Restoration and repair

Bring life back into a room by bringing out the hardwood's original beauty.

Restoring or Repairing Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors can transform the look of a room to sheer elegance, with an open, clean and spacious feel. And if properly cared for, they last for decades.  However, over the course of years due to the dirt, sand particles and debris that is brought into the home they may begin to look dull and worn.

One way to bring them back to their original beauty and luster is by refinishing the hardwood, which is a fairly simple process when you understand how it works. Also, there may arise some natural issues that need to be repaired. The following helps answer many of the questions to help you decide if you should repair, refinish or replace your hardwood flooring.

How much does it cost to restore and refinish my hardwood floors?

The average cost to refinish hardwood flooring ranges from $1-$3 per square foot, depending on the condition of the wood flooring.  If the hardwood is still in fairly good condition, the cost will be lower. In a broader perspective, the typical cost for a room of 15×15 square feet ranges from $340 to $900 if you were to do most of the work yourself.

However, it is not recommended to sand and refinish your floors on your own unless you have experience.  Therefore hiring a professional who has the knowledge and skill may be a wise choice. While the cost may be higher, it may be well worth it since a professional will make sure it is done correctly the first time, saving you time and cost in the long run. The results are beautifully finished floors for a refreshed and restored look to the room.

Repairing Hardwood Flooring

How can I repair nicks and scratches in my hardwood floor?

Conceal nicks and scratches using color putty sticks. First clean the small area thoroughly then rub the putty stick over the nick or scratch. After letting the putty air dry for a few minutes, wipe the area with a clean, dry cloth. In most cases, applying color to a nick or scratch is all you need to do to repair the damaged area. For a deep gouge in the wood, the repair will involve using wood filler and stain which matches the existing floor color. You can also use color putty sticks to fill in nail holes on a repaired floor after the top coat is applied.

How can I repair split or cracked wood in my hardwood floor?

It may be common over the course of the years for hardwood to show small splits or cracks in the surface of the wood. These spot areas can be repaired by using angled nails to fasten the two pieces of the plank together then applying wood putty inside the crack or split to cover and smooth the area.  However, if the floor has large cracks you will want to consider refinishing the floor in that area. And if the split is exceptionally large, it might be the best to consider replacing the plank altogether.

How can I repair gaps in the planks?

At times it is common for gaps to develop between the planks of wood in the hardwood floor, which is most often due to Mother Nature. Wood tends to expand when wet and humid then contract and shrink as it dries out. This cycle of expanding and contracting with the seasons over long periods of time is the most common cause of gaps.

A good guideline to follow is if the gap is less than the thickness of a dime, then the expansion is normal and there is no action that needs to be taken.  It will likely be that as the weather and humidity changes, the gaps will tend to close.  However, if the floor gaps are more prominent, you might consider calling a professional in order to tighten up your hardwood floors.

How can I repair buckling in my hardwood floors?

Another common hardwood floor issue over the years is that some boards or planks may warp and lift up from the subfloor from which they have been attached.  In this case–called buckling– a hardwood flooring professional will most likely be able to help you identify the source of the buckling problem so that the cause is prevented in the future.  Then the professional can recommend the steps necessary to reattach the planks firmly to the subfloor and ensure that buckling will no longer be a concern.

For help to repair or restore your hardwood floors, call 801.830.9663.  Our flooring specialists will help you answer your questions to repair and restore hardwood floors back to their original beauty and elegance.