective alternative that mimics hardwood. LVP is durable, waterproof, and easy to install, making it a practical choice for high-moisture areas or homes with pets.
It also needs less maintenance than real wood, offering long-term savings.
Carpet or Tile
If the room’s function changes, these might be better fits. Carpet provides warmth and soundproofing, making it great for bedrooms, while tile is moisture-resistant and ideal for bathrooms or kitchens.
Switching materials can also modernize the space while cutting down on maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I refinish hardwood floors?
You should refinish your hardwood floors every 7–10 years, depending on how much wear and tear they endure.
How long do hardwood floors last?
With proper care, solid hardwood floors can last over 100 years. Engineered hardwood lasts around 20–30 years.
How long does it take to redo hardwood floors?
If you’re considering redoing your hardwood floors, expect the process to take 3 to 5 days, from sanding to sealing, expect 3–5 days. Replacement takes longer, usually about 5 to 10 days.
Conclusion
The choice between refinishing and replacing hardwood floors boils down to existing condition, budget, and timeline.
Refinishing breathes new life into structurally sound floors with superficial damage – saving money and preserving the original character. Replacement becomes necessary when boards warp, sag, or suffer extensive damage.
Consider the disruption factor too. Refinishing keeps you out for 3-5 days, while replacement demands 5-10 days of patience.
Whatever route you choose, don’t wait until minor issues snowball into major problems. Contact us today for a professional assessment of your hardwood floors.
