6 Signs It’s Time To Refinish Your Hardwood Floors

Stephen Hochstrasser

Stephen started his own hardwood flooring company 35 years ago. He is a perfectionist at his craft and exceptionally passionate about his industry, guaranteeing you’ll love your floors while achieving the highest return on every flooring investment.

blog post graphic for 6 signs it's time to refinish your hardwood floors

Known for its durability and longevity, hardwood flooring has been a favorite among homeowners for generations. Hardwood flooring has the ability to withstand many years of wear and tear, however, it does still require upkeep to preserve its appearance and durability. At G3 Flooring, we have dedicated our years of experience and our careful attention to detail towards the upkeep and transformation of homes with hardwood flooring in Colorado Springs. Our expertise has been handed down for over 37 years, which means we know what it takes to ensure your hardwood floors last for years to come. 

Wear and tear on hardwood floors happens naturally over time. Luckily, unlike other types of flooring, hardwood floors do not need to be replaced when they begin to show signs of wear. Instead, they simply need to be refinished. The process of refinishing hardwood floors includes sanding down the wood to remove the old stain and any damage that has occurred to the floor. After the floor is made completely smooth, the staining process occurs. Having your floor refinished will preserve its structure and add to it’s longevity for many more years.   

1. Numerous Scratches and Dents

While hardwood floors have the ability to ward off most damages due to its sturdy structure, scratches and dents will begin to show up over time. Whether it’s an accidental drop of a heavy object, or moving a piece of furniture, hardwood floors are still susceptible to accumulating wear and tear. When scratches and dents become too numerous to cover up with a well-placed area rug or piece of furniture, it’s most likely time to get your floors refinished. During the refinishing process, hardwood floor professionals will carefully sand your floors to remove any evidence of surface damages in order to preserve the integrity and appearance of your flooring. 

2. Splintering

Another sign it may be time to get your hardwood floors refinished is when the wood begins to splinter. Not only is this a safety hazard, but it is also a sign your wood floors have gone too long without the protection of a sealant. Splintering floors means that the wood is deteriorating and will soon become unsalvageable. If you notice your floors have begun to splinter, it’s important to have them refinished as soon as you can. The refinishing process will assist with sanding away the splinters and resealing the wood boards to ensure their durability is preserved.  

3. Grey Floorboards

When not achieved through a grey stain, floorboards turning grey is an indicator that your floor’s protection barrier needs to be replaced. When hardwood floors are refinished, not only are they restained, but they are also resealed. The sealing of hardwood floors adds an extra layer of protection that keeps out water and other substances. When sealant wears off, floorboards will begin to turn a greyish color, which is the result of water soaking into the wood and causing it to oxidize. If grey floors aren’t addressed, they will continue to turn darker and darker until eventually they become black. By that point, there won’t be any other choice but to replace the floors, which is costly and easily avoidable through regular refinishings. 

4. Water Damage

Water finds its way into our home through a variety of ways. Whether it’s from the paws of a pet or a leaking pipe, water on hardwood floors can quickly lead to damage. Luckily, if you do notice water damage on your hardwood floors, having them refinished is an easy remedy. Your floor’s appearance can be restored through the process of sanding and restaining.    

5. Warping 

If you notice your floorboard taking on an unusual shape, made apparent through large gaps between planks or the edges of floorboards curling upward, it is time to have them refinished. Yet another symptom of water damage to flooring, warping occurs when water soaks into wood floors and causes them to swell and change shape. A flooring professional will need to sand down the protruding edges and potentially add some filler between the planks during the refinishing process to fix this issue. If the warping has gone too far, the floorboard may need to be replaced altogether, which is luckily a much easier fix than replacing the entire floor. 

6. Discoloration 

In high-traffic areas in your home, you will most likely begin to see discoloration in your hardwood floors. The reason for this is because foot traffic has the tendency to wear down the sealant and stain on your floors, which will result in the color wearing away faster than other areas of your home. Having your floors refinished will allow for your flooring to be made all the same color again, and will replace the protective barrier where your flooring receives the most wear and tear.

Hardwood Floor Refinishing with G3 Flooring 

As hardwood floor professionals, G3 Flooring has the experience and skill to perform the needed maintenance on your floors to ensure they continue to last for years to come. Having your flooring refinished is an important part of preserving its appearance and integrity. Without regular upkeep, you will be left with damaged and worn hardwood floors that must be replaced. When taken care of correctly, your hardwood floors should last you for generations to come. If your floor is due to be refinished, contact us today. We look forward to working with you! 

Share this post with your friends