Wood floors are a great investment. With proper maintenance and care, they can last a long time. Still, weathering is inevitable. Scratches and other types of wear and tear will form over time, Hardwood doesn’t last forever, so when do you know it’s time to consider replacing old hardwood floors? Here are a few signs to look for and things to consider when you’re ready to buy hardwood flooring online.
Fading/Greying
Florida’s sunny weather can be nice for a day outside, but frequent sun exposure can cause your floors to fade. Fading is not always immediately obvious, but over time the dullness or darkening of your floorboards will be hard to ignore. The other downside to Florida’s subtropical climate is high humidity. Constant water exposure causes greying and that eventually leads to floors turning black and rotting. Once this happens, you should consider replacing old hardwood floors completely.
Scatches
Scratches are a normal part of having hardwood floors. Shoes, furniture, pets, and time can all lead to scratches. Typically, repainting/finishing the floors can help with minor scratches that occur over time. However, if scratches become so severe that the wood underneath is exposed, your floors may need to be replaced.
Water Damage
Water can seriously damage hardwood floors. As a Florida resident, the constant humidity can cause problems for wood floors. You may notice warping, floorboard separation, and dark spots. Some slight water damage can be fixed with sanding and proper maintenance. If the floorboards are severely separated or disfigured, replacement is necessary.
Should I update my floors?
If your floors are more than 20 to 30 years old, it’s possibly time to replace them. Hardwood floors usually last two to three decades. If your floors have turned black, rotten, warped, or severely cracked, then it’s definitely time to replace them. Lastly, personal tastes change with time also. If you’re tired of your old floors and want a new look, you can buy hardwood flooring online from Ability Wood Flooring.
How much does it cost to replace my old floors?
Budgeting for floor replacement can be stressful, but with Ability Wood Flooring, it doesn’t have to be. Cost is usually a big factor for homeowners, so what are your options? Laminate flooring is typically cheaper than natural flooring. It’s easier to install, maintain and usually lasts longer than traditional hardwood. Hardwood flooring can cost up to $12 on average to install and the labor costs can be between $3 and $6 per square foot. The cost ultimately comes down to the flooring you choose and the size of the space where you plan to install your new floors.
Replacing old wood floors doesn’t have to be a pain. If your floors are starting to deteriorate, don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact Ability Wood Flooring today!
