Cost
Price will clearly be one of the main things to consider. It’s almost always going to be less expensive to refinish the floor instead of replacing it, as this means taking into account the cost of the new wood, installation, and treatment. You might be able to offset that cost by doing some of the work yourself, but hardwood floors typically require the attention of a professional. You will have to buy or hire the equipment and materials for refinishing, but the cost will be lower and you can usually do the job yourself.

Appearance
What do you aim to accomplish by refinishing or replacing your floor? If you simply want to restore the original appearance, replacing the boards might be overkill. However, if you need to change the style or direction, you’ll probably need a full replacement. You’ll also need to replace wood which has become warped or badly damaged, as refinishing cannot remedy this.

Time
You might think that refinishing won’t take as long as replacing, but this isn’t actually the case. Refinishing can take from four to five days – often longer if you complete the job yourself – during which time the floor must remain untouched. Replacing generally doesn’t take as long. You’ll also require more equipment for refinishing, whereas replacement requires only the basics. If you’re thinking of refinishing simply because you believe it involves less effort, think again.

Age
Some factors are simply out of your control, and the most important one is the age of the wood. Older floors may resist refinishing, usually because they have already been through the process several times or because the surface wood is now too exposed. Very old floors should really be replaced instead of refinished. You might also find that older floors lack the proper thickness, and structural integrity may have been compromised during their long life.

There’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to replacing vs refinishing, but taking this information on-board can ensure that you make the right decision.

If you are looking for a new floor covering for your home or other property, then you might be interested in wooden flooring. There are hundreds of different materials, types and styles which can be used when installing new flooring, each of which have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. See below for some of the advantages of having wooden flooring in your house.

1. High quality wooden floors can last for a long time. When they are treated and looked after correctly, they can last for decades. They don’t tend to suffer from stains, holes and other damage as badly as carpets and other soft floor coverings can.
2. Wood floors are typically easier to clean. A mop can clean up any mucky spills which might otherwise stain a carpet or other flooring.
3. It is a more hygienic option for many – carpets can harbor a variety of bugs and mites which can badly effect people suffering from asthma or other allergies. This is also a plus for pet owners who want to prevent the spread of bugs or fleas.
4. Wooden flooring won’t retain odour as well as carpets or rugs. After cleaning up a spill or mess, your wooden floor is good as new, whereas carpets keep hold of those nasty smells and stains.
5. With wooden flooring, it’s easy to install underfloor heating, a very efficient way in which you can heat your house.
6. If your wooden flooring has been damaged, it can be rectified with a simple sand and seal. It isn’t so simple when trying to repair a carpet.

Wooden flooring can offer warmth and a feel which is hard to find with other flooring materials. With such a range of woods and styles to choose from, the possibilities are endless. Why not contact a local flooring expert today to discuss your wooden flooring requirements.