Having high-quality hardwood floor increases your home’s value. But it’s important that your wood floors remain in good condition. Wood floors can be tricky, though. You might think that your floor needs to be refinished because of some scratches, discolorations, and dings – but those do not exactly mean a refinishing is in order. A smooth and uniform surface is not a precise indication that the floor doesn’t need a touch-up.
If your floor needs refinishing, you should take care of it immediately to avoid damaging the wood permanently. Here’s how to tell if your floor needs to be refinished:
- Find a section of your floor that receives the most foot traffic regularly. This is the area that would most likely need some refinishing.
- Pour a small amount of water onto that section and see what happens. If droplets of water rest on the surface of the wood, it means the finish is still in good condition. But if water is absorbed by the wood slowly, the finish is already wearing thin, though you can postpone the job for some time still. However, if the water is absorbed quickly and a dark splotch is left, you should not wait and refinish the floor at once.
- Wipe up the remaining water using a paper towel. Do this test in all the other areas that get high traffic to see if you need to refinish the whole floor surface or not.
- Locate two floorboards that do not meet perfectly. See if they have a deep groove between them. Get an old business card and insert it into the groove. Mark the card where the top of the floor hits it.
- Measure the depth of the crack based on the marking you made on the business card. If it’s less than ¾ inch from the edge, make sure that you don’t attempt to do the refinishing and hire a seasoned professional to do the job.
- It is also important that a pro handles the job if your floor shows any signs of damage like bent floorboards, squeaky areas, extensive stains, warped floorboards, and more.
Refinishing is no simple task and it is not to be handled by someone without experience and proper training. Sanding improperly can damage your flooring permanently and dealing with that is going to cost you more than hiring a pro to do the job. If you think your floor is in need of refinishing, contact Tony’s Flooring Centre. Our team can do the job efficiently for you!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should Toronto homeowners know about hardwood floor?
When considering 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.
Is hardwood flooring worth the investment?
Hardwood flooring typically returns 70-80% of its cost at resale, making it one of the best home improvements for ROI. It also adds warmth and timeless appeal that buyers in the Toronto market consistently prefer.
What hardwood species works best in Toronto homes?
Red oak and white oak are popular for Toronto homes due to their durability and classic look. Maple and hickory offer even harder surfaces for high-traffic areas. The NWFA rates each species by Janka hardness to help you choose.
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Whether you’re renovating one room or your entire home, Tony’s Flooring Centre is here to help. We offer free estimates, professional installation, and a huge selection at our Etobicoke showroom. Call (416) 255-9631 or get in touch online.