How Long Does Hardwood Flooring Last

How long does hardwood flooring last? Hardwood floors are a timeless and durable choice for your home. Properly maintained, they can last a lifetime. In this blog post, we’ll explore how long hardwood flooring can last, the signs that indicate it’s time for refinishing, and the difference between resurfacing and refinishing. We’ll also provide tips on extending the lifespan of your hardwood floors.

How Long Does Hardwood Flooring Last?

With proper care, hardwood floors can endure for generations. Neglected floors in old homes can often be revived to their former glory. With regular wear and tear, the finish on your hardwood floor lasts about 7-10 years.

High-traffic areas or excessive sunlight may necessitate more frequent refinishing. Furthermore, hardwood floors, if installed properly, can remain stunning for up to 100 years. So, with proper floor care, your hardwood flooring can be a cherished part of your home for generations to come.

Routine cleaning and the use of doormats help preserve your investment, but as years pass, you might consider hardwood floor refinishing. Let’s explore the frequency of refinishing and when it’s time to call in a professional.

Hardwood Floor Refinishing

Hardwood Floor Refinishing involves sanding to remove old stains and finishes, albeit it also removes a layer of wood. For solid hardwood floors, this isn’t a significant concern. However, after multiple refinishings, your floors may wear down and necessitate replacement.

While refinishing offers a chance to give your space a new look, it’s advisable to wait until your floors genuinely require this service to avoid shortening their lifespan. You can refinish solid hardwood floors 4-6 times before replacement becomes necessary. Engineered hardwood flooring, having a thinner surface layer, demand more caution.

Moreover refinishing every ten years can extend hardwood floor life up to 60 years!

How To Know When Hardwood Floor Needs To Be Refinish

While there’s no exact timeframe for refinishing, certain signs may indicate that it’s time for hardwood floor repair:

1. Hardwood Floor Scratches: Cosmetic as they may seem, deep scratches can compromise the finish, leading to water damage.
2. Hardwood Floor Discoloration: Regular sunlight exposure may lead to fading; refinishing can restore an even color.
3. Water Mitigation: Early detection is crucial to prevent floor warping or splintering. Sanding and resealing can address minor water damage.

Hardwood Floor Resurfacing Vs Refinishing

Refinishing and resurfacing hardwood floors are distinct processes to restore and enhance the appearance and durability of the floors:

Wood Floor Refinishing: This process involves sanding away the old finish and a thin layer of wood to eliminate imperfections and scratches. After sanding, a new protective finish is applied, potentially with a new stain for a different color if desired. It renews the wood’s appearance and offers protection.

Resurfacing Hardwood Floors: Resurfacing entails adding a new layer of hardwood or alternative flooring material on top of the existing floor. This is useful when the original floor is too damaged or to achieve a different look.

The new layer is finished, resulting in a fresh appearance and surface while covering old and damaged flooring.

Hardwood Floor Care And Maintenance

The wood in your hardwood floor can indeed last a lifetime, but the lustrous finish it possesses will naturally diminish over time. To prolong the life and beauty of your floors, consider the following:

• Regular Cleaning: Prevent dirt and dust buildup by cleaning your floors regularly.
• Pet Care: Protect against scratches and chewing by pets.
• Furniture Protection: Use padding under heavy furniture and handle it with care.
• Spill Management: Swiftly clean up spills to prevent liquid damage.
• Professional Installation: Opt for professional installation to ensure the most effective techniques are applied.

Professional Hardwood Floor Refinishing Chicago

Solid hardwood can endure up to a century, whereas engineered wood has a shorter lifespan. However, engineered hardwood offers stability advantages. The wood type, usage, and foot traffic also influence longevity.

If you are looking for the best contractor for hardwood floor refinishing  Chicago to renew your floors, then you have come to the right place. With 100+ five star Google reviews, we can help restore your hardwood floor to look brand new.

At Simple Flooring, we’re your trusted hardwood floor refinishing experts. With over 100 five-star Google reviews, our team is committed to bringing your floors back to life.

Get in touch with us today and experience the magic of beautifully restored hardwood floors.