If you’re lucky enough to have hardwood floors in your home, you already know they add so much warmth, charm, and character to any space. But like anything else in your house, they need a little TLC from time to time to keep looking their best. One of the questions we get asked a lot is, “How often should I refinish hardwood floors?” Well, it depends on a few factors, and that’s what we’ll break down in this article so you can make sure your floors stay stunning for years to come.
The Magic Number: Every 7 to 10 Years (But It Varies)
Generally speaking, most experts recommend refinishing your hardwood floors every 7 to 10 years. That said, this number isn’t set in stone. Your lifestyle, foot traffic, the type of wood, and how well you maintain your floors all play a part in how often they’ll need a refresh. If your floors are starting to look dull, scratched, or discolored, those are pretty clear signs they might be overdue for a refinishing job.
What’s the Condition of Your Floors?
Before scheduling a refinishing, take a good look at your floors. Are they showing signs of wear and tear, like scratches, dents, or fading? If yes, it might be time to refinish them. However, if you’ve been religious about cleaning and maintaining them, they may still have some life left in them before needing a full refinishing. It’s always best to refinish hardwood floors before they start showing major damage, as this helps to preserve the wood and avoid more extensive repairs down the line.
Consider Your Lifestyle
If your home is high-traffic, especially with kids, pets, or lots of guests, your floors might take a beating more quickly than in a quieter household. High-traffic areas, like hallways and living rooms, can show signs of wear much faster. In such cases, you might need to refinish those high-traffic spots more frequently than the rest of the house. In some situations, homeowners opt to refinish only the problem areas, rather than the entire floor, which can extend the time between full refinishes.
What Type of Wood Do You Have?
Not all hardwood is created equal. Different types of wood wear differently over time, which will affect how often you need to refinish them. For example, oak is a popular choice for hardwood floors because it’s durable and holds up well to refinishing. Softer woods like pine might show wear more quickly, requiring more frequent refinishing. Additionally, some types of hardwood have a thicker veneer, meaning they can be sanded and refinished more times than others.
Maintenance Makes All the Difference
One of the best ways to extend the time between refinishing jobs is to maintain your floors regularly. Simple tasks like sweeping up dirt and debris, using rugs in high-traffic areas, and placing felt pads on furniture legs can make a huge difference in preserving your floor’s finish. And remember, mopping should be done with minimal water or a cleaner designed specifically for hardwood floors. Too much moisture can damage the wood, leading to the need for more frequent refinishing.
Sanding vs. Buffing
It’s also worth mentioning that refinishing doesn’t always mean a full sanding down to bare wood. Sometimes, a simple buffing and recoating can give your floors new life. Buffing (also called screening) lightly scuffs up the surface of your floor, allowing a new coat of finish to be applied. This process is much quicker and less invasive than a full sanding, and it’s a great option if your floors are in good shape but just need a little refresher.
If you’re doing proper maintenance and haven’t let the floors get too damaged, a buffing every 3 to 5 years can delay the need for a full refinishing. However, if your floors are deeply scratched or the finish is completely worn down, a full sanding and refinishing will be necessary.
The Signs It’s Time to Refinish
So how do you know when it’s time to refinish hardwood floors? Here are some telltale signs:
- Widespread scratches and scuff marks: While some small scratches can add character, a floor full of them may need refinishing.
- Discoloration: UV rays from the sun can cause your floor to fade over time, and refinishing is the best way to bring back its original color.
- Water damage: If your floor has been exposed to water (even just from mopping too frequently), it may show signs of warping or staining.
- Splinters: If your floor feels rough to the touch or if you’re getting splinters, it’s time for a refinish.
- Stains that won’t go away: Sometimes, deep stains just won’t budge with normal cleaning. Refinishing is your best bet to eliminate them.
Conclusion: Listen to Your Floors
At the end of the day, your hardwood floors will tell you when it’s time for a refinish. Keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear, and take action before serious damage occurs. Whether you opt for a full refinishing every 7 to 10 years or touch-up with a buff and coat in between, regular care will keep your floors looking beautiful and protect your investment for the long haul.
If you’re unsure or just want a professional opinion, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted expert in Portland to assess your floors and give you personalized recommendations. Taking care of your hardwood floors will ensure they continue to be the star of your home for years to come!
