Signs you should replace your hardwood floors

If you have had hardwood flooring in your Ottawa home for quite some time, you may be wondering if it is time to replace them. An excellent place to start is to discuss it with your local flooring showroom. But in the meantime, here are some things to look for.

How to know it’s time to replace your Ottawa hardwood flooring

A significant advantage to hardwood floors is that you can refresh them with periodic hardwood refinishing. That means having them sanded down and adding a new stain and sealant. If this has been done excessively, the boards are going to wear down. When they become too thin, they are subject to cracking. That means it is time for a new floor.

Scratches will happen.

Something is bound to happen, from someone wearing stiletto heels to pets running through the room to children playing. If the scratch is deep enough to reveal the untreated wood, there are deep gouges or chips, and then you are leaving the floor open to more damage from moisture.

Water is not the friend of hardwood.

Engineered hardwood flooring is more water-resistant, but both solid and engineered options are liable to be damaged by standing water, stain-producing liquids, and excess moisture in general. If you see some warping or separating, check with your dealer to see if you can get by with another refinishing or if it is time for a replacement. Proper floor care and maintenance can help you catch moisture issues early before they become costly problems.

Nailheads can start to pop up.

This is not just unsightly, but it can cause some injuries. Walking around without shoes can mean foot scratches and pokes that are painful and annoying. A few loose nails are not the cause for immediate concern, but if you see them consistently, especially in high traffic areas, it may be time for some serious replacement .

Colour changes.

If the wood changes colour, especially in one area over another, you may want to track down the reason. The first likely culprit is the sun. This is easily remedied with some restaining or refinishing. Water damage is totally another issue. If left untreated, water or other liquid spots can damage the wood’s actual structure, which is not good.

They are damaged.

Suppose you have an active household; keep an eye out for any repetitive damage or simple wearing down of the surface of the wood. If you are noticing splinters or warps, this is a severe problem that needs to be tackled with floor repair.

Creaking floors are not just for haunted houses.

It usually means the wood is rubbing against itself or the subfloor. While this happens with age, it can also mean the overall structural integrity is suffering. If the boards are moving or shifting, this is a good sign that you will need some replacement work sooner rather than later. A professional flooring installation ensures your new floors are properly secured to prevent future creaking.

You’ve had enough.

The last reason is that you are just tired of the look of wood floors. It may be that your tastes have changed, or your lifestyle now calls for something different. You might consider carpet flooring for added comfort, vinyl flooring for durability and water resistance, or even laminate flooring for a budget-friendly wood look alternative.

Replacing your hardwood floors.

Whatever the reason, if you feel the time has come to replace your Ottawa hardwood flooring, contact our flooring specialists for details and suggestions. We’ll be happy to help you achieve the look you want for your home. Browse our work to see past projects, and visit our team to explore the full range of flooring solutions available for your Ottawa home. Continental Flooring has many years of experience with hardwood flooring and our experts offer the best, most efficient and detailed services in Ottawa.