Hardwood that looks worn out is often only worn on top. Refinishing can make it look new for much less than replacing it. Here's how to tell which yours needs.
Usually refinish
- Grey or dull traffic paths where the finish has worn through
- Surface scratches from pets, chairs and grit
- An old orange or yellowed finish you want to change
- Original hardwood found under carpet
Maybe refinish, with repairs
- A few damaged or pet-stained boards, which can be replaced and blended in
- Gaps between boards from old heating or dry winters
- Patches where walls or heating grates were removed
Usually replace
- Water damage with cupped, buckled or soft boards over a large area
- Engineered floors with a wear layer too thin to sand
- Floors already sanded so many times that the tongues are showing
- A layout change, where new and old floors can't be matched
Screen and recoat
If the finish is just dull and the wood isn't scratched, a light buff and a fresh topcoat can bring the shine back in a day. It's worth doing every several years to avoid a full sanding.
How to check your wear layer
Pull a floor vent and look at the edge of a board. On solid hardwood you'll see plenty of wood above the tongue. On engineered, you'll see the thin top layer over plywood, and a contractor can tell you whether there's enough to sand.
Want an honest opinion? Send the form at the top of this page and a local contractor can look at your floors. See hardwood refinishing.