Why Hardwood Floors Cup and How to Prevent It
A hardwood floor can look perfectly sound one week, then feel ridged underfoot the next. Homeowners often wonder why hardwood floors cup when the boards have not obviously been flooded. The answer is almost always moisture, but finding where that moisture came from—and whether it is still present—determines whether the floor can recover or needs repair.
Solid Versus Engineered Hardwood: Which Lasts?
A hardwood floor can look beautiful when it is first installed, but choosing between solid and engineered hardwood involves much more than appearance. The construction of the flooring, the type of subfloor, moisture conditions and the ability to refinish the floor in the future can all affect how long that floor will ultimately last.
7 Signs Hardwood Floors Need Sanding Soon
Hardwood floors rarely go from good condition to needing complete refinishing overnight. The warning signs usually develop gradually. A hallway may become dull from years of foot traffic, scratches may begin exposing bare wood, or the finish may start disappearing in the areas used most often.
Hardwood Floor Restoration Guide for Bay Area Homes
A worn hardwood floor can make an otherwise well-maintained home look tired. Deep scratches, worn traffic areas, water stains and an old finish can dramatically change the appearance of the floor, but they do not necessarily mean the hardwood needs to be replaced.
Read more: Hardwood Floor Restoration Guide for Bay Area Homes
Floor Sanding: When Your Hardwood Can Be Saved
A hardwood floor can look far worse than it actually is. Years of foot traffic can wear away the finish, pets can leave scratches across the surface, sunlight can change the color and water can leave dark stains. Even when the floor looks badly worn, replacement may not be necessary.
Can Hardwood Floors Be Sanded? What to Check
A hardwood floor can look beyond saving when the finish is scratched, the color has changed or years of foot traffic have worn through the protective coating. That does not necessarily mean the flooring needs to be replaced.
How to Prevent Floor Buckling in Bay Area Homes
Hardwood floors rarely buckle without a reason. Boards may begin lifting near a wall or doorway, develop pressure across a room or, in more severe cases, separate from the subfloor completely.
Do Engineered Floors Need Sanding? Know First
A scratched or worn engineered hardwood floor does not automatically need to be replaced. Depending on its construction and condition, the floor may be a candidate for a maintenance coat or, in some cases, complete sanding and refinishing.
