Signs That Your Hardwood Floor Needs to Be Refinished

With proper care, a well-built hardwood floor can last a lifetime. This doesn't mean, however, that over time there still won’t be signs of age and wear. Scratches, stains and discolouration may occur, and the floor might even begin to look pale in areas exposed to sunlight. Even with the best care, floors can start showing their age after around 10 years, and for most households everyday footfall will cause this to happen much sooner. If you find your hardwood floors looking a little worn out, you might be wondering whether it’s time to get them refinished.

Because everyone’s floors are different, there’s no one answer as to when you should get your wooden floors refinished. It comes down to a variety of factors - the type of wood, foot traffic patterns, natural wear and the aesthetic of your home. There are, however, several telltale signs that could indicate that it’s time for you to give your wooden floors some well-needed TLC.

Excessive Scratches

In recent years, the “distressed” or “weathered” look has seen widespread popularity within wooden flooring trends, but is best achieved through purposely dragging a wire brush evenly across the floor. For most of us, scratches don’t make a floor look vintagely “worn” - just messy. Moreover, scratches can affect the integrity of whatever sealant has been used, which may make the flooring more vulnerable to the elements. Whilst a little scratching is natural, deep or excessive scratching may be a sign that your flooring needs to be sanded out and refinished.

Discolouration

If your wooden floors start to appear sun bleached, though it may not be a huge problem, it can still give them an unattractive, uneven appearance. In this case, you might choose to refinish just to recover an even colour. In the same vein, if floorboards take on a dull, grey huge, it’s a potential sign of moisture damage and you should get them refinished to prevent further harm.

Dull Areas

The finish is just as important to a wooden floor’s aesthetic as its colour is, whether it be glossy, satin or matte. Over time, specifically in areas of heavy footfall, you may start to notice dull spots cropping up. This inconsistency can make the floor look uneven and even a little neglected. In most cases, refinishing will restore the floor back to its original bright sheen.

Quality Wooden Floor Care from Treatex

If you’re still unsure as to whether it’s time to start thinking about refinishing your hardwood floors, get in touch with Treatex, where a member of our friendly and knowledgeable team will be able to provide expert wooden floor care guidance. We can also supply everything you need to help restore your floor to its former glory - from wood stain remover to oil treatments, and even application equipment. Browse our full product range here, or for more information, contact us.