How long do hard wood floors last?

Author: Geraldine Block  |  Last update: Monday, June 13, 2022

On average, a hardwood flooring finish lasts approximately ten years. But with proper care and maintenance, it can last much longer.

How long do original hardwood floors last?

Under normal circumstances of daily wear-and-tear and no extreme events, most wood flooring lasts an average of 100 years. Engineered hardwood flooring can last as long as 50 years. Significant damage to untreated wood flooring, using softer woods, and a lack of maintenance can shorten the lifespan of wood floors.

How often do hardwood floors need to be refinished?

A solid hardwood plank at least 3/4 inches thick will likely need to be refinished four to six times during its total lifespan. It's commonly accepted that you refinish every seven to ten years. Important note: some hardwood is only 1/4 inches thick. In this case, a refinish could strip away all traces of the floor.

Is it cheaper to refinish or replace hardwood floors?

Refinishing hardwood floors is more cost-effective than replacing them. On average, it costs about $2,000 to $7,000 to replace hardwood flooring (two to three times more than to refinish).

Do hardwood floors last forever?

This is a common question that many hardwood floor owners have. The answer is both simple and complex. The simple answer is that the wood in the floor itself can last a lifetime. The complex answer is that while the wood may last forever, the beautiful finish/gloss/shine that it has will dissipate over time.

Making and Installing Hardwood Flooring From a Tree

Are hardwood floors worth it?

As CNN reported, hardwood floors can also increase home value by 3-5%. This makes them a very attractive prospect for anyone looking to sell their house in the near future. However, even if you don't plan on moving any time soon, hardwood floors may still be a good investment.

Should I keep original hardwood floors?

Unless your floors are very old and thin or have structural or water damage, chances are they can be saved. If you want a new or exotic type of wood or are unhappy with the current pattern or thickness of your floorboards, you may want to consider replacing them.

How much does it cost to install 1000 square feet of hardwood floors?

Installing hardwood flooring averages between $6 and $12 per square foot. On average, wood flooring costs between $3 and $7 per square foot for materials and $3 to $5 per square foot for labor. An estimate for installation of 1000 square feet of hardwood flooring runs between $6,000 and $12,000.

When should I replace my hardwood floors?

Keep an eye out for these eight signs it's time to replace your hardwood floors.
  1. You've already refinished them—a lot. ...
  2. Large scratches and marks. ...
  3. Water damage. ...
  4. Nails are peeking through. ...
  5. Wood discoloration. ...
  6. Excessive wear and tear. ...
  7. Creaking or moving floorboards. ...
  8. It's just time for something new.

Can you stay in house while floors are refinished?

If your hardwood floors have been sanded and finished with Bona Mega Clear HD, it is safe to sleep in the home about 2-3 hours after the project is finished, but again, only if there are other rooms that have not been robbed of their furniture – furniture should stay off floors for at least 24 hours after ANY project ...

How do I know if my hardwood floors need refinishing?

Big scratches and dents, gray floorboards and splinters are all signs that your hardwood floors need refinishing.
...
  1. Major scratches and dents. ...
  2. Cupping. ...
  3. Splinters. ...
  4. Gray floorboards. ...
  5. Water stains. ...
  6. Fading and discoloration.

How do I make my hardwood floors look new without refinishing?

To make hardwood floors look like new without refinishing:
  1. Try buffing and polishing with a commercial-grade buffer.
  2. Use a hardwood floor polishing sealant.
  3. Clean markers with toothpaste and a clean cloth.
  4. Apply a wood floor cleaner or oil soap for a high-gloss clean.

How many times can you sand and refinish hardwood floors?

Hardwood flooring can be re-sanded up to 10 times, depending on how bad the floor is and how skilled the person doing the sanding is. It costs about $2.50 per square foot to refinish a floor, plus $50 an hour for patching and thresholds.

Can you replace one plank of hardwood floors?

Your beloved hardwood floors' aesthetic can be easily upended by a rogue board with water damage, cracks, or grooves. But try not to fret—you can replace individual wood planks on your own without having to replace the entire floor.

How long do oak floors last?

On average, a hardwood flooring finish lasts approximately ten years. But with proper care and maintenance, it can last much longer.

What can you do with old hardwood floors?

7 Leftover Hardwood Flooring Projects
  1. Bench Tops. Hardwood flooring scraps make a perfect hardwood benchtop. ...
  2. Table Tops. Another great way to repurpose hardwood flooring is to use it as a table top. ...
  3. DIY Wall Shelf. ...
  4. Laundry Room Counter Top. ...
  5. Christmas Ornaments. ...
  6. Wall Sign. ...
  7. Turn Old Frames into Costal Wall Art. ...
  8. BONUS!

How do you restore old hardwood floors?

If the scratches don't go all the way through to the wood, you can scuff-sand your floors with a buffer and apply a fresh coat or two of finish. The hardwood floor refinishing process is easier and less expensive than sanding down to bare wood and takes less time. In a few hours, your floors will look as good as new.

Does hardwood flooring increase home value?

Hardwood floors are one of the best flooring options for homeowners looking to increase the resale value of their home, with hardwood typically yielding around a 75% return on investment.

How often should you replace your flooring?

Carpet generally lasts about 10 years, while flooring types like tile, wood and laminate can last as long as 25-30 years. It all depends on how much damage they face over the years.

Why are original hardwood floors good?

Historic hardwood floors are prime candidates for hardwood floor refinishing and restoration. The wood is typically very durable, and with some simple sanding, staining, and sealing, you'll have fresh, beautiful floors that will continue to stand the test of time.

What flooring adds most value to home?

When it comes down to finding the best flooring to increase home value, it all boils down to your market. Hardwood will likely give you the highest return, but laminate and luxury vinyl plank flooring also offer plenty of perks to buyers.

What are the disadvantages of hardwood?

Disadvantages of Hardwood:
  • Hardwoods are more expensive than softwoods but for quality, you can use this.
  • Due to its density more difficult to work with hardwood.
  • It can be noisy when walking across it if used for flooring.
  • These woods have a slow growth rate.

What is better than hardwood floors?

Because laminate flooring is so durable, it's less susceptible to wear and tear from pets and foot traffic. While it withstands moisture better than hardwood, it should not be in a regularly wet area of the home.

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