The Benefits of Floor Sanding versus Reflooring.
There are many different reasons why you might think about replacing your hardwood floor. Perhaps there is some aesthetic damage, or you want a whole new look in your room.
In many cases, sanding down and adding a fresh stain or sealant to your hardwood floor will be a better option. But it all depends on the situation you are in.
In this blog, we will explore the benefits of floor sanding to help you determine if you should replace your hardwood floor.
The Benefits of Floor Sanding
Your original floors will last much longer.
Before deciding to replace your wooden floor, we recommend fully examining it.
Evaluate how bad the damage is, or whether your issues come down to simple wear and tear and use over time, such as rugs sticking to the floor.
If that is the case, floor sanding and refinishing is a much better option and can make your wooden floor as good as new by removing surface imperfections, scratches, and stains. You will extend the life of your original floors and bring back the natural beauty of the wood.
Refinishing rather than replacing your original flooring is also better for the value
of your house, should you ever decide to sell.
It’s more cost-effective.
Replacing your wooden floor will come at a significant cost. By choosing floor
sanding instead of a full replacement, you will save a lot of money. All you pay for is the finish and the labour to deliver the job, rather than a full replacement and brand-new flooring materials.
You will also improve the return on investment of your original flooring by extending its lifespan with a new finish.
If there are small spots with damage that floor sanding can’t fix, consider replacing individual planks rather than the entire hardwood floor to keep costs down.
You can achieve a different aesthetic
If you want to make a big change to your home décor, you might consider replacing your hardwood floor.
But you can achieve a brand-new look by sanding and refinishing your floors instead.
If the colour of your hardwood floors has dulled over years of use or been damaged and discoloured by sunlight, refinishing your floors can help to restore the original shine and brightness of the wood. A different stain can transform your space, without the hassle involved with research to find the right flooring and getting it installed.
Floor sanding and refinishing can fix lots of the issues you might be having with your wooden floor – just check out some of our case studies to see the difference it can make.
However, there are some instances where you should replace your wooden floor instead, as sanding won’t quite cut it:
Your floor was improperly installed.
A key reason to replace your wooden floor is if it wasn’t put in properly in the first place.
For example, if the subfloor wasn’t properly sealed, your planks could start dipping down in the middle, known as cupping. Another issue could be crowning – where the middle of the planks rises as the sides dip down.
Both of these issues come down to moisture being absorbed by your floorboards.
Sometimes, this can be difficult to treat and so replacing your wooden floor is a better option.
Your floor has suffered extensive damage.
Oftentimes, a wooden floor will need to be replaced because it wasn’t sanded and refinished quickly enough. Water, continuous movement of furniture and pest issues can cause deep chips and rotting over time. If your floorboards start to sag or become uneven, you may need to replace your hardwood floor to create a safe and sturdy surface.
The expense that could be involved in fixing multiple issues could ultimately mean that a full replacement is a better option.
Our advice is always to act sooner rather than later when you notice issues with your wooden floor.
You are making major home renovations.
If you are changing the functionality of a room in your house, a hardwood floor may no longer be the most suitable option. For example, if you are converting a room into a bathroom, waterproof laminate flooring may be the best option to prevent a build-up of moisture.
The choice between floor sanding and reflooring is a completely personal one. The best option will be determined by your goals, the condition of your floor, and the budget you are working with. If you’re struggling to decide, talk to a professional to determine the best action to take.
At PA Floor Sanding, we offer sanding and resurfacing services for wooden floors and staircases in both domestic and commercial settings across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Perth, Dundee, and Fife.
Get in touch to find out how we can work some magic and bring your surfaces
back to life.