With regular use, minor damages, such as scratches and fading, are common in hardwood flooring. While refinishing can help to renew damaged floors eventually, they'll need to be replaced. But how do you know when it's time for an upgrade? Use the guide below for a list of telltale signs. 

When to Replace Your Wood Flooring

1. Heavy Wear & Tear

Like most homeowners, you probably walk through your house with your shoes on, drag furniture around, or have pets that like to run on your floors. While typical, your floor bears the brunt of these activities, and over time, they can result in physical damages that ruin the appearance of your wood.

While minor blemishes can be repaired with fillers or sanding, deep gouges, scratches, and holes covering the majority of your flooring typically require replacement.

2. Water Damage

Whether the result of a toilet backup or a leaking pipe, water damaged floors almost always need to be replaced. When hardwood absorbs water, it can lead to a variety of problems, such as warping, swelling, and separation. If moisture becomes trapped beneath the floorboards, it can also cause damage to your subfloor, making it especially dangerous. If your floors have experienced substantial water damage, it's likely time to have them replaced.

3. Multiple Refinishes

Refinishing is a cost-effective way to breathe new life into old floors. It removes minor damages and makes your floors look new again. But wood flooring can only be refinished so many times before the wood itself becomes compromised.

Over time, the sanding process will lead to thinning, reducing the integrity of your floorboards, causing them to crack. If you've already refinished your floors two or three times, it's probably time to consider a complete replacement.

If your wood floors are old or damaged, contact Thieman's Carpet Company in Wentzville, MO. For over 40 years, their team has supplied a variety of attractive flooring options, including hardwood, vinyl, and carpeting, in addition to floor replacements. Contact them today at (636) 327-8813 to request a quote, or visit them online to learn more about their products and services.