Hardwood floors are strong, durable, and low maintenance. They can last for many years before showing signs of age and wear. When that time comes, they can be refinished to bring back their former beauty and elegance.

Eventually, your floor will manifest signs that it is due for refinishing. Here are some common indicators you should look out for:

Scratches

Having a few scratches on wood is normal, especially if these marks are only in the stain. These minor scratches can be unpleasant to look at, but they can be easily covered up with a beautiful rug or carpet.

Once the scratches have worn through the stain of the wood, it will become more vulnerable to water damage. This is a good time to get your floors refinished before they sustain any more destruction. A simple sanding can repair some scratches, while worse cases need to be entirely replaced.

Water Damage

Wood cupping, board separation, and dark stains are clear signs that your floor suffers from water damage. Addressing this immediately will prevent further deterioration of your floor.

Sanding and refinishing can still fix minor damages like dark stains and slight cupping. But, major water damages can destroy wood boards beyond repair and require replacement of entire sections of the floor.

Discoloration

Discoloration means the stain that acts as a water sealant is wearing off. So, the wood will start to absorb moisture that damages the flooring. 

Gray discoloration shows minor water damage and can be corrected by refinishing the floor. Meanwhile, black discoloration means the floor absorbed too much water, and it needs to be completely replaced.

Fading

The ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun damage wood floors. Too much exposure to sunlight can cause fading. The faded stain can be easily resolved by sanding and refinishing. Then, you can apply a new stain to bring back the color of the wood.

Consult a Floor Expert

When your floor starts showing the signs mentioned above, it’s best to call a professional right away. At Floors for Less, we provide a wide range of services, including refinishing wood floors, sanding, and UV finishing. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.