Your hardwood floors have recently started looking a little worse for the wear. The scuff marks are multiplying, the sheen is off, and it just plain looks old. Ripping it out is and replacing can be an expensive proposition and for many hardwood floors it’s completely unnecessary. One of the big benefits of installing traditional wood flooring is the ability to refinish – using a sanding process to remove any scratches or irregularities and leaving you with a floor that looks brand new.
Upsides
The biggest upside of refinishing is cost. No need to pay for expensive removal and installation of new flooring – just get it sanded down by a professional and have a new coat of finish (usually polyurethane) applied. You can of course attempt to do this yourself but be careful – the process requires attention to detail and some degree of skill. Additionally it can be time-sensitive, messy, and create a potential for permanent damage to your floor if equipment is incorrectly used.
Aesthetics-wise your floor will look pretty much exactly the way it did when it was first installed, minus a small layer on top. Most hardwood floors can be refinished multiple times and since wood never goes out of style refinishing means it’ll keep looking great and saving money for a long time. In terms of maintenance it will keep down scuffs and gouges, and will reduce the likelihood of splintering or other problems caused by damaged wood.
Downsides
The only downside of refinishing is that it can only be used a certain number of times on hardwood flooring but the number is large – 6-10 refinishes for a standard three quarter inch floor. With an average refinishing interval of 12 years that’s still decades of gorgeous flooring. It’s important to remember as well that traditional hardwood flooring is usually the best candidate for refinishing. While some engineered hardwood can be refinished it depends on the thickness of the top layer – and some engineered hardwood, like laminate, may not be able to be refinished at all.
Refinishing hardwood floors is a terrific and cost-effective option for keeping your floors looking their best without breaking the bank. If you’d like to get a professional refinisher to work on your floors or are considering installing new hardwood to take advantage of refinishing in the future contact Tony’s Flooring Centre today.
Explore our services: Hardwood Flooring Installation | Hardwood Floor Refinishing
Frequently Asked Questions
What should Toronto homeowners know about refinishing?
When considering refinishing, 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.
Visit Our Etobicoke Flooring Showroom
See and feel the difference quality flooring makes. Tony’s Flooring Centre features a 4,100 sq ft showroom at 268 Royal York Rd, Etobicoke. Call (416) 255-9631 or request a free quote online. Open Tuesday through Saturday.