The Wood Floor Mistake That Could Cost You Serious Money Down The Line

There's nothing quite as thrilling for a new homeowner as pulling up old, dingy carpet and finding original hardwood floors underneath. At least, for most of us. However, some folks see those worn planks and immediately think about replacing them. But, if you're a homeowner who suspects there may be a tell-tale sign that beautiful hardwood floors are hiding under your outdated carpet, sometimes all it takes is lifting a vent cover to find out. Just remember — the one thing you shouldn't do, even if those floors are scratched, dented, and a little worse for wear, is replace them.

One of the biggest reasons you should consider refinishing your hardwood floors instead of replacing them is that, if you ever consider selling your home, it adds significant value — up to 5%. Buyers often love homes with charming original details, and a beautiful wood floor is like a showpiece for a home. By preserving your wood floors, you preserve a much-adored feature that appeals to a wide variety of potential buyers. Replacing them with cheaper alternatives like laminate or vinyl might actually damage the value of your home, in this case. Instead of replacing them, you should consider refinishing to restore their beauty and protect your investment for a faster, more profitable sale. And if you're not considering selling, you've just prolonged the lifespan of your beautiful flooring.

If you want to safeguard your investment, there are many ways to restore and protect your hardwood flooring. Wood-safe cleaning products can remove some stains and grime. There are ways to remove paint from hardwood without chemicals, as well. But, if you need to completely refinish your floors, you will first want to sand, stain, and then apply a coat of protective finish. You can stain your own hardwood floor without a professional, unless you're not sure you want to take a chance on ruining your flooring. In that case , you will want to call a professional to refinish your floors as it is much cheaper than replacing them and that's what you're trying to avoid doing in the first place.

If your floors are beyond saving — they have warping, deep cracks, or are severely water damaged — that's when it's time to consider replacing them. This is a worst-case scenario, but if this is the reality, your best option is to replace them with the modern-day equivalent wood flooring. No matter how old it is, wood flooring is still the best way to increase the value of your home. And if you can afford it, it's definitely an investment that will pay off immensely.

To shield your wood floors from future issues, it's always a good idea to make sure their protective coating is in good shape. Try to avoid wearing sharp-heeled shoes, lay down area rugs in high-traffic areas, avoid liquids sitting on the plank's surface, and clean your floors with the appropriate wood cleaner on a regular basis.