Restoring hardwood floors to their old glory can be a resource-intensive endeavor, in terms of time, labor, and finances. So, it’s no wonder that, in today’s economic climate, so many homeowners find themselves looking for ways to cut costs.

One option they often resort to is instructing their floor repair contractors in Winston-Salem to perform the necessary fixes – but forfeit the refinishing. Granted, this is faster, cheaper, and less labor-intensive – but is it worth it? In most cases, the answer is “no”. Let’s explore why.

Can you fix hardwood floors without refinishing?

Wood flooring can be repaired without refinishing – but there’s a caveat: this type of intervention is reserved for specific types of repairs and flooring only, so let’s tackle them in that order.

Types of repairs that might not warrant refinishing

One thing you’ll immediately notice about these repairs is that they’re all minor fixes or touch-ups, which is the only reason why refinishing is optional (but is still highly recommended). These are:

• Small scratches and dents;
• Loose or uneven boarding;
• Single-board replacement;
• Gap filling (minor-to-medium);
• Nail or screw hole filling.

The above fixes all entail addressing localized damage, typically restricted to small or inconspicuous areas. However, if the damage is severe and affects a larger area, no-refinishing repairs are simply not viable or feasible. Now, let’s turn our attention to types of hardwood flooring that can or can’t be potential targets for this type of work.

Types of flooring that CAN NOT be repaired without refinishing

For the reasons mentioned above (i.e., engineering methods and materials), as well as previous refinishing techniques, some types of flooring warrant refinishing after repairs to maintain their integrity, looks, and water-proof attributes. These categories are much broader, as they include many variants of:

• Solid hardwood with a thin, outdated, or severely damaged finish
• Delicate or exotic hardwoods (e.g., Brazillian Cherry, African Mahogany)
• Hardwood with wax or shellac finish (primarily because of the inherent difficulty of repairing or blending these types of finishes)

Types of flooring that CAN be repaired without refinishing

Due to the way they’re engineered and the materials used for their manufacturing, some forms of flooring can be feasible for no-refinish repairs. These include:

• Solid hardwood flooring
• Wide-board hardwood flooring
• Engineered hardwood
• Bamboo flooring
• Hardwood with a robust, modern finish.

In addition, some types of flooring do not allow for any sort of refinish. This is the case with laminate and vinyl composition tiles (VCT), including luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring, which is why they can fit into this category (albeit conditionally).

All in all, while some hardwood floors can be repaired without refinishing, there’s still the question of the feasibility and viability of such actions. However, this can only be determined by having experts conduct a thorough assessment of the floor’s condition, so be sure to consult them before committing to repairs.

Who are the top floor repair contractors near me in Winston-Salem & beyond?

If you’re looking for a team with extensive knowledge of all things hardwood flooring – and who stands behind their work – you’re in the right place! A 20+ years veteran of the industry, Premier Hardwood Flooring brings you a host of innovative solutions, ready to transform your space in the best way possible.

From minor, no-replacement-necessary repairs to comprehensive, full-home flooring installation to high-quality refinishes for maximum benefits, you can count on our experts to deliver results in line with the highest standards – whether you’re near Reynolda House Museum of American Art or in any other part of Winston-Salem.

Contact us today to discuss the eligibility of your hardwood floors for refinishing or repairs, and let’s start transforming your space into the best version of itself!