A home’s hardwood floors take a significant amount of abuse. Over the years, they can become chipped, scratched, stained, warped and dull. When hardwood floors begin to look worn out, Wood Flooring Repair in NYC can restore them to their original luster, or the floors can be replaced. Below are a few things to consider when deciding on repair vs. replacement of wood flooring.
Price
Cost is the biggest and most obvious variable to think of when making the decision. It’s typically cheaper to repair a floor than to replace it; when replacing the floor, the homeowner must think of the costs of materials and installation. While much of the cost can be offset with a DIY installation, it’s a very complicated and invasive job. Whether repairing or replacing the floor, it’s best to hire a professional.
Aesthetic Reasons
If the only goal is to restore the floor to its original shine, refinishing may be the right option. However, if the homeowner wants to change the direction of the wood planks, the type of wood or its consistency, full replacement is the only way to go. Refinishing and repair are great for the restoration of existing wood, while a replacement can give the house a new look and feel.
Time
Refinishing a hardwood floor can take more time than a full replacement. Repair can be a meticulous, messy process that may take up to a week, during which time no one can touch the floor. On the other hand, replacement only requires materials, a few basic tools, and a professional installer.
Quality
Not all wood floors can be restored with refinishing. If the wooden floor is warped or if planks are damaged, the entire floor may need to be replaced. On a particularly old floor where the boards may not be thick enough, Wood Flooring Repair in NYC may not be enough to finish the job.
Age
The floor’s age also plays an important role. If the floor was installed decades ago, it might be resistant to refinishing for a variety of reasons. For example, if it’s already been refinished a few times, or if all the surface wood is exposed, refinishing may not have much effect. For old floors, replacement is often better than repair and refinishing. Visit New York Wood Flooring for more details or to schedule an estimate.