We cannot deny the classic beauty of hardwood floors. They certainly add an inviting warmth to every home. However, as much as we want them to, hardwood floors would eventually need a little more than the usual cleaning and polishing you’re used to doing. Refinishing is the perfect (and thankfully, inexpensive) way to revive dull and tired hardwood floors. But how do you know your floor requires refinishing? When should you have your hardwood floor refinished?
Clean and check. The best time to inspect your floor and see if there are any imperfections is right after cleaning it. After thoroughly cleaning it, wait for it to dry before checking. This will make it a lot easier to spot signs of wear. If you see one too many, then perhaps your floor requires refinishing.
Not sure what to look for? You should check flooring planks for dents, gouges, warps, and scratches. If you see any splintered wood, make sure that you sand the floor first. See if there are extremely worn areas, especially under the rugs. Carpeting, pet stains, and excessive foot traffic, among others, can cause wearing to even the most durable hardwood flooring.
You might also like to take a look at your hardwood floor’s finish. If you notice that it’s significantly dull, then you might want to consider that refinishing project. However, if you see wax coming out, then that is an indication that your floor needs stripping and re-waxing.
There are also some tests that you can actually perform. For one, you can pour a spoonful of water on the part of the floor that gets the most foot traffic. See if they form droplets. If they do, then your floor’s finish is still good. If it slowly soaks into the wood, your floor is wearing thin but it still may not need immediate refinishing. If it soaks really fast and forms a dark splotch, call a professional to refinish your floors immediately. Wipe off any excess water with paper towel.
Some owners say that the only two instances you need to refinish your floors are a.) right before you move into a new house and b.) when you are about to sell it. Sometimes, though, it can’t be helped. If you are someone who likes his or her home to be in its best shape, then refinish when you think it’s needed. Just remember that refinishing could be quite dangerous and sanding is quite tedious, too. If you haven’t done it before it’s best to leave it to the professional flooring experts.
Tony’s flooring can refinish your floors in no time and bring it back to its former brilliance. Call us if you need our help.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should Toronto homeowners know about when should you refinish hardwood floor??
When considering when should you refinish hardwood floor?, evaluate durability, maintenance requirements, and cost per square foot for your specific needs. Tony’s Flooring Centre at 268 Royal York Rd offers expert advice and free estimates to help you make the right choice for your Toronto home.
How often should hardwood floors be refinished?
Hardwood floors typically need refinishing every 7-10 years in Toronto homes, depending on foot traffic and wear. Signs include visible scratches, dull finish, and discolouration. The NWFA provides detailed refinishing guidelines.
How do I protect floors from winter salt?
Place heavy-duty mats at all entrances to catch salt, sand, and moisture. Remove boots at the door — salt corrodes hardwood finishes. Clean up tracked-in salt immediately with a damp cloth and use runners in hallways during winter.
Get a Free Flooring Estimate in Toronto
Ready to upgrade your floors? Tony’s Flooring Centre has helped Toronto homeowners since 1961. Visit our showroom at 268 Royal York Rd, Etobicoke, or call (416) 255-9631 for a free consultation. Contact us today to get started.