A high-quality hardwood floor can serve your home for decades, and while this material is sturdy and dependable, it isn’t indestructible.
It’s common for hardwood to take on scratches and scuffs over the years, and these flaws can usually be repaired if you’re looking for an easy and inexpensive solution.
But how do you know when your hardwood floors are beyond repair? It can be tricky to narrow down the difference between a floor that just needs some TLC and a floor that’s on its last leg. Here are some of the key signs that it’s time to install new hardwood flooring.
When to Replace Hardwood Floors
The Appearance of Nails
The appearance of nails is one of the most telltale signs that it’s time to replace your floors.
As hardwood begins to wear down, the nails holding the planks in place will begin to literally come out of the woodwork. While a nail head here and there generally isn’t too much of a concern, if more than 30% of the nails are protruding from the wood, it’s time for a flooring replacement.
Serious Cosmetic Damage
Small scratches and stains can generally be buffed out and refinished. However, if your flooring has deep scratches, gouges, or signs of water damage, it’s likely past its prime. While your flooring might still be fully operational, extensive damage to your hardwood can lead to pest problems and mold growth.
Shifting Floorboards
It’s also a good idea to replace your floors when the floorboards begin to come loose and shift. You’ll notice this when you’re walking across the floor and you hear squeaking or notice the boards dip under your weight. Although this issue may simply be annoying, over time, loose floorboards can become a safety issue.
Sagging Floor
When you look at your floor head-on, does it appear even? Or does it appear slightly higher or lower in some areas? If you noticed the latter, your hardwood may be sagging.
This typically happens when the subfloor needs to be replaced, although there may be more serious issues at play, like structural damage or water damage. In these cases, it’s best to have a flooring expert assess your home to see if the hardwood can be saved.
An Outdated Appearance
It’s okay to decide you want new solid hardwood floors simply for aesthetic reasons. After all, hardwood has an extensively long life, and your existing floor will likely outlast current home decor trends. If your hardwood is fairly young, you may be able to simply refinish your floors to achieve a more modern appearance. But if your hardwood is on the older side, it’s probably best to just invest in new flooring.
Speak to a Hardwood Flooring Expert
Even though replacing your hardwood flooring is a big investment, it’s one that’s well worth it, especially if you trust the job to a seasoned flooring professional. Ultimately, installing new floors is a great way to keep your home beautiful and secure for years to come.
If you’re interested in installing new flooring, reach out to the hardwood experts at Best Buy Interior Finishes! Our design associates have years of experience helping homeowners find beautiful, cost-effective flooring for their homes. We’re the most trusted choice for hardwood flooring in Naperville, IL!
Call 630-791-5472 to schedule an appointment, in-home or at our interior finishes showroom.
