Wood flooring is a popular choice among homeowners for its beauty, warmth and durability. However, it’s susceptible to scratches, dents, stains and water damage over time. So, when it starts showing signs of distress, is it time to bid it a fond RIP, or can some TLC save the day? Let’s examine the options.
Identifying the damage
Before making a decision, it’s essential to understand the nature of the damage your flooring has sustained:
- Scratches and dents: Heavy furniture, pet claws and high heels can leave their mark on your floors.
- Water damage: This can cause warping or cupping and is usually the result of spills or leaks.
- Sun discolouration: Long-term exposure to sunlight can cause fading or discolouration.
- General wear & tear: This includes worn areas from foot traffic, especially in high-traffic zones like hallways and entrances.
Can you save it?
With some TLC, you can often restore your floors to their former glory:
- Solid wood floors: Scratches and dents can often be sanded out, and the area can be stained and refinished to match the rest of the floor. With proper care, solid wood floors can last for decades.
- Engineered wood floors: Light scratches can often be buffed out of engineered flooring with a repair kit, but deep scratches or dents might require replacement of the damaged plank.
- Laminate floors: Small chips can be filled in with a repair kit, but more extensive damage will require plank replacement.
- LVT (luxury vinyl tile) floors: LVT is resilient and waterproof, but if it does get damaged, individual tiles can be replaced relatively easily.
When to say RIP
In some situations, the damage may be too severe or widespread for repairs to be a practical solution:
- Solid wood floors: If the wood has been sanded down to its tongue and groove or if there’s extensive water damage causing warping or cupping, it’s probably time for a replacement.
- Engineered wood floors: If the top layer of wood has been sanded down multiple times and is too thin for another round, or if large areas are warped or buckled from water damage, a new floor might be in order.
- Laminate floors: If there’s extensive water damage or discolouration, or if large sections are worn down, you’ll need to replace the floor. Remember, laminate floors cannot be sanded and refinished.
- LVT (luxury vinyl tile) floors: If there are wide areas of damage or the pattern has become outdated, replacement is a good option. LVT floors are a really good option because they’re easy to maintain and have a really similar appearance to solid wood flooring without having a similar price tag.
Deciding whether to save or replace your wood flooring can be a challenging decision. It requires understanding the type and extent of the damage, knowledge of the repair process, and a cost-benefit analysis. In many cases, a little TLC can rejuvenate worn flooring; however, in others, it’s best to say RIP and start fresh with new flooring. No matter what you choose, investing in your floors enhances your home’s appeal and functionality.