Hardwood floorings are a desired addition to any home. From classic dark wood to modern lighter wood, many opt for hardwood flooring when it comes to their home’s flooring. Hardwood flooring has benefits beyond aesthetics; its durability makes it built to last and the addition of hardwood flooring can increase the overall value of a home. Ergo, maintaining the integrity of hardwood is imperative for its overall longevity.
Restoration aids in maintaining the look and feel of hardwood. From scratches to chips, hardwood restoration can aid in bringing your flooring back to life. Whether you are looking to sell your home or you simply don’t want to part with your beloved flooring, restoration is certainly on your side.
Thinking about restoring your hardwood floors? Looking to bring the interior of your Vancouver based property to life? Here are a few things you need to know about the world of restoration:
Is hardwood flooring worth restoring?
When it comes to any damage or elements that are grounds for restoration, it’s important to determine whether or not to restore or replace the flooring. If flooring can be restored, most opt for it, however, if damage it beyond repair, one must go for the latter option. Most hardwood flooring that requires restoration lays underpinned down carpet put in thereafter. Damage to this top layer can cause damage to the wood underneath, from leaks to cracks. Restoring hardwood, whether it lays underneath a layer of carpet or has obtained some damage on its own can help save the trouble of having to purchase and install entirely new flooring. Hardwood that is free of non-cosmetic damage can be restored, thus, eliminating the need for new flooring.
Restoring hardwood flooring is worth it if:
- You wish to keep your current flooring
- You want to avoid purchasing entirely new flooring/avoid the costs of new flooring
- The value of the hardwood is high (increasing property value)
- Any damage is easy to repair (i.e., scratches, chips, glue residue, etc)
When is hardwood replacement recommended over restoration?
While restoration may be the favourable option for many, replacement is necessary for a few instances. Although restoration can bring flooring back to life and eliminate imperfections accumulated over time, there are a few deep-rooted dilemmas only replacement can resolve.
Full hardwood floor replacement is recommended if;
- There are severe cracks displaced throughout the flooring
- There was an unresolved leak that caused the wood to rot
- There is any visible sign of mold/mildew
- The structural integrity of the hardwood has been compromised
How long does it take to restore/refinish hardwood floors?
The length of time it takes to fully restore hardwood flooring ultimately depends on just how much flooring requires restoration. Smaller spaces can be done within a couple of days, whereas larger spaces (typically over 3,000 sq ft) are looking at an additional 1-2 days. The restoration itself takes 1-3 days depending on the size. After floors are restored and refinished, they must be given time to dry. The drying time sits between 24-48 hours. After 1-2 days, you can utilize the room(s) where the flooring was restored once again, however, it’s recommended that you wait 4 days before moving furniture back over the flooring.
Overall, the process takes about a week to fully complete. Most people restore their hardwood flooring prior to moving in/out or around their vacation time to avoid having to make lodging arrangements for the period of time.
How often can you restore/refinish hardwood floors?
Whether your floors are susceptible to scratches, dents, etc, due to foot traffic in your home or you simply want to keep the new wood look alive for as long as possible, you can opt for restoration more than once. Most hardwood flooring is ¾ inches thick and if your wood matches this thickness, you can restore up to 4-6 times. Why does the thickness of the wood matter? Restoration requires sanding which will strip a layer of the wood every time. If your hardwood is already thin to start out with, over sanding can lead to damage to the overall structural integrity of the wood. While 4-6 times doesn’t seem like much to some, we recommend restoration once every 7-10 years, meaning 4-6 times over a long period of time.
Is it cheaper to replace or restore hardwood flooring?
Cost is a huge factor when it comes to just about anything. It’s also important to keep in mind what options will be more cost efficient when it comes to making changes around your home. With that being said, which option is more cost-efficient? In most instances, restoration is the more cost-efficient option. Restoration costs come down to simply the cost of labour. Replacement, on the other hand, comes down to the cost of labour AND materials. With replacement, you have to pay to have any current flooring ripped out (and any hazardous issues dealt with) plus the cost per square foot of new flooring. Hardwood flooring, in particular, can be quite costly per square foot. If you have to adhere to a tighter budget, restoration is a better option to go with provided replacement isn’t required.
Overall, restoration is a great way to keep the hardwood you love in a condition that is practical as time goes on. Restoration can bring dull hardwood to life and spare you from having to replace your beloved flooring.
Looking to get your hardwood flooring restored? Allow us to help bring the life back into your flooring. Contact us today!