Over time, even the most durable hardwood floors show signs of wear—scratches, dullness, and discoloration can make once-beautiful flooring look tired and aged. When this happens, homeowners face a common dilemma: Should I refinish or replace my hardwood floors?
At Shanks Custom Hardwood Inc., we’ve helped countless customers navigate this decision. Here’s what you need to know to make the best choice for your home, lifestyle, and budget.
When to Choose Refinishing
Refinishing involves sanding down existing hardwood floors and applying a new stain and protective finish. It’s an excellent option if your floors are structurally sound but simply need a cosmetic refresh.
Ideal for:
- Surface scratches or minor dents
- Faded finish or discoloration from sunlight
- The outdated stain color you want to update
- Floors with enough thickness for sanding
Benefits of Refinishing:
- Cost-effective compared to full replacement
- Retains the original character of your hardwood
- Less invasive than replacing
- Offers a chance to change the stain color or sheen
If your floors are solid hardwood and have been sanded only a few times (or not at all), refinishing is likely your best bet.
When to Choose Replacing
There are times when refinishing isn’t enough. If your floors are too damaged, thin, or outdated in style or material, replacing may be the smarter long-term investment.
Ideal for:
- Extensive water damage or warping
- Deep structural cracks or gaps
- Engineered floors with a thin wear layer
- Desire for a completely new look or wood species
Benefits of Replacing:
- Complete design freedom—choose a new wood type, plank width, or pattern
- Improved durability with modern materials
- Eliminates hidden issues like subfloor problems
- Adds long-term value to your home
Replacing is also ideal if you’re undergoing a larger renovation and want to change your flooring layout or unify flooring throughout multiple rooms.
Trust the Experts at Shanks Custom Hardwood Inc.
Whether your floors need a light refresh or a total replacement, our team at Shanks Custom Hardwood Inc. will guide you with honesty, expertise, and attention to detail. We’ll inspect your floors, listen to your goals, and recommend the right solution for your space.
Refinishing or replacing—either way, you’ll be left with beautiful hardwood floors built to last.
Ready to breathe new life into your home?
Contact us today for a free in-home consultation, and let’s determine the best path forward for your hardwood floors.