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Signs Your Hardwood Floors Need Refinishing

Signs Your Hardwood Floors Need Refinishing

Hardwood floors are beautiful…until they’re not anymore. Even the most durable wood species can take a beating over time. Daily foot traffic, pet claws, furniture scrapes and sunlight can impact your flooring’s finish. What can you do? You can refinish your hardwood floors to breathe new life into them again. 

 

How do you know when to refinish your hardwood floors? Well, there are some telltale signs. Check out what we have to say to save time and money in the long run.

Visible Scratches and Dents

Light scratches and dents can hide themselves in your flooring, especially if you have light wood. On the surface, this might seem like a cosmetic problem. However, it also tells you your finish is starting to wear out. Look out for the following:

  • Scratches from shoes, furniture legs or pet claws

  • Scuffs in high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms

  • Worn patches where the finish is visibly dull or uneven

When you notice these marks, you might start to worry. However, even when the wood underneath is still intact, refinishing makes the most sense. 

Deep Stains and Discoloration

Dark spots and fading can be from one of two things. Your floors are either absorbing moisture or suffering from long-term UV damage. What causes these things to happen? Stains and fading are often a result of the following:

  • Water spills or untreated pet accidents

  • Sun-faded areas close to windows and doors

  • Stains that don’t come out with regular cleaning

Refinishing removes the top layer of wood, sands out imperfections and restores your floors to their original state. It gives you a fresh new look throughout your space. 

Splinters or Soft Spots

Watch out if your hardwood starts feeling rough or begins splintering! It doesn’t look very good and can make your Buffalo home unsafe for your family and friends. That’s why it’s important to recognize these signs. Be on the lookout for:

  • Lifting or jagged wood fibers

  • Uncomfortable or risky feeling when walking barefoot

  • Soft, spongy spots on the floors

When you refinish your floors, you can smooth out the splitters. It’s also an opportunity to strengthen the surface of your floors using a fresh coat of protective finish. 

Gray or Worn Down Floorboards

Gray hardwood is a staple of many modern Buffalo homes. However, if you didn’t stain your planks  this color, it might be a warning sign. Usually, it means your wood has absorbed moisture or started to oxidize. Don’t overlook the following:

  • Gray or ashy tones in high-traff areas

  • Dull or dry looking wood after cleaning

  • Missing finish exposing raw wood underneath

When this happens, your hardwood floors are on life support. You have to act quickly to protect your floors from further damage and extend their lifespan. Refinish your floors before it’s too late.

Refinish Your Hardwood Floors While You Can!

Hardwood flooring is prone to wear. However, with proper care and refinishing, solid hardwood floors can last up to a century. Are any of these things happening to your floors? Let Tontine Carpet One in Buffalo handle it. Our professional hardwood refinishing services are a surefire way to breathe new life into your space.

 

Do your hardwood floors need refinishing? Contact us today!