Most designers and homeowners choose hardwood floors for their high-end look. However, they are also a practical choice from an investment perspective, but not in the way you might think. In this blog, we will explain why hardwood floor refinishing is a smart move for not only your home value and aesthetics, but also your wallet.
What is hardwood floor refinishing?
Refinishing hardwood floors is a floor restoration process that removes the existing finish and stain by sanding. The sanding only goes far enough to reveal the floor’s raw wood, creating a new surface ready for new stains and finishes. Floor restoration transforms worn or outdated hardwood floors, providing a highly customized look.
Is hardwood floor refinishing suitable for all hardwood floors?
Most hardwood floors can be revived with the right floor restoration process, including:
- Extensive damage from pets, heavy traffic, and general wear.
- Stains such as from pets, wine, and chemicals like bleach.
- Old floor stain colours.
- Yellowing of certain woods, such as red oak.
- Overwaxed floors that have become sticky.
- Overly smooth hardwood that appears outdated and needs more character and texture.
- Dulled finishes that hide the beauty of the wood.
Is hardwood floor refinishing suitable for damaged hardwood floors?
Common damage that occurs over time can usually be repaired during the floor restoration process. However, it depends on the severity and nature of the damage. Also, because the floors can be restained, the replaced boards won’t stand out. The following examples of damage are addressed during a floor restoration:
- Replacing warped boards.
- Repairing minor cracks.
- Replacing or re-nailing loose boards.
- Removing exposed nails.
- Repairing gouges, dents, scratches, etc. (we can also try to preserve this type of surface damage to maintain the character).
- Replacing water-damaged boards.
Hardwood Floor Refinishing Does Not Require a Tear-Out
If you love watching home renovation shows, you’re familiar with “demolition day.” This process is a messy, back-breaking task that requires time and money. With hardwood floor restoration, though, demolition is not required. The existing floors remain in place, and the floors are refinished “in situ.”
Hardwood Floor Refinishing Does Not Produce Waste
Although we’re looking at the budget-friendly benefits of hardwood floor restoration, the fact that it is also eco-friendly helps both the environment and your wallet.
First, repurposing materials during home renovations reduces waste sent to the landfill site because hardwood floor refinishing does not require tearing out the existing floor. Although you might be thinking wood is biodegradable, which it is, hardwood floors require special considerations to ensure they are disposed of responsibly.
Unfortunately, that costs money. Even if you request the flooring installers to take care to remove the floorboards so they can be sold, that process alone can often cost more than a basic tear-out, where the installers can just demolish the floors quickly. And even if they do demolish the floors, they charge a disposal fee. Either way, the demolition process costs money.
Hardwood Floor Refinishing Does Not Expose the Subfloor
During the floor replacement process, the removal of existing hardwood exposes the subfloors below. This can prove to be costly if the subfloors are damaged, warped, have mould, or, in some cases, are nonexistent.
If you have to replace or repair the subfloor, your costs can go up substantially, adding a hidden expense not included in your quote. Subfloor replacement can quickly break your budget, and might even require you to compromise with a different, less desirable flooring choice.
Hardwood Floor Refinishing Does Not Have Hidden Costs
Floor replacements often have hidden expenses, or at least costs you might not know about, including the possibility of requiring new subfloors and disposal fees (as mentioned). However, there are other things you might overlook when budgeting for new floors, including the following:
- Some floor types require underlayment, such as high-end laminate floors.
- Some floors need expensive adhesives in the installation process, such as types of luxury vinyl plank floors.
- During the demolition process, the baseboards and/or quarter round are also removed and will have to be replaced.
- Floating floor installations require both baseboards and quarter-round to remain secure.
Adding to the expense of hardwood floor replacement, you tend to pay by the square or linear foot for most of the above expenses. The larger the room, the more you pay both for the materials and the labour.
Hardwood Floor Refinishing Enhances Durability
Floor durability is a major factor when considering your return on investment. Hardwood floors are already considered one of the most durable floors, often lasting over a century when well-maintained. However, hardwood floor restoration actually improves durability in two ways:
- Damage is removed to prevent deeper harm to the floor’s integrity.
- The new finish is advanced, providing improved protection against daily wear and tear, stain resistance, and moisture.
Hardwood Floor Refinishing Enhances Home Value
High-character hardwood floors already contribute to home value. Original character, especially in period homes, is highly desirable to home buyers. By maintaining that original character, you enhance your home value in several ways:
- Maintenance: Floor restoration boosts appeal, as it makes the home feel loved and well-maintained. Worn floors can send out bad vibes, making buyers worry about even worse issues lying below. These concerns can result in lower offers or buyers looking elsewhere.
- Competition: Hardwood floors are known to help homes sell faster, as they offer a high-end look. You can stand out from the competition as the only home with original floors.
- Return on investment: According to a 2022 Remodelling Impact Report, refinished hardwood floors offer a return on investment of 147% compared to 118% for new hardwood floors. Although both are wins, floor restoration offers 29% more when you sell.
Hardwood Floor Refinishing Is Customizable
Finally, you can’t discount the value of having the exact floors you want. Floor restoration is customizable, allowing you to choose the stain and finish you desire. Although you can’t alter the installation configuration or board size, the major impact of an updated stain, finish, and damage-removing process is huge.
Also, if you feel that your floors are too smooth, specialized processes allow you to add more character and texture to your hardwood floors, whether you want a rustic look, something that appears hand-hewn, or dents that will darken, adding contrast when the stain is applied.
Hardwood floor refinishing is a wallet-friendly solution that revitalizes worn, outdated floors. The highly customizable process is eco-friendly, less disruptive than replacement, and allows you to either restore the original period character or create something modern, rustic, or unique. All in all, the floor restoration is the smartest investment to deliver increased home value, durability, and years of stylish enjoyment.
Contact the Experts at Revival Flooring
To discover how customized floor refinishing offers an affordable solution, book a consultation with our restoration experts. Contact Revival Flooring for more details about our hardwood floor refinishing services. You can call us at 705-990-0548 or contact us online.