Hardwood Flooring: Replace or Restore?

Maybe you bought a new house, ripped up the carpets and found a charming, rustic looking hardwood floor, or maybe you’re just ready for a change in your current home. Whichever the case may be, you’ll be facing one question and one question only: Replace or restore?

According to a recent article from HGTV, “the answer usually comes down to preference, not do-ability.” The majority of wood floors have the ability to be refinished and restored. Refinishing an old floor will not produce that “brand new” look, but will breathe new life and character into the existing hardwood, creating that old world charm that has become more and more popular in recent years.

So, you’re into the rustic look and you think you want to restore, but you want to make sure it’s worth your while. How can you tell if your current flooring will be better served in the recycle bin?

1. Consider the quality of the existing wood. Many times stained and damaged boards can be easily matched and replaced, but not when the amount of damaged boards outweighs the undamaged. The cost to replace boards in large quantities can drastically close the savings gap between restore and replace.
    
2. Be sure to check for water damage. According to Angie's List, if you see any signs of “cupping on the edges of the planks, peeling or cracking or any buckling, replace the flooring.” Water damage will typically prevent the effectiveness of an attempt at restoration.
    
3. Are the floorboards loose and creaking? This can be an indicator that there are structural issues with the subfloor. If there are issues with the existing subfloor, refinishing will not alleviate the problem. You will need to have the existing floorboards completely removed so that the subfloor can be fixed. 

Still on the fence? For most people, the ultimate decision comes down to cost. Generally speaking, restoring is the cheaper option, as long as there are minimal complications. Not a fan of the reclaimed and refurbished look, but worried about spending the extra money on replacing? Try to strike a deal with your contractor on labor costs. Often times, contractractors will offer a deduction if the homeowner is willing to do the demo to the existing floor themselves.

*Bonus tip: If you settle on replacing, try looking into pre-finished flooring. That way, you can eliminate having to deal with the drying period after staining, and can move your furniture in on the same day of installation.

Give JCB Interiors a call at 203-237-0450 today to learn about our enormous selection of solid hardwood, and engineered hardwood, available in an assortment of styles and colors. Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.