Hardwood floors are beautiful, but they are not invincible. They are a beautiful addition to any home, but they can get scratched and discolored over time, making them look dull and worn out. If you want to keep your floors looking their best, having them refinished is an excellent option. However, is it possible to refinish badly damaged hardwood floors?

One of the biggest challenges homeowners face when refinishing hardwood is figuring out what to do when their floors have been badly damaged. Flooring is a significant investment, and in some cases, the cost of replacing damaged hardwood is greater than the cost of refinishing it. However, is it possible to refinish hardwood even when it has been badly damaged?

Should I Refinish or Replace My Hardwood Floors?

If you’re considering whether or not to refinish your badly damaged hardwood floors, then one of the first things you’ll have to consider is whether refinishing is the best option or whether you should consider replacing the floors entirely. 

While refinishing hardwood floors is a great way to get them looking like new again, it is not without its downsides. Refinishing is not a permanent solution, and once your floors have been refinished, they will need to be refinished again if you want them to keep looking beautiful. 

By contrast, the benefits of hardwood replacement are that once the floor is replaced, it will not need to be refinished for some time (with the proper care and maintenance). 

If you’re asking yourself whether you should refinish or replace your hardwood floors, you’ll want to consider a few questions:

  • How much do you plan to budget on the project?
  • How much time do you have to dedicate to the project?
  • What kind of outcome are you looking for?

If your answers lean towards a lower-budget job that can be completed in a few short days (or less), then refinishing could be the option you’re looking for. 

If you’re looking to keep the overall look of your hardwood floors, but you’re hoping to have them restored to their former glory, then, again, refinishing may be the right road to follow. 

Hardwood floors, while durable, do require the proper care and maintenance to keep them looking beautiful. Typically, most hardwood floors will need to be refinished every 10 to 12 years due to natural wear and tear. However, floors in high traffic areas or are exposed to a lot of dirt and grime are more likely to become worn and damaged quicker than floors in low-traffic areas or are kept clean.

So, how do you know if it’s time to refinish your hardwood floors? If your floors are badly damaged, then it’s a clear sign that you’ll need to either refinish or replace them. However, if you’re still on the fence, here are some of the most common signs that it’s time to refinish your floors:

  • Scratches/Dullness
  • Chips
  • Gouges
  • Splintering
  • Extensive Stains
  • Grey Discoloration
  • Water Damage

The good news? Even if your floors are badly damaged, they can usually be refinished. Although, it’s essential to understand that some areas may be beyond refinishing due to extreme water damage or deterioration (such may be the case if you’re purchasing/renovating an older home). Should that be the case, then you can decide between replacing only the damaged areas and refinishing the rest or simply replacing the flooring entirely.

How Much Would Refinishing Damaged Hardwood Floors Cost?

Damaged hardwood floors are a common issue in homes, and they can cost a lot of money to fix. Anyone who has ever refinished their floors knows that it can be a lot of work.

For those considering a DIY refinishing option, it’s best to budget your hardwood floor refinishing costs accordingly. While some DIY’ers can expect to pay between $1000 to $2,400 (roughly $500 per 275 sq. feet), you have to make sure you’re accounting for the supplies needed and the time and labor involved. If you don’t have the time or knowledge to commit to doing the job right, it’s best to invest in a reliable hardwood floor refinishing company, such as Armstrong-Citywide, INC.

The price of hardwood floor refinishing is determined by the materials, the equipment used, and the number of hours of labor required to perform the job. On average, you can expect to pay between $1.50 and $4 per sq. foot to have your floors refinished, and, depending on the amount of damage and overall size of the project, you can expect a professional to have the project completed in roughly three days. 

What It Takes to Refinish Badly Damaged Hardwood Floors

Do you have badly damaged hardwood floors that need refinishing? If you do, you might be wondering how the job is approached and completed. Here’s a step-by-step guide on refinishing badly damaged hardwood floors:

1. Assessment

First, you’ll want to conduct an assessment of the damage, so you know exactly what needs to be done. If you can, it’s best to hire a professional to inspect your floors so they can provide you with an accurate assessment of the damage and then provide you with a quote. After looking at the floors, the professional should determine whether refinishing will be enough to fix the damage or if the flooring needs to be replaced instead.

2. Clear Out the Space

Next, you’ll want to clear out the space. Remove any furniture and other items from the room, so the contractor has adequate space to work in. If you have a large room, you may want to consider moving some furniture and items into other rooms. If you’re unsure where you should move things, you can always ask the contractor where they would recommend placing items. 

3. Remove Flooring Materials/Dirt/Debris

Next, you’ll want to remove any flooring materials and underlayment. You want to ensure a clean canvas by removing any dirt, debris, and old flooring materials.

4. Sand the Floors

Next, the contractor will sand the floors with fine-grit sandpaper to prep them for refinishing. The sanding will remove any dirt, debris, and old finish from the floors so the contractor can refinish the bare wood. The sanding process also creates a roughed-up surface, allowing the stain or finish to better adhere to the wood.  

5. Apply Stain/Finishing

With the floors sanded and ready to go, the contractor will apply the stain or finishing to the floors. The stain is a colorant that’s applied to the bare wood. The stain will add color, depth, and protection to the floors and help hide any imperfections. The finishing is the topcoat that’s applied over the stain. The finishing is a clear coat that will add shine, protect, and even provide some water resistance to the floors.

6. Clean-Up

After the floors have had adequate time to dry, the contractor will clean up any messes or debris. This will ensure that the area is clean and ready for you to move back into the room. It’s best to leave the space alone so that the finishing has a chance to dry and cure thoroughly. Once the refinishing job is complete, you’ll be able to enjoy your beautifully restored hardwood floors once again!

Refinishing Your Hardwood Floors with Armstrong-Citywide, INC.

Whether you have a large or small space, our team can help you achieve your desired look and feel. We’ll work with you to determine the best refinishing option for your area and then provide you with a quote so you can decide how you want to move forward. Our team is committed to providing you with the highest level of customer service and will go above and beyond to ensure you’re 100% satisfied with the results. 

Are you considering having your badly damaged hardwood floors refinished? Contact us today to discuss your options!