Solid hardwood flooring looks amazing in any house and pairs perfectly with almost any interior design style. However, many homeowners realize that maintaining that luster requires work. Over time, high-traffic areas can become dull or scratched, leading many to ask: is it time to refinish? Refinishing your old hardwood floors is a proven way to boost your home’s resale value and restore that "brand new" feeling. Before you rent a sander or call a contractor, check out our guide to determine how much effort—and budget—your project actually needs.
1. Is it Dirt or Damage?
Before you decide if you need to refinish your floors, the best thing to do is thoroughly inspect them. You can rub the surface of your floor to see if there are any deep scratches. If there are no deep scratches and your floor is just dull, then you can proceed to deep cleaning your floor. Sometimes dirt on the surface of your floor makes it look like you need to refinish when all you really need to do is give it a good cleaning.
2. Did You Deep Clean Your Floor?
One of the best ways to add some new life to your solid hardwood flooring is by giving it a deep clean. You can use a vacuum to get up all the loose particles. Then, you’ll want to use a dust mop to get any excess dust that has been left behind. It’s important that you only dry or damp mop your floor because hardwood flooring is extremely sensitive to moisture.
3. Where is the Shine?
If your engineered hardwood flooring is looking really dull, then you’re probably asking yourself where is the shine? One of the reasons hardwood flooring is so popular is because it puts off this shine that homeowners love. If your floor has lost its shine, it is still possible you won’t have to refinish it. Try using a renewal kit provided by your floor’s manufacturer. It might just be the thing you need to bring some new life to your floor.
4. Should I Use a Satin or Glossy Finish?
When you decide to refinish your floor, you’re probably going to have to choose between a satin or glossy finish. Glossy finishes are more stylish these days, but satin finishes are known for being better for small children because it is more slip resistant. The choice is really up to you and what fits your needs the best.
5. Do I Refinish my Floors or Hire a Contractor?
This question really depends on your time and budget for refinishing old hardwood floors in your home. Of course, when you go the DIY route you’re going to have to put in a lot of your own time and it might not turn out the way you want it to. There are pros and cons to hiring a contractor over doing it yourself, so you can weigh your options and decide what’s best for you.
6. Know When to Replace Instead of Refinish
Sometimes, old hardwood floors are too thin to be sanded down again, or the water damage is too extensive to repair. If you find that your subfloor is compromised or you’re dealing with a damp environment like a cellar, refinishing won't solve the underlying issue. In those cases, you might want to look into modern alternatives. For example, if you are working on a lower level of your home, you should check out the best waterproof flooring for basement projects. These options give you the look of wood without the risk of warping or mold growth.
Deciding whether to refinish old hardwood floors in your home comes down to a balance of time, budget, and the current condition of your wood. Whether you choose to deep clean, hire a professional, or tackle the sanding yourself, the goal is a beautiful, durable floor. If you decide that a fresh start is better than a DIY headache, browse our prefinished hardwood flooring options to find the best value and style for your next home improvement project.
